Job Title:
Dairy Scientist
Company: Samvedna Development Society
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Created: 2026-01-21
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Position: Dairy ScientistLocation: Preferably in Delhi. Open to all locations in IndiaQualification: Ph.D. in animal sciences or related and 2 years of related experience,Experience: Minimum 2 years relevant work experience in the livestock sector.Travel: The role will involve travel up to 30-50%,Type of Employment: Full-time employmentSamvedna Development Society (SDS) seeks a Scientist to support initiatives across livestock and the dairy sector in India focused on climate smart dairy and livestock management solutions for rural communities. This role will focus on enhancing collaboration, co-designing, implementing and scaling of climate smart dairy initiatives, largely related to strong scientific research but also involving social and technical aspects, and scientific partner engagement. The ideal candidate will thrive in a cross-functional environment, balancing scientific insights with pragmatic solutions to achieve wins for people and the planet.The Scientist will be the technical support for Climate Smart Dairy development initiatives in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The incumbent will identify and nurture relationships with key Indian technical and research institutions working in the field of livestock development, dairy and milk productivity enhancement, animal health, and climate change. The incumbent will support the team members engaged in climate-smart dairy development projects with actionable and scientifically sound solutions.Employment: Term hire 2 years with potential for extensionROLES & RESPONSIBILITIESCross-functional collaborationCo-ordinate multi-disciplinary research projects across livestock and dairy in India, enhancing technical and research capacity.Act as a liaison between SDS and partners, ensuring alignment on strategic priorities.Facilitate knowledge exchange between India-based and international teams.Technical Capacity BuildingSupport the development and implementation of livestock and dairy related initiatives, leveraging scientific expertise.Contribute to landscape assessments of livestock and dairy sector challenges in target geographies to support problem and scientific solution identificationProvide insights and analysis to inform decision-making on collaborative agriculture, water and food projects.Partner EngagementBuild and maintain relationships with scientific research institutions, and other relevant stakeholders like milk coops, dairy companies, implementation partner and governmental agencies to support on development of strategic vision for agriculture, water, and food programmingRepresent SDS and client EDF supported research project at in-person and virtual meetings and events across India.Project ManagementTrack project timelines and outcomes and ensure timely completion of deliverables.Document progress and prepare reports to update key stakeholders regularly.Time Zone CoordinationParticipate in cross-time-zone meetings, including USA-friendly hours.Balance real-time and asynchronous communication effectively.CommunicationsContribute to peer reviewed journal publications, white papers, blog posts, and other written materials for internal and external audiencesSupport in developing reports and communication material to showcase the status/progress/impact of research projects supported by EDF.Applied Research & Scientific LeadershipLead and support applied dairy and livestock research, with a focus on climate-smart and sustainable dairy systemsDesign and implement experimental research frameworks, pilot studies, and scientific validation of dairy interventionsConduct research related to animal nutrition, livestock productivity, milk yield optimisation, and animal healthAnalyse research and field data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods to generate evidence-based insightsEquity and inclusionEDF and SDS are equal opportunity employers, and the position is open for all qualified applicants.COMPETENCIES & SOFT SKILLSCommunication:The incumbent should be adept at navigating relationships in a cross-cultural context, and a strong capacity for working within a coalition of partners.Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiencesFluency in English is required and knowledge of the local Indian language will be beneficial for this position.Interpersonal skills:Strong relationships building and management skills.Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.Management skills:Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment.Ability to multitask and prioritize work based on evolving requirements and timelines.Report to- Project Lead, SDSWhy Join Us?Be part of a passionate team committed to driving social impact through meaningful, well-executed projects. At SDS, your skills and expertise will help create sustainable development at the grassroots level.