IITM Project Scientist-I Recruitment 2026

IITM is hiring 1 Project Scientist-I in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. You need a doctoral degree in science or a master's degree in engineering or technology from a recognised university. The post is contract based for one year, with extension possible based on performance. Salary is Rs. 77,000 per month plus HRA, and the last date to apply online is 30 June 2026.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras Project Scientist-I Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) has released Advertisement No. ICSR/PR/Advt. 116/2026 dated 16 June 2026 for a Project Scientist-I position. The work is linked to research in Humanities and Social Sciences, with Prof. Deepak Paramashivan listed as the coordinator. This is a strong fit for research professionals who can work across Indian Knowledge Systems, musicology, digital humanities, cultural knowledge systems, AI and ethics, or closely related interdisciplinary areas. Use the application form to show your strongest project fit, especially method design, research documentation, field coordination, and delivery of project outputs.

Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification

• Essential qualification: You need a doctoral degree in science or a master's degree in engineering or technology from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification.
• Project fit: Background in Humanities, Social Sciences, Indian Knowledge Systems, Musicology, Ethnomusicology, Sanskrit, Performance Studies, AI and Ethics, Digital Humanities, computational research methods, or cultural knowledge systems will be useful.
• Research experience: Experience in fieldwork, archival research, interviews, transcription, translation coordination, data curation, qualitative analysis, interpretive analysis, digital documentation, reporting, publication support, workshops, or stakeholder coordination will help.
• Communication: You should have good written communication, careful documentation habits, and the ability to work with researchers, field partners, administrative offices, and interdisciplinary project teams.
• Output focus: IITM expects the selected person to contribute to reports, publications, workshops, digital resources, and ANRF review documentation.
• Team work: You should be comfortable coordinating with associates, assistants, researchers, and administrative offices while keeping research records clear.

Other Conditions

• Citizenship: Indian citizens can apply. Certain candidates from Nepal or migrated from Pakistan may need a Government of India eligibility certificate as mentioned in the notification.
• Current IITM project staff: If you are already working in an IIT Madras project, apply through proper channel or be ready to submit a No Objection Certificate at the test or interview stage.
• Eligibility date: Your qualification and experience will be checked with reference to the closing date, 30 June 2026.
• Single application rule: The portal accepts one application with the registered login ID for this advertisement, so choose the correct post before final submission.

Salary

• Monthly pay: Rs. 77,000 per month.
• Allowance: HRA is payable as mentioned in the notification.
• Increment: A 5 percent increment may be given for every 2 years of experience, subject to performance review.
• Appointment type: This is a contract project position and does not give any right to regular appointment at IIT Madras.
• Contract duration: The first contract is for one year and can be extended later only if performance and project needs support it.

Selection Process

IIT Madras will shortlist applicants using the details submitted in the online form. The Institute can restrict the number of people called for assessment based on qualification, relevant experience, and academic achievements. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, so make sure the online form clearly explains your research background and project experience.

1. Application screening: Your online form will be checked against the qualification, experience, and project-fit requirements.
2. Test or interview: Shortlisted applicants may be called for a test, skill test, interview, or a suitable assessment method decided by IIT Madras.
3. Document verification: Original certificates, application printout, experience proof, and NOC if applicable may be checked before final selection.

No fixed written exam pattern is given in the notification, so prepare mainly for research-method discussion, project-fit questions, and document verification.

How to Apply

1. Go to the IIT Madras IC&SR careers page at icandsr.iitm.ac.in.
2. Open the current openings section and look for Advt.116/2026.
3. Register or log in with your active email ID and fill in the online application form for Project Scientist-I.
4. Enter your qualification, experience, research background, and contact details carefully because the form cannot be edited after submission.
5. Submit only one application for this advertisement with the registered login ID.
6. After successful submission, take a printout of the form and keep it for test, interview, or document verification.
7. Do not send a hard copy to IIT Madras unless the Institute asks for it later.
8. For portal issues only, use the email and contact details given in the notification during working hours.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 16 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 30 June 2026
• Test or Interview Date: To be informed by IIT Madras
• Document Verification: At the test or interview stage

• Lead technical and research components of the assigned project
• Design and validate research methods for interdisciplinary study areas
• Coordinate datasets, field material, and research outputs
• Guide project associates and assistants on assigned research tasks
• Prepare project reports, publication material, and review documentation
• Support workshops, digital resources, and stakeholder coordination
• Keep research records clear, organised, and ready for internal review