CUTN Research Assistant & Field Investigator Recruitment 2026

About This Job

Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) is hiring 2 project staff — one Research Assistant and one Field Investigator — for an ICSSR-funded research project based in Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu. If you have a postgraduate or graduate degree in any Social Science discipline with at least 55% marks, you can apply by sending your CV by post or email. The last date to apply is 05 May 2026. Salary ranges from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 37,000 per month depending on the post. Age limit is up to 35 years.

CUTN Research Assistant & Field Investigator Recruitment 2026 - 2 Posts

Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) has released a recruitment notification for two contractual positions under the ICSSR-sponsored research project titled "Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems through Decolonized Digital Archiving: A Community-Based Framework for PVTGs in Tamil Nadu, with Special Reference to the Irular Community of Tamil Nadu." The project is hosted by the Department of Library and Information Science, School of Communication, CUTN, Thiruvarur. These are purely temporary, project-based positions — the Research Assistant post runs for 18 months and the Field Investigator post runs for 7 months. The work involves fieldwork in tribal hamlets and digital archiving research.

Vacancy Details

Who Can Apply?

For Research Assistant:

• Qualification: Postgraduate degree in any Social Science discipline with a minimum of 55% marks
• Preferred: Candidates with NET / M.Phil / Ph.D qualification

For Field Investigator:

• Qualification: Graduate degree in any Social Science discipline with a minimum of 55% marks
• Preferred: Candidates from a 4-year graduation programme

Additional Requirements (Both Posts):

• You must have a strong command of both Tamil and English
• You must be willing to undertake fieldwork in tribal hamlets for data collection
• Knowledge of statistical software like SPSS and R is desirable
• Candidates with relevant research or field experience will be given preference

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 35 years as on the date of interview
• Age Relaxation: Up to 5 years for statutory groups and women candidates

Salary

• Research Assistant: Rs. 37,000 per month (as per ICSSR guidelines)
• Field Investigator: Rs. 20,000 per month (as per ICSSR guidelines)
• All pay and allowances are governed by ICSSR norms

Application Fee

• No application fee — this is a project-based position under an academic institution

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection is based on merit and interview:

1. Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on academic merit. Just meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee a call for interview.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date by phone or email. The interview will be held in person at the Dept. of Library and Information Science, CUTN, Thiruvarur. No online interview is available.
3. Document Verification: Bring original degree certificates, date of birth proof, and any other relevant documents (experience certificates, publications, awards, recommendation letters) along with one set of photocopies.

Note: No TA/DA is provided for attending the interview. The decision of the selection committee is final.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your CV with a covering letter and self-attested copies of all documents from Class 10 onwards.
2. Send your application by email or post within 15 days from the date of publication of this advertisement (i.e., by 05 May 2026).
3. Email: ravikumar@acad.cutn.ac.in or ravikumar@cutn.ac.in
4. Postal Address: Dr. S. Ravikumar, Project Director — ICSSR-PVTG Project, Dept. of Library & Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Neelakudi Campus, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu — 610 005
5. Mobile: 9862305939

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 21 April 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 05 May 2026 (within 15 days of notification)
• Interview Date: To be announced (shortlisted candidates will be informed by phone/email)

• Assist in field data collection from tribal hamlets (Irular community) in Tamil Nadu
• Support digital archiving of indigenous knowledge systems and oral traditions
• Conduct interviews, surveys, and observations as part of the ICSSR research methodology
• Analyse collected data using statistical tools such as SPSS and R
• Prepare field reports, data summaries, and progress notes for the Principal Investigator
• Maintain organized records of research materials, documents, and field findings
• Coordinate with community members and facilitate community-based research activities
• Follow ethical guidelines and institutional protocols during fieldwork