IUAC Project Assistant Recruitment 2026

Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), an autonomous centre of the University Grants Commission in New Delhi, is hiring 1 Project Assistant to work on a physics research project. If you have a Bachelor's Degree in Physics or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering with a Physics background, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 31 July 2026 (11:59 PM). You will get a consolidated salary of Rs. 27,000 per month plus HRA.

Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

IUAC has released Advertisement No. 08/2026 for 1 Project Assistant to work on the project "Absolute Measurement of the Quantum-Mechanical Ground-State Energy of a Harmonic Oscillator," funded under the Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG) scheme of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Quantum mechanics tells us that the lowest energy state of any bound system, called the ground state, can never be exactly zero — this tiny but unavoidable energy is known as zero-point energy (ZPE), arising from the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. While effects like the Casimir force, the Lamb shift, and spontaneous emission strongly suggest ZPE exists, no one has directly measured it for a single particle so far.

You will help trap electrons in a cryogenic Penning trap, where a combination of electric and magnetic fields holds them in place, creating a controllable one-dimensional quantum oscillator. By tuning the trap and studying how the electrons move, the project team aims to directly determine their zero-point energy, going beyond the indirect evidence available so far. This is a great opportunity for fresh physics graduates interested in experimental quantum mechanics research at a premier national accelerator facility.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: Bachelor's Degree with Physics, or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering and Technology with a Physics background.
• Desirable: M.Sc. in Physics.

Salary

• You will get a consolidated salary of Rs. 27,000 per month, plus HRA as per ANRF guidelines.
• The appointment is initially for 1 year, extendable yearly or until the project completes, whichever is earlier.
• You will be treated as a temporary employee governed by IUAC's administrative rules (leave, TA/DA, etc.) — not a permanent employee of ANRF, the Government of India, or the host institute.

Selection Process

The advertisement does not mention a written exam. IUAC will screen your online application against the eligibility criteria listed above, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps. No relaxation will be given for any reason, including delays beyond your control, and any correspondence regarding relaxation will not be entertained by the Centre.

How to Apply

1. Visit the IUAC vacancies page at www.iuac.res.in/vacancies and read the detailed advertisement.
2. Click on the online application link for Project Assistant (Advt. No. 08/2026).
3. Fill in your personal, educational, and contact details.
4. Submit the form online before 31 July 2026, 11:59 PM.

No relaxation in the deadline will be given for any reason, including delays beyond your control.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 10 July 2026
• Application Start Date: 10 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 31 July 2026 (11:59 PM)

• Assist in setting up and operating a cryogenic Penning trap for electron confinement experiments
• Support the design and calibration of quantum oscillator measurement instruments
• Record and analyze experimental data related to zero-point energy measurements
• Maintain laboratory equipment and safety protocols in the accelerator facility
• Collaborate with senior researchers on the ANRF-funded research project
• Prepare technical notes and progress reports for the project team