TIFR Professor & Reader Recruitment 2026

TIFR is hiring for Faculty positions at the level of Professor, Associate Professor, or Reader across six research disciplines — Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Biology and Life Sciences, Computer Science, and Science Education Research. If you hold a Ph.D. with a strong research record, you can apply offline by sending your application directly to the concerned department. Applications are accepted until 31 December 2026 under Advertisement No. 2026/16, and each application is reviewed on a rolling basis as soon as it is received.

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Faculty Recruitment 2026

The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) is an autonomous institution under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, and a Deemed to be University. TIFR has invited applications for faculty positions at its Mumbai campus and its associated centres, covering departments like Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science, High Energy Physics, Nuclear and Atomic Physics, Theoretical Physics, the School of Mathematics, the School of Technology and Computer Science, the TIFR Centre for Applicable Mathematics, the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, the National Centre for Biological Sciences, and TIFR Hyderabad. There is no fixed number of vacancies in this recruitment — TIFR fills posts only when it finds a candidate with an outstanding research profile, so this is an ongoing, rolling hiring drive rather than a one-time exam cycle. Fresh Ph.D. holders with strong potential, as well as experienced researchers with a proven track record, are both welcome to apply.

As a selected faculty member, you are expected to lead an independent, vibrant research programme and also take part in training students at the TIFR Graduate School. You are free to propose novel areas of research in fields related to your department, so this is a good fit if you want the freedom to shape your own research direction rather than work within a fixed project brief.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for a faculty position in any of these six disciplines:

• Mathematics
• Physical Sciences
• Chemical Sciences
• Biology and Life Sciences
• Computer Science; Learning, Information, and Data Science
• Science Education Research

For Reader (Entry-Level Tenure-Track Position):

• You need a Ph.D. in any sub-area of the six disciplines above, an excellent academic record, and appropriate postdoctoral research experience.
• Your research work should be original and impactful. Outstanding candidates with a fresh Ph.D. may also be considered for entry-level positions in exceptional cases.

For Associate Professor / Professor (Senior and Tenured Positions):

• You need a Ph.D. from a recognised institution along with an outstanding research career that meets international standards.
• You should have proven research leadership and significant post-Ph.D. experience — TIFR will assess you for a tenured position at the level that matches your track record.

Note: Meeting the minimum qualification does not automatically guarantee an interview call, and TIFR reserves the right not to fill a post if no suitable candidate is found.

Selection Process

TIFR follows a rolling, department-led evaluation for faculty hiring:

1. Application Screening: Your application is reviewed by the concerned department, school, or centre as soon as it reaches them.
2. Research Evaluation: Your publications, research record, and academic background are assessed against international standards for the position you have applied to.
3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview before a final hiring decision is made.

Since this is a rolling process, review continues throughout the evaluation period from 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2026 — you do not need to wait for a fixed exam date, and your application can be processed as soon as it is submitted. Because TIFR only hires when it finds the right fit, review timelines can vary by department, so following up with the department after you apply is a good idea.

How to Apply

1. Visit the TIFR positions page at tifr.res.in/positions.
2. Choose the department, school, or centre you want to apply to — options include Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science, High Energy Physics, Nuclear and Atomic Physics, Theoretical Physics, School of Mathematics, School of Technology and Computer Science, TIFR Centre for Applicable Mathematics, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, National Centre for Biological Sciences, and TIFR Hyderabad.
3. Open that department's faculty page for the exact application format and contact details.
4. Send your application directly to the Head of that Department/School/Centre — this is an offline application process, not an online portal.
5. Apply as early as possible since review starts as soon as your application is received, and continues until 31 December 2026.

If TIFR issues any corrigendum for this advertisement, it will be published only on the official website — keep checking tifr.res.in/positions for updates.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Number: 2026/16
• Evaluation Period Start: 1 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 31 December 2026

• Lead an independent research programme in your area of specialisation
• Mentor and guide PhD students at the TIFR Graduate School
• Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals
• Apply for and manage research grants and collaborations
• Design and teach coursework for graduate students
• Present research findings at seminars and conferences
• Collaborate with researchers across TIFR departments and centres
• Contribute to departmental academic planning and mentoring