IIT Patna Research Associate Recruitment 2026

IIT Patna is hiring 1 Research Associate (RA-I) for a quantum communication research project in its Department of Physics. If you have a PhD in Physics or Engineering with experience in cold atom physics or quantum optics, you can apply by email. The last date to apply is 15 August 2026. Pay starts at Rs. 58,000 per month and can go up to Rs. 67,000 based on your research experience, plus HRA.

Indian Institute of Technology Patna (IIT Patna) Research Associate Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

IIT Patna, located in Bihta, Patna, has released Advertisement No. R&D/1227/MQR/612 dated 16 July 2026 for 1 Research Associate post under Project No. R&D/SP/PHY/MQR/2024-25/1227, a National Quantum Mission (NQM), DST-funded project titled "A multimode quantum repeater network for entanglement distribution based quantum communication". The sponsoring agency is the National Quantum Mission, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Technology Bhawan, New Delhi. The National Quantum Mission is the Government of India\u2019s flagship program to advance quantum technologies in computing, communication, sensing, and materials science over the coming years, so this role gives you a chance to contribute to a nationally significant research effort. This is a time-bound research position, initially for 1 year and extendable based on your performance, in the Quantum Optics Experiment Lab at IIT Patna. The lab is at the forefront of research in slow light phenomena using atomic media, including alkali vapours and ultracold atoms, and as a key participant in this project, you will get to work on transformative quantum communication technologies. Fresh PhD holders are welcome — candidates with a fresh PhD are considered for the RA1 level, while those with more than 1 year of post-PhD research experience can be placed at RA2 or RA3, based on their years of research experience and publications as assessed by the selection committee.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You need a PhD in Physics or Engineering, with your research area in Cold Atom Physics, Quantum Optics, or Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT) — all experimental work.
• Preferred Experience: Working or research experience in Experimental Cold Atom Physics, Quantum Optics, or EIT in atomic alkali gas and light-matter experiments will be given preference.
• Note: Your PhD and research work must be experimental and must match the requirements of the NQM project you are applying for.
• Professional Exams: If you have qualified GATE or CSIR-NET, you can mention the details and validity in your application form — this is captured as additional information alongside your category and date of birth.

Age Limit

• The upper age limit to apply for this Research Associate position is 35 years.
• Age Relaxation: SC/ST/OBC, women, and PwD candidates get age relaxation as per Government of India rules.

Salary

• RA1 level: Rs. 58,000 per month
• RA2 level: Rs. 61,000 per month
• RA3 level: Rs. 67,000 per month
• Your level and pay will be fixed based on your years of research experience after PhD as a Post-Doc, Scientist, RA, or equivalent in reputed research labs in India or abroad. You will also get HRA as per norms on top of your consolidated fellowship/salary.

Selection Process

The selection has 2 stages, and there is no written exam:

1. Shortlisting: Only candidates who match the research area and requirements of the NQM project will be shortlisted, based on the paragraph you write in your application about your PhD work and how it contributes to the project. You will be informed by email through a call letter.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview (online or offline). You must bring your updated resume along with original copies of all supporting documents (certificates, mark-sheets, and degrees). No TA/DA is given for attending the interview.
3. Final Selection: The selection committee assesses your interview performance along with your research area, work experience, and publications in your advertised research field before making the final decision.

How to Apply

1. Download the prescribed application format from the official notification PDF (pages 3 and 4).
2. Fill in your name, address, category (General/OBC/SC/ST/PwD), date of birth, and details of any professional exam (like GATE or CSIR-NET) you have cleared.
3. Fill in your educational qualification table for 10th, 12th, Bachelor degree, Master degree, and PhD, including your institute/board, year of passing, and percentage/CPI.
4. Write a short paragraph on your PhD research work and how it will contribute to the NQM project, and another paragraph on your post-PhD research experience if applicable.
5. Attach soft copies of your certificates and proof of post-PhD research experience.
6. Email your completed application to raghavanke@iitp.ac.in on or before 15 August 2026.
7. For any queries, contact Dr. Raghavan K Easwaran, Department of Physics, IIT Patna, at raghavanke@iitp.ac.in or call 0612-3028029.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 16 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply (by Email): 15 August 2026

• Conduct experimental research on cold atom physics, quantum optics, and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT)
• Set up and run experiments in the Quantum Optics Experiment Lab using atomic vapours and ultracold atoms
• Analyze experimental data and document findings for the NQM quantum communication project
• Collaborate with the project team on building a multimode quantum repeater network
• Prepare research reports, presentations, and manuscripts for publication
• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment used in slow-light and quantum optics experiments
• Assist in mentoring junior researchers and students working on the project