Careers

SPIRE-FS is a multi-partner, mixed-methods research project developing, co-designing, and evaluating solar-powered post-harvest loss (PHL) interventions (e.g., cold storages, solar dryers, evaporative coolers) in rural communities of Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts, Odisha, India. 

The project itself spans the disciplines of agriculture production, rural sustainable development, economics, health and nutrition – with a multidisciplinary team split between India and the UK. Partners: St John’s Research Institute (SJRI), University of Sheffield (UK), PRADAN, and Selco Foundation.

Salary : Rs.80,000/- p.m

No of Vacancy :One

The researcher will play a leading role in the development, collection and analysis of the multiple qualitative and quantitative data streams planned throughout the lifespan of the project. 

Design guides for focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews with different stake holders Develop questionnaires for quantitative surveys

 ● Support the piloting and refinement of qualitative data collection tools, including FGD guides and interview scripts 

● Oversee the translation, transcription of interviews

● Train data collectors

● Co-ordinate with field teams and make plan for data collection 

● Lead iterative thematic analysis using NVivo or equivalent software to develop the conceptual framework and implementation strategy

 Other responsibilities 

● Support dissemination activities 

● Contribute to project reporting and manuscript preparation.

Preferred Qualifications: Minimum: Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines:

 ● Public Health

 ● Sociology or Social Work

● Anthropology 

● Rural Development or Development Studies 

● Agriculture or Agricultural Economics

Desirable: PhD or equivalent research experience in qualitative health, nutrition, or development research

Experiences : Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience in qualitative research in community or field settings in India, covering data collection and data analysis. Essential experience:

 ● Conducting focus group discussions and/or semi-structured interviews in community settings 

● Qualitative data analysis, including thematic or framework analysis; familiarity with NVivo or equivalent software

 Desirable experience:

 ● Working with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), or rural women’s groups in Odisha or a comparable setting 

● Participatory visual methods, particularly photovoice 

● Qualitative data management, anonymisation, and FAIR data principles 

● Research in food systems, nutrition, or agricultural development

Preferred Language: 

Essential: ● English (written and spoken - required for reports, academic outputs, and team communication) ● Hindi (spoken - for field coordination and travel) 

Desirable: ● Odia (spoken - ability to facilitate focus group discussions and interviews in Odia is an advantage for direct community engagement in Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj)

Tentative Date of Joining : 1st July 2026

To Apply: E-mail cover letter and curriculum vitae with 3 references (names and email addresses / phone numbers) by on or before 20th June 2026 to shameem.b@sjri.res.in & cc to hr@sjri.res.in