IIT Madras Project Associate I Photonics 2026

IIT Madras Project Associate I Recruitment 2026: Overview

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is engaging a Project Associate I in the Department of Electrical Engineering for hands-on research in optical communication and photonic technology. You will work with Prof. Deepa Venkitesh's group in Chennai, where the project combines laboratory testing, optical-system characterisation and MATLAB-based analysis. The role is built around experimental photonics, so it suits someone who wants research experience with lasers, fibre systems and advanced measuring instruments rather than a general administrative assignment.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Contract tenure: The engagement starts for one year and may be extended if your performance and the project's needs support it. Finishing the contract does not create a right to extension, regularisation or a permanent IIT Madras post.
• Shortlisting: IIT Madras may limit the candidate pool by considering qualifications, relevant experience and academic achievements above the stated minimum. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
• Selection flexibility: The institute decides whether screening will use a test, an interview or another suitable method. Being called for an assessment does not guarantee selection.
• Experience assessment: Only experience earned after the minimum qualifying degree is normally considered. The institute may relax a requirement for an exceptionally strong candidate and may apply the notified discretion for SC or ST candidates where suitable applicants are scarce.
• Citizenship: Indian citizens can apply. Subjects of Nepal and certain people who migrated from Pakistan to settle permanently in India need the prescribed Government of India eligibility certificate for appointment.
• Current project staff: If you already work on an IIT Madras project, apply through the proper channel and be ready to produce a no-objection certificate when called.
• Information supplied: Your eligibility remains provisional until IIT Madras checks the claims and documents in your form. False or suppressed information can lead to cancellation or termination.
• Communication: Keep your registered email active because the institute uses email for recruitment correspondence. Canvassing or repeated applications for the same advertisement can disqualify you.
• Institute discretion: IIT Madras may leave the advertised position unfilled and may correct or withdraw a recruitment communication if an error is found.
• Inclusive hiring: The institute says it aims for a gender-balanced workforce and specifically encourages women candidates to apply.

Application Submission Notes

Use the IIT Madras project recruitment portal and choose Advertisement 162/2026 before sending the online form. The portal accepts one application per registered email for an advertisement, and a submitted form cannot be edited or reversed.

Save a printout of the submitted form for document checking, a test or an interview if you are called. Do not post the hard copy to IIT Madras; the recruitment office accepts the application online and asks for the printout only at the later assessment stage.

• Conduct testing and performance evaluation of optical communication systems and photonic components
• Set up and troubleshoot optical-fibre experiments and laboratory testbeds
• Operate laser sources, optical spectrum analysers, oscilloscopes and related instruments
• Perform optical and electrical spectrum analysis with accurate measurements
• Develop MATLAB code for simulation, signal processing and data analysis
• Prepare clear visualisations and technical records from experimental results