IIT Madras Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026

IIT Madras is hiring 1 Project Associate-I for a funded research project in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. If you have a Bachelor's/Master's degree in Natural or Agricultural Sciences, BVSc, B.Pharm, or a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology or Medicine, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 28 July 2026. Salary starts at Rs. 33,000 per month + HRA and goes up to Rs. 37,000 per month + HRA depending on your qualification.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

The Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (ICSR) at IIT Madras has released Advertisement No. ICSR/PR/Advt.129/2026 dated 8 July 2026 for 1 Project Associate-I position in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The role is part of an ANRF PM ECRG-funded project (ANRF/ECRG/2025/000263/ENS) studying the droplet impact of complex fluids on thin film substrates, coordinated by Prof. Samya Sen. The findings from this project are expected to improve agrochemical spray infrastructure for more sustainable farming practices in India. This position can lead to a full-time PhD at IIT Madras — after three years, you get the choice to convert your project work into your doctoral thesis, with your earlier years of work counting toward it. It's a great fit for science and engineering graduates who want hands-on experience in fluid mechanics and soft matter research, along with the chance to publish in reputed international journals.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: Four-year Bachelor's degree in Natural or Agricultural Sciences, Master's Degree in Natural or Agricultural Sciences, BVSc, B.Pharm, or a Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology/Medicine from a recognized university (or equivalent).
• Higher Pay Bracket: If you qualify through CSIR-UGC NET (including Lectureship), GATE, or a national-level exam conducted by a Central Government department or agency, you get the higher pay of Rs. 37,000 + HRA.
• Nationality: Subjects of Nepal are also eligible, but must get a certificate of eligibility from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, before appointment.
• Only the prescribed minimum qualification is required for consideration — a higher qualification does not guarantee a call for interview. Experience requirements may be relaxed for SC/ST candidates at the Institute's discretion.

You will work on the theoretical and experimental study of droplet impact of complex fluids, helping develop fluid mechanical and rheological theory that improves agrochemical spray infrastructure for sustainable agriculture. You'll also get the chance to publish in reputed Q1 journals in fluid mechanics and soft matter, and present your work at national and international conferences.

Salary

• You will get Rs. 37,000 per month + HRA if you qualify through CSIR-UGC NET/Lectureship, GATE, or a national-level exam conducted by a Central Government department or agency.
• Other eligible candidates will get Rs. 33,000 per month + HRA.
• The post is purely on a contract basis, initially for one year, extendable based on your performance.
• After two years, you may be upgraded to Project Associate-II level, with duties and pay revised accordingly, subject to funding and progress. Completing the contract period does not entitle you to further extension or permanency at the Institute.

Selection Process

The selection will be done in the following stages:

1. Shortlisting: Based on the information you provide in your online application — make sure all details are accurate, as false claims can lead to rejection at any stage of the process.
2. Skill Test / Interview: The Institute may call shortlisted candidates for a written test, skill test, or interview at its discretion, and reserves the right to restrict the number of candidates based on qualifications, level, and relevance of experience.
3. Document Verification: You must bring your original certificates. If you're currently working on another project at IIT Madras, you'll need a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to appear for the test/interview.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, and canvassing in any form will disqualify your candidature. The Institute strives for a gender-balanced workforce and encourages women candidates to apply.

How to Apply

1. Go to icandsr.iitm.ac.in/careers/current_openings.php.
2. Look for Advertisement No. ICSR/PR/Advt.129/2026 in the list of current openings.
3. Register with your email ID to create a login — the system accepts only one application per registered email ID for this advertisement, so select all the positions you want before submitting.
4. Fill in the online application form for the Project Associate-I post — a separate application is needed for each post you apply to.
5. Upload your certificates, testimonials, and photo.
6. Submit the form before the deadline — it cannot be edited or reverted after submission, and duplicate applications for the same post will be rejected.

For technical issues only, email icsrrecruitment6@icsrpis.iitm.ac.in or call 044-2257 8843 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:30 PM). Any corrigendum or clarification on this advertisement will be posted on the website — no separate communication will be sent.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 8 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 28 July 2026

• Conduct experimental studies on droplet impact of complex fluids on thin film substrates
• Develop fluid mechanical and rheological theory to support research findings
• Record and analyze laboratory data accurately and consistently
• Prepare research papers for publication in Q1 journals in fluid mechanics and soft matter
• Present research findings at national and international conferences
• Support the development of improved agrochemical spray infrastructure models
• Coordinate with the project supervisor and research team on project milestones