Agronomist

About the Trust

The University of Chicago Trust (the Trust) is a charitable trust in India, established in 2008 by an alumnus of The University of Chicago. The objectives of the UChicago Trust are to provide opportunities for grants to support agriculture, water, or educational programs, research programs, and activities for the betterment of India.

About The Development Innovation Lab - India (DIL-India)

DIL-India, based at the Trust in India, is dedicated to using the tools of economics to benefit millions of people. We work across sectors like health, education, agriculture, climate change, road safety, and others. We do so by collaborating with government agencies, firms, and non-profits in India to identify, test, and scale evidence-based solutions. 

DIL-India has a fast-growing portfolio of policy relevant research. For example, in 2025, DIL-India supported the Government of India to deliver agriculturally relevant AI-based monsoon onset forecasts to almost 39 million farmers across 13 states in India. DIL-India plans to build on this work, aiming to reach more people and expand to other types of weather forecasts that have the potential to improve livelihoods and impact well-being.

Position Description 

DIL-India and the Trust are seeking a full-time Agronomist to support its projects under the weather portfolio with focus on agriculture. This role will work with researchers from economics, meteorology, and climate science to identify weather events that matter most to farmers across India's diverse agro-climatic zones. The ideal candidate will serve as a technical specialist who can translate agricultural knowledge into practical insights for research projects, and work with research teams to understand how weather patterns affect farmer’s practices, decisions and outcomes across India's varied agricultural landscapes.

Responsibilities  

  • Connect with subject matter experts for region-specific or crop-specific technical question and build relationships with agricultural researchers, extension specialists, and practitioners across India

  • Provide guidance on how weather/meteorological events affects crop growth for major crops across core monsoon zone (cereals, pulses, oilseeds, cash crops, horticulture)

  • Work with an interdisciplinary team to ensure agricultural factors are properly measured and analyzed

  • Support field work, data collection and A/B tests

  • Review research findings related to agronomy for accuracy

  • Explain complex agricultural concepts to interdisciplinary research teams

  • Support the creation of relevant AgroMET advisories for research studies and A/B tests

  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Education

  • Master's or Ph.D. in Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences, Agrometeorology, or closely related field

  • Additional training in statistics, econometrics, or data analysis is desirable

Experience

  • Minimum 3 years of experience in agronomy, agricultural research, and experience working in India

  • Experience with agricultural development projects, policy research, or work with government agencies is an advantage

Competencies

  • Excellent communication skills, including willingness to learn and ability to communicate and discuss with non-experts on the broader team

  • Understanding of Indian agriculture, including regional variations, and agro-climatic zones

  • Strong knowledge of crop-weather interactions, including drought stress, heat stress, and seasonal variability

  • Understanding of agricultural policy landscape in India

  • Knowledge of precision agriculture and digital agriculture practices

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in Hindi or other regional languages such as Odia and Telugu are preferred

  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in interdisciplinary teams

  • Demonstrated networking abilities and experience building professional relationships

  • Cultural understanding of rural Indian contexts with demonstrated experience of conducting field work in rural India. 

  • Familiarity with CGIAR research centers, ICAR institutes, or similar agricultural research organizations preferred

Working Conditions

  • Extensive travel, based in state capitals (active project locations), with travel to other states and project sites as per the requirements of the assignment(s). 

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in India.

Application Documents

  • Resume 

  • Cover Letter 

  • Professional References Contact Information (3 required)

Apply here