IIT Madras Research Associate-I Recruitment 2026

Indian Institute of Technology Madras is hiring 1 Research Associate-I in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. If you have a Ph.D. in Science, Engineering, Physics, Biophysics, Computational Biology, or a related discipline, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 8 July 2026. The pay is Rs. 58,000 per month plus 30% HRA, with total consolidated pay of Rs. 75,400 per month.

IIT Madras Research Associate-I Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), through the Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research, has released Advertisement No. ICSR/PR/Advt. 120/2026 dated 18 June 2026. The post is linked to computational research on DNA, RNA, DNA-RNA hybrids, chemically modified nucleic acids, and their mechanical behaviour under force and torque. This is a high-skill research role for Ph.D. candidates with simulation, programming, and computational biology experience.

Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification

• Qualification: You need a Ph.D. in Science, Engineering, Physics, Biophysics, Computational Biology, or a related discipline.
• Citizenship: The notification says applicants must be citizens of India. Persons who migrated from Pakistan for permanent settlement and subjects of Nepal may also be considered with the required Government of India eligibility certificate.

Experience and Skills

• Simulation Experience: Experience in molecular dynamics simulations of DNA, RNA, or related biomolecular systems is required.
• Programming: You need strong programming skills in Python or MATLAB, with experience in high-performance computing.
• Research Areas: Background in nucleic acid biophysics, computational biology, statistical mechanics, or soft matter physics is expected.
• Advanced Skills: Experience in coarse-grained modelling, AI/ML methods, scientific computing, and data analysis will be useful for the project.

Salary

• Basic project pay is Rs. 58,000 per month.
• HRA is 30% of basic pay.
• Total consolidated pay is Rs. 75,400 per month.

Selection Process

IIT Madras will shortlist applicants based on the information provided in the online application. Shortlisted candidates may be called for a written test, skill test, interview, or a combination of these stages.

1. Application Shortlisting: IIT Madras may restrict the number of candidates based on qualification, level, relevance of experience, and academic achievements.
2. Test / Interview: Calling a candidate for test or interview only means the candidate is being considered for the role; it does not guarantee selection.
3. Document Verification: A printout of the submitted application and original documents will be required when called for test, interview, or verification.
4. Final Decision: IIT Madras reserves the right to reject applications or not fill the advertised position.

How to Apply

1. Go to the IIT Madras IC&SR careers portal at icandsr.iitm.ac.in/careers/current_openings.php.
2. Find Advertisement No. Advt.120/2026 for Research Associate-I.
3. Register and fill in the online application form with correct academic, experience, and contact details.
4. Submit the online form before 8 July 2026.
5. Take a printout of the submitted application and keep it ready for document verification, test, or interview.
6. Do not send a hard copy to IIT Madras unless the institute specifically asks for it later.

Work Profile

• Develop computational models for sequence-dependent mechanical properties of DNA, RNA, DNA-RNA hybrids, and modified nucleic acids.
• Perform coarse-grained simulations, molecular dynamics simulations using AMBER, and Monte Carlo or statistical sampling studies.
• Build high-throughput computational workflows using Python/C++ and HPC resources.
• Analyse genome-scale mechanical atlases and study stiffness, flexibility, bendability, sequence variations, mutations, and epigenetic modifications.
• Use data-driven analysis, motif discovery, and AI/ML-based approaches to identify useful sequence patterns.

Important Terms

• The position is on a purely contract basis.
• The initial duration is one year, extendable up to a total of three years based on performance.
• The contract period does not give any right to extension, regularisation, or permanency at the institute.
• Applicants already working in any IIT Madras project must apply through the proper channel or produce an NOC at the test or interview stage.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 18 June 2026
• Application Start: 18 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 8 July 2026
• Test / Interview Date: To be announced

• Develop computational models for DNA, RNA, DNA-RNA hybrids, and modified nucleic acids
• Perform molecular dynamics, coarse-grained simulations, and Monte Carlo sampling studies
• Build Python/C++ workflows on high-performance computing resources
• Analyse genome-scale mechanical properties such as stiffness, flexibility, and bendability
• Use AI/ML and data-driven methods to identify sequence patterns and signatures
• Prepare reports, publications, presentations, and scientific software documentation
• Assist with student mentoring and collaborative research activities