TISS Senior Research Officer Recruitment 2026

About This Job

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is hiring 1 Senior Research Officer for Prayas, a field action project under the Centre for Criminology and Justice, School of Social Work, Mumbai. If you have a Master's degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Sociology, or Law, you can apply online through the Google Form. The appointment is on a 12-month contract, and it may be extended based on performance. The salary is Rs. 70,000 per month, and the last date to apply is 5 July 2026.

TISS Senior Research Officer Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai has released ADVT/TISS/PROJECT/PRAYAS/JUNE/2026 dated 23 June 2026 for the post of Senior Research Officer. Prayas works with people affected by the criminal justice system and supports socio-legal and economic rehabilitation. This role is best suited for someone who can handle research design, field data, analysis, report writing, and publication work in a justice and social work setting.

The post is based in Mumbai, but the notification says the selected person should be willing to travel within and between states. TISS has mentioned that shortlisted candidates will be called for a written test and interview, which may be held offline or online. The selected candidate has to join within 15 days of selection intimation.

This is not a routine desk-only research role. The work is connected with disadvantaged groups being processed by the criminal justice system, so your field sensitivity, documentation discipline, and ability to turn field data into usable reports will matter. If your background is in social work, sociology, law, criminology, public policy, or social science research, this notification is worth checking carefully.

Vacancy Details

• Senior Research Officer: 1 unreserved post at Prayas, TISS Mumbai

Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification

• Qualification: You need a Master's degree in Social Sciences. The notice specifically mentions Master's in Social Work, Sociology, Social Sciences, or Law.
• Preferred Qualification: A Ph.D. or near completion of Ph.D. is preferred, but it is not listed as compulsory.

Research and Language Skills

• Research skills: You should be able to conceptualise research, collect data, analyse data, write reports, and support publications.
• Writing: Good writing skills are important because the role includes documentation and research output.
• Software: Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research software is needed.
• Languages: Good spoken Hindi and spoken and written English are required. Knowledge of Marathi will be an added advantage.
• Work style: You should be able to work both in a team and independently, travel for project work, and meet deadlines.

Age Limit

• The notification does not give a fixed minimum or maximum age limit for this post.
• Relaxation: TISS may relax age in the case of persons already holding comparable positions in a university or reputed research institution.
• What this means for you: Do not assume you are out only because of age; check the official notice and submit if your research profile fits the role.

Salary

• The Senior Research Officer will get a consolidated salary of Rs. 70,000 per month.
• The notification does not mention separate DA, HRA, TA, or other allowances for this contract post.
• The contract period is 12 months and can be extended based on performance and project need.

Selection Process

TISS will first shortlist applications and then call shortlisted candidates for a written test and interview. The notification does not give the written test syllabus, marks, or duration.

1. Application Screening: TISS will check qualification, research skills, language ability, and project fit from the online application.
2. Written Test: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a written test. The test may focus on research, writing, and project-related understanding.
3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will attend an interview in offline or online mode as informed by TISS.
4. Final Joining: The selected candidate must join within 15 days after selection intimation.

How to Apply

1. Open the official Google Form link given in the TISS notification at forms.gle.
2. Fill in your personal details, education, research experience, and contact information carefully.
3. Upload or provide the details requested in the form, including your CV and supporting information if asked.
4. Submit the form before 5 July 2026.
5. If you face a technical issue while filling the form, email prayas@tiss.ac.in.
6. Keep your email and phone active because TISS will inform shortlisted candidates about the written test or interview.

Before submitting: Keep your CV focused on research design, fieldwork, writing, data analysis, publication work, language ability, and any justice-system or social rehabilitation experience. The notice clearly values research software knowledge, travel readiness, and the ability to work with deadlines, so mention these points where they are true for you.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 23 June 2026
• Application Start: 23 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 5 July 2026
• Written Test / Interview Date: To be announced by TISS
• Joining Timeline: Within 15 days of selection intimation

• Handle research design and planning for Prayas project studies
• Prepare tools for data collection, interviews, surveys, and field documentation
• Manage quantitative and qualitative data collection from project locations
• Analyse research data using suitable software and prepare clear findings
• Write reports, research notes, and publication drafts for project use
• Work with field teams, community partners, and justice-system stakeholders
• Follow project timelines, ethical research practices, and TISS reporting standards