Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Fellow - Water

at Stockholm Environment Institute

🏢 About Stockholm Environment Institute

The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is a unique international research organization that bridges science and policy to address urgent environmental challenges. As a non-profit institute with a global presence, SEI offers the opportunity to contribute to evidence-based solutions that influence sustainable development worldwide, making it ideal for researchers passionate about creating real-world impact.

About This Role

This Research Fellow - Water role involves modeling complex water systems and collaborating with policymakers and stakeholders to explore sustainable water management options. It's impactful because it directly supports SEI's mission to inform decision-making on critical water resource issues, potentially influencing policies that affect communities and ecosystems globally.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing water system models, preparing findings for policy briefs or stakeholder presentations, and participating in virtual meetings with international colleagues or partners. You could spend time researching sustainable water management options for specific regions and collaborating with SEI's global centers to integrate local knowledge into modeling approaches.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Stockholm Environment Institute Is Looking For

  • Has hands-on research experience specifically in water systems, hydrology, or water resource management, not just general environmental science
  • Demonstrates proven ability to translate complex modeling results into actionable insights for policymakers and diverse stakeholders
  • Possesses technical skills in systems modeling (e.g., using tools like WEAP, SWAT, or similar) for analyzing water-related complexities
  • Shows experience or strong interest in interdisciplinary work that connects scientific research with policy development

📝 Tips for Applying to Stockholm Environment Institute

1

Highlight specific water systems modeling projects in your resume, mentioning the tools/methods used and how the results were communicated to stakeholders

2

Tailor your application to SEI's mission by showing how your research aligns with their focus on sustainable development and policy-relevant science

3

If you have remote work experience, emphasize your ability to collaborate effectively in distributed teams, as this is a remote position

4

Reference SEI's current water-related projects or initiatives (like their work on water governance or climate resilience) to show you've done your homework

5

Include examples where you've worked with policymakers or stakeholders in water management contexts, even if in academic or non-profit settings

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with water systems modeling and how it applies to complex, real-world water management challenges', 'Examples of successfully communicating research findings to policymakers or stakeholders in water-related contexts', "How your research philosophy aligns with SEI's mission of bridging science and policy for sustainable development", "Why you're particularly interested in contributing to SEI's water work specifically, not just environmental research generally"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → SEI's Water, Coasts and Ocean team's current projects and publications (available on their website)
  • → SEI's approach to policy engagement and how they work with stakeholders in different regions
  • → The institute's organizational structure and how research teams collaborate across centers
  • → SEI's recent contributions to major water-related initiatives like the UN Water Conference or IPCC reports

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a complex water system you've modeled and how you presented the findings to non-technical stakeholders
2 How would you approach building relationships with policymakers who may have different priorities than researchers?
3 What sustainable water management options do you think are most promising for addressing current global water challenges?
4 How do you ensure your modeling work remains policy-relevant while maintaining scientific rigor?
5 Can you discuss SEI's current water-related initiatives and how your skills could contribute to them?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic applications that don't specifically address water systems research or SEI's policy-focused mission
  • Overemphasizing academic publications without showing how research translates to policy impact or stakeholder engagement
  • Failing to demonstrate remote work competencies or experience collaborating in distributed research teams

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Stockholm Environment Institute!

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