ISI Kolkata Research Associate Recruitment 2026

Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata is hiring 1 Project Linked Research Associate - I at its Machine Intelligence Unit (MIU). If you have a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field with a strong research background in distributed computing or theoretical computer science, you can apply. You can email your CV by 8 August 2026 for an online interview, or walk in directly on 10 August 2026. The pay is a consolidated Rs. 58,000 per month plus 24% HRA.

Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Research Associate Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), an autonomous body funded by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India, has issued Advertisement No. PU/507/ADV/663 dated 27 July 2026 for one Project Linked Research Associate - I post. You will work under the Machine Intelligence Unit (MIU) on a project titled "Secure Computation in Sparse Distributed Network", funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Government of India. Your appointment is purely temporary and runs till 9 October 2026 from your date of joining, though it may be extended or terminated earlier depending on funds and your performance. Candidates with published research in top computer science conferences and journals are especially encouraged to apply — this is a strong opportunity for postdoctoral researchers working in distributed computing or theoretical computer science. In simple terms, the project looks at how multiple computers spread across a network can jointly compute a result while keeping each participant's private data secure, even when the network connections between them are sparse or limited. If you enjoy working on cryptography, distributed systems, or algorithm design at a research level, this position lets you work closely with ISI's Machine Intelligence Unit on a nationally funded research problem.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You need a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related subject (submitted or awarded), with a strong background in Distributed Computing or Theoretical Computer Science, supported by publications in top computer science conferences and journals.
• Desirable: Research experience in Distributed Computing, Byzantine Computation, or Theoretical Computer Science at a top institute or university will strengthen your application.
• Who should apply: This role suits candidates who have recently completed or are about to complete a Ph.D. and want to build a strong publication record before moving to a faculty or industry research role. Since the project is contractual and tied to project funding, ISI is looking for someone who can start quickly and contribute to ongoing research milestones.

Age Limit

• You should not be older than 35 years as on 10 August 2026.
• Age Relaxation: Usual relaxation applies for SC/ST/OBC-NCL, Women, and differently abled candidates. Outstanding candidates or those with relevant research experience may also get age relaxation.

Salary

• You will get a consolidated pay of Rs. 58,000 per month plus 24% House Rent Allowance (HRA).
• This is a fixed fellowship amount tied to the project — no separate government pay scale applies since this is a temporary research position.

Selection Process

ISI will select candidates through the following stages:

1. Written Test: Held in the subject area only if needed, to shortlist candidates for the interview based on the number of applicants.
2. Interview: Conducted either as a walk-in interview at ISI Kolkata, or online for candidates who apply by email.
3. Document Verification: At the time of joining, you must produce all original documents and testimonials for verification.
4. Medical Examination: You must submit a medical fitness certificate from the Institute's Medical Officer before joining.

No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or joining the post. A resume with incomplete information or without supporting documents will be summarily rejected, and merely fulfilling the essential qualification does not guarantee your selection. The Institute reserves the right not to appoint anyone against this post, and this is a purely contractual position with no claim to permanent employment at ISI or continuation of your services in any other project after the tenure ends.

If you are shortlisted, make sure your resume clearly lists your Ph.D. thesis submission or award date, along with details of any post-doctoral positions you have held. Candidates with a stronger publication record and hands-on project experience are generally preferred during the screening stage, since the Institute receives applications from researchers across the country for such positions.

How to Apply

1. Prepare a signed CV in English mentioning the project title, along with your personal details, academic record (with percentage of marks from Class 10 onward), and experience.
2. Include your Aadhaar Card/Voter Card/PAN Card details and your SC/ST/OBC/differently abled status, if applicable.
3. To attend the interview online, email your CV and scanned copies of all original documents to miu@isical.ac.in (CC to molla@isical.ac.in) by 8 August 2026. Shortlisted candidates will get the interview link by email.
4. Alternatively, walk in directly with your application and original documents on 10 August 2026 at 11:30 AM at the Machine Intelligence Unit (MIU), 3rd Floor, Platinum Jubilee Academic Building, Indian Statistical Institute, 203 B.T. Road, Kolkata 700108.
5. Carry self-attested copies of all certificates along with the originals for verification.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 27 July 2026
• Last Date for Online CV Submission: 8 August 2026
• Walk-in Interview Date: 10 August 2026

• Conduct original research on secure computation protocols in sparse distributed networks
• Design and analyze algorithms for distributed and Byzantine fault-tolerant systems
• Write and publish research findings in top computer science conferences and journals
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and project team on research milestones
• Prepare technical reports and project documentation for the funding agency (ANRF)
• Present research progress during project review meetings
• Help mentor junior researchers or students associated with the project, if required