IISER Pune Research Associate-I Recruitment 2026

IISER Pune is hiring 1 Research Associate-I for a project funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). If you have a Ph.D in Chemistry, Physics, or Material Science (or related areas), you can attend the walk-in interview on 7 August 2026 at IISER Pune. The maximum age limit is 35 years. Selected candidates will get a salary of up to Rs. 58,000 + 30% HRA per month.

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune Research Associate-I Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

IISER Pune, a premier institute dedicated to research and teaching in the basic sciences, was established in 2006 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (renamed the Ministry of Education in August 2020), and was declared an Institute of National Importance by an Act of Parliament in 2012. The Institute has invited applications for 1 Research Associate-I position under the project titled "f-f-Like d-d Transition for Ultra-Narrow NIR Emission" (Project Code 34525788), funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Candidates who have submitted their PhD thesis but not yet received the degree can also apply — they will be appointed as Senior Research Fellow on a lower stipend until the PhD certificate is submitted. This is a walk-in interview — there is no separate online application process, and the appointment is purely temporary, tied to the funding and duration of the project. In simple terms, this project studies special light-emitting materials that produce very precise, narrow near-infrared (NIR) light — useful for applications like optical sensors and advanced photonic devices.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: Ph.D in Chemistry, Physics, Material Science, or related areas. Candidates who have submitted their thesis may also apply, and will be designated as Senior Research Fellow until the PhD certificate is submitted.
• Preference: Candidates with experimental research experience on optoelectronic materials (LEDs, solar cells, photodetectors) and device fabrication, and with at least two first-authored publications, will be preferred.
• Why It Matters: As a Research Associate, you will work as part of a small, focused research team, gaining hands-on experience with a government-funded scientific project — a valuable step in your academic and research career.
• Note: The prescribed qualifications are the bare minimum. If the Institute receives a large number of applications, the Project Investigator may restrict the number of candidates called for interview based on higher qualifications and experience — so mention all your relevant qualifications and experience when applying.

Age Limit

• You should not be more than 35 years old as on the date of the walk-in interview (7 August 2026).
• Age Relaxation: Candidates with qualifications and experience higher than advertised may get age relaxation with the prior approval of the competent authority.
• Experience Relaxation: The experience requirement may also be relaxed based on the pool of applications received, with prior approval of the competent authority.

Salary

• Selected candidates will get a consolidated salary of Rs. 58,000 + 30% House Rent Allowance per month (Research Associate designation).
• Candidates who have submitted their thesis but not received the PhD degree will get Rs. 42,000 + 30% HRA per month as Senior Research Fellow, revised to Rs. 58,000 + 30% HRA once the PhD certificate is submitted.

Application Fee

There is no application fee for this recruitment.

Selection Process (Walk-in Interview)

There is no written exam for this post. Your selection is through document verification followed by a walk-in interview.

1. Document Verification: Bring your originals and self-attested photocopies of your date of birth proof, mark sheets and certificates (from 10th standard onward), experience certificates, and a government-issued photo ID.
2. Walk-in Interview: Attend the interview at Discussion Room No. 31, Main Building, IISER Pune on Friday, 7 August 2026, reporting by 10:30 AM. Candidates reporting after 10:30 AM will not be considered.

No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview. If a selected candidate does not join or resigns after joining, the Institute may offer the position to a waitlisted candidate. This appointment does not entitle you to any claim of absorption in the funding agency or in IISER Pune.

The Institute will not entertain any interim enquiries or correspondence about the selection process, and bringing any political or other influence for the applied post will be treated as a disqualification.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form via the 'Apply Now' link below the advertisement on iiserpune.ac.in.
2. Fill in the form completely with your personal and academic details.
3. Bring the filled form along with original and self-attested documents to the walk-in interview.
4. Bring one recent passport-size color photograph.
5. Report to Discussion Room No. 31, Main Building, IISER Pune by 10:30 AM on 7 August 2026.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Number: 60/2026
• Advertisement Date: 30 July 2026
• Walk-in Interview Date: 7 August 2026 (10:30 AM, Discussion Room No. 31, Main Building)

• Conduct experimental research on f-f-like d-d transitions for ultra-narrow NIR emission materials
• Design, fabricate, and characterize optoelectronic devices such as LEDs, solar cells, or photodetectors
• Analyze experimental data and document research findings
• Prepare research papers and reports for publication
• Collaborate with the project team and the Principal Investigator on project milestones
• Maintain lab equipment and ensure proper safety protocols in the laboratory
• Assist in procurement and maintenance of research materials and consumables