Wyss Academy
Unlock the Secrets of East Africa's Water: Join Groundbreaking Research at the Wyss Academy!
Nairobi, Kenya – The University of Nairobi, in partnership with the Wyss Academy for Nature (University of Bern, Switzerland), is launching a transformative research initiative tackling one of East Africa’s most pressing challenges: Water Scarcity. Funded through the Interdisciplinary Water Scarcity Project, we are seeking passionate researchers for three fully funded positions (2 PhDs, 1 MSc) to pioneer solutions for sustainable water and ecosystem management in Kenya’s vulnerable drylands. Based at the dynamic Wyss Academy Hub East Africa in Nanyuki, you’ll join an international, interdisciplinary team driving science with real-world impact.
🌍The Big Picture: Why This Research Matters
Arid and semi-arid regions in Kenya face intensifying pressures from climate change, population growth, and unsustainable resource use. These threats jeopardize water security, biodiversity, and livelihoods for millions. Our project focuses on:
- Restoring degraded landscapes using Nature-based Solutions.
- Mapping critical groundwater resources for resilient communities.
- Modelling complex water systems to predict future scenarios under change.
- Bridging science, policy, and community action for sustainable solutions.
🔍 Explore the Three Exciting Research Opportunities
1. PhD: Land Restoration Impact on Vegetation & Water (Remote Sensing Focus)
- The Challenge: Can innovative techniques like semi-circular bunds reverse degradation and restore water cycles in Kenya's arid lands (e.g., Laikipia, Kajiado)?
- Your Mission: Quantify changes in vegetation, water availability, and biodiversity before and after restoration using cutting-edge remote sensing (Pléiades Neo, Planet, Landsat, ECOSTRESS) combined with field data. Compare restored sites to untouched "analog" sites.
- Ideal Candidate: MSc in Meteorology/Climate/Geography/Environmental Science. Strong skills in Python/R, remote sensing, and understanding climate-vegetation-water links. East Africa climate knowledge is a plus.
- Bonus: Training collaboration at Max Planck Institute (Jena, Germany) with Dr. Gregory Duveiller.
- Supervisor: Prof. Daniel Olago (UoN).
- 📄 Download Full Call: PhD_topic_remote_sensing_Final.pdf
2. PhD: Modelling Water Futures in the Ewaso Ng’iro North Basin
- The Challenge: How will climate change and land use impact water flow and groundwater recharge in this vital basin feeding millions from Mt. Kenya to arid lowlands?
- Your Mission: Pioneer a multi-model approach (SWAT & CUWALID) to simulate the entire hydrological cycle. Compare model performance, map aquifers, quantify recharge under forests, and develop decision-support tools for water planners and communities.
- Ideal Candidate: MSc in Hydrology/Hydrogeology/Geosciences/Environmental Science. Experience in hydrological modelling (SWAT/CUWALID a plus), Python/R, data analysis, and understanding dryland processes.
- Supervisor: Prof. Alfred Opere (UoN).
- 📄 Download Full Call: ENNB_Groundwater_Study_PhD_Final.pdf
3. MSc: Geological Controls on Groundwater in the Ewaso Ng’iro Basin
- The Challenge: Groundwater is lifeline for communities in the drought-prone Ewaso Ng’iro Basin, but its sustainability depends on poorly mapped geology.
- Your Mission: Conduct a systematic geological & hydrogeological assessment of the basin. Map rock types, aquifers, faults, and fractures to understand groundwater storage, flow, and recharge potential. Your work will directly inform sustainable management strategies.
- Ideal Candidate: BSc (Upper 2nd Class Hons) in Geology/Environmental Science/Hydrogeology/Geography (Physical Focus). Exceptional candidates with Lower 2nd Class + relevant experience considered.
- Supervisor: Prof. Daniel Olago (UoN).
- 📄 Download Full Call: WS_ID_Masters_Geology_Final.pdf
✨ Why Join the Wyss Academy Team?
- Fully Funded Positions: Secure financial support for your PhD/MSc research.
- Interdisciplinary Hub: Work alongside experts in climate science, biodiversity, geology, and remote sensing in Nanyuki.
- Real-World Impact: Contribute directly to policy, conservation actions (like Payments for Ecosystem Services), and community water security.
- Global Network: Connect with researchers from the University of Bern and international partners.
- State-of-the-Art Focus: Utilize advanced remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and cutting-edge hydrological models.
📝 How to Apply (Deadline: 24th August 2025)
Submit ONE PDF file containing:
- A one-page Motivation Letter explaining your interest in the specific position.
- Your CV (max 4 pages) detailing academic background, experience, and publications (if any).
- Contact details for two referees.
Email your application to: icca@uonbi.ac.ke
CC: marie-estelle.demory@wyssacademy.org
Subject Line:
- PhD Remote Sensing: “Wyss Academy PhD research project: Search for Candidate – Remote Sensing”
- PhD Groundwater Modelling: “Wyss Academy PhD research project: Search for Candidate – Groundwater Study”
- MSc Geology: “Wyss Academy MSc. research project: Search for Candidate – Geology”
Women are strongly encouraged to apply!
Questions? Contact icca@uonbi.ac.ke
Be part of the solution. Equip yourself with cutting-edge skills, contribute to vital research for East Africa's future, and help build water resilience in a changing climate. Apply before Midnight (EAT), 24th August 2025!
Wyss Academy for Nature | University of Bern | University of Nairobi