IISER TVM SRF DRDO Chemistry Recruitment 2026

IISER TVM SRF DRDO Chemistry Recruitment 2026: Overview

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER Thiruvananthapuram) is recruiting a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Chemistry for a DRDO-DYSL-SM/CARS project. The research focuses on developing a protective, fuel-proof coating with a self-healing mechanism, bringing together organic chemistry, polymer chemistry and functional materials. This is a hands-on synthesis and characterisation role for someone who already has research experience and wants to work on a defence-funded materials project.

The fellow will work with Dr. Rajendra Kurapati at the institute's Vithura campus. The project theme is narrow and practical: it calls for careful preparation of small organic molecules and polymers, followed by the analytical work needed to understand their behaviour in a protective coating. Your application should make the connection between your earlier laboratory work and this project clear.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Project appointment: The position is purely temporary and initially runs for one year. It may continue for one more year if your performance and the project allow it.
• End of appointment: The engagement ends automatically when the research project ends, without a claim for absorption in IISER Thiruvananthapuram or the funding agency.
• Funding terms: Your appointment will follow the conditions set by DRDO-DYSL-SM for this project.
• Shortlisting: Meeting the minimum academic conditions does not guarantee an interview. The institute can shortlist applications based on their relevance to the project.
• Recognition: The qualifying degrees must come from recognised universities or institutions.
• Interview notice: Shortlisted candidates will receive the date, time and venue by email, and the information will also appear on the institute website.

Application Submission Notes

Email your application to rkurapati@iisertvm.ac.in with the subject "Application for SRF position on DRDO-funded project". Attach a detailed CV and an experience letter. The CV should show your academic grades, passing years, institutions and the name of one academic referee, while your earlier organic or polymer synthesis work should be described in a separate file.

If you are shortlisted, take a signed and dated printout of the emailed application, a recent passport-size photograph and photocopies supporting your age, education and experience to the interview. You must also carry every relevant certificate in original along with one copy for verification. Keeping the research-experience evidence separate will make it easier for the selection team to assess how closely your work matches the coating project.

• Plan and carry out organic and polymer synthesis experiments
• Characterise small organic molecules, polymers and functionalised materials
• Develop and test protective fuel-proof coating formulations
• Keep accurate laboratory notebooks, sample records and experimental data
• Analyse results and discuss findings with the principal investigator
• Prepare research updates, technical figures and project reports
• Follow laboratory safety and project-specific handling procedures