IUCAA JRF IFU Spectrograph Recruitment 2026

IUCAA JRF IFU Spectrograph Recruitment 2026: Overview

Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) is engaging a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for an ultraviolet spectrograph project supported by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) through its RESPOND programme. The project focuses on designing an Integral Field Unit (IFU) and demonstrating the system in the laboratory, with the main workplace at IUCAA in Pune. An IFU combines imaging with spectroscopy, allowing astronomers to collect spectra from different positions across an extended object, such as a galaxy, instead of observing only a selected point or a narrow slit. The project connects instrument design with laboratory demonstration, bringing together optical and mechanical components for an astronomy application.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Project appointment: You join on a full-time temporary contract tied to this specific research project. The appointment ends with the project, so its continuation depends on the project remaining active.
• Initial tenure: The position is available immediately for one year. IUCAA may extend it for up to two further years after considering your performance and the availability of project funds.
• Possible third-year change: The notice allows appointment at Senior Research Fellow (SRF) level in the third year if you are found suitable. This change is conditional and should not be treated as an automatic progression.
• Main workplace and travel: Your base is IUCAA's instrumentation laboratory. Related work can take you to ISRO centres elsewhere in India, and the notice says some visits may involve extended stays.
• Reporting arrangement: You work closely with scientific staff at IUCAA and ISRO centres, reporting to Prof. A. N. Ramaprakash and Prof. Kanak Saha. The project therefore involves coordination across the participating organisations.
• Project participation: The engagement includes discussions, team meetings, reviews, seminars and conferences alongside laboratory work. These activities are part of the role described in the project notice.

Application Submission Notes

Email your combined application PDF to application@iucaa.in with the subject Application for JRF position under ISRO RESPOND IFU Project. Use the file-naming pattern candidate name_ddmmyyyy_time.pdf, where the digits identify your date of birth and the final part records the creation time. Your referees must email their letters directly to the same application address, so arrange this separately from sending your own file. No automated upload request will be sent to them, and you should make that clear when requesting their support. Send questions about the notice to kanak@iucaa.in.

• Design optical components for the ultraviolet Integral Field Unit spectrograph.
• Develop optomechanical arrangements for the laboratory instrument.
• Assemble components for the IFU demonstration system.
• Test the instrument and assess its laboratory performance.
• Carry out related project work during visits to ISRO centres.
• Discuss results with IUCAA and ISRO scientific teams during reviews and meetings.
• Present project work at relevant seminars and conferences.