IISER Pune Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for Junior Research Fellow and Post Doctoral Fellow Posts

Important Dates

Keeping track of key dates is essential for a successful application. Ensure you mark these deadlines to avoid missing out on this opportunity.

Candidates are advised to submit their applications well before the last date to prevent any last-minute technical issues. Keep an eye on the official IISER Pune website for updates regarding shortlisting and interview dates.

Vacancy Details

IISER Pune has announced a total of 02 vacancies for research positions in the Department of Chemistry. These positions are project-specific and offer a chance to engage in focused research work.

The Junior Research Fellow position is for a project titled “Lightening Arylidene Diazosuccinimides: Photoinduced Generation of Carbenes and Radicals to access Pyromellitic Diimide (PMDI) based Luminophors and Bioactive Organic Compounds.” The Post-Doctoral Fellow position is specifically for a woman Ph.D. scholar, working on the project “Photoinduced Generation of Carbenes and Radicals to Access Potential Bioactive Organic Compounds.” Both roles are purely temporary and contractual.

Eligibility

Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first and most crucial step for any applicant. Carefully review the requirements for each post to ensure you qualify before applying.

• For Junior Research Fellow (JRF): You must hold an M.Sc. degree in General Chemistry or Organic Chemistry with a minimum of 60% marks. Additionally, you need to have qualified a valid National Level Test. This typically refers to exams like CSIR-UGC NET (including lectureship) or GATE, which are standard requirements for JRF positions in India.
• For Post-Doctoral Fellow: You should possess a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry or a closely related field. Candidates who have already submitted their Ph.D. thesis are also eligible to apply, which is a common provision for Post-Doctoral roles, allowing them to apply while awaiting their final degree.

• For JRF: Candidates with prior experience or a strong background in Organic Synthesis or Synthetic Organic Chemistry will be given preference. This means practical experience in laboratory work related to synthesizing organic compounds would be highly beneficial.
• For Post-Doctoral Fellow: Preference will be given to candidates with experience in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry, particularly those who have worked with diazo compounds, visible light catalysis, or metal catalysis. This indicates a need for specialized research skills relevant to the project.

• This specific Post-Doctoral Fellow position is reserved for a woman candidate. Furthermore, the candidate's family income should not exceed ₹15 lakh per annum. These are important conditions to note for eligibility.

Ensure you meet all these conditions precisely. Any discrepancy could lead to your application being rejected.

Age Limit

The age limits are clearly defined for each post. It is crucial to calculate your age as of the specified cutoff date to confirm your eligibility.

Your age will be calculated based on the last date for application, which is 23rd July 2026. This means you should not have completed 28 years for the JRF post and 35 years for the Post-Doctoral Fellow post on this specific date. The official notification does not mention any age relaxation for reserved categories for these specific temporary positions. Therefore, all applicants must adhere strictly to the stated maximum age limits.

Application Fee

Candidates often look for details regarding application fees. It is important to know if any payment is required to complete your application.

The official notification does not specify any application fee for these positions. Therefore, it is presumed that there is no application fee required to apply for the Junior Research Fellow and Post-Doctoral Fellow posts at IISER Pune. Always refer to the official notification for the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees.

Selection Process

The selection process for these research positions is straightforward, focusing on evaluating candidates' qualifications and suitability for the projects.

After the application deadline, IISER Pune will review all submitted applications. Candidates will be shortlisted based on their educational qualifications, age, experience, and how well their profiles match the specific requirements and preferences for each project. Only those candidates who meet all the essential criteria and are deemed most suitable will be shortlisted for the next stage. The list of shortlisted candidates will be uploaded on the institute's official website, and they will also be informed via email.

Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. This stage is crucial for assessing your research aptitude, subject knowledge, communication skills, and overall fit for the project and the institute's research environment. The interview panel will evaluate your understanding of the research area, your past work, and your potential contributions to the project. The date and mode of the interview will be intimated to the shortlisted candidates.

It is important to note that no Travel Allowance (TA) or Dearness Allowance (DA) will be paid for attending the interview. Candidates should be prepared to make their own arrangements for travel and accommodation.

Salary

Understanding the emoluments and tenure is vital when considering a research position. IISER Pune offers competitive stipends for these temporary roles.

For the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position, selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of ₹37,000/-, along with a 30% House Rent Allowance (HRA). The tenure for this position is specified as "Upto 13.02.2027". This means the appointment is for a fixed duration until that date.

For the Post-Doctoral Fellow position, the emoluments are ₹72,000/- per month. However, if you are applying as an SRF (Senior Research Fellow) or if you are a candidate who has submitted your thesis but not yet received your Ph.D. degree, the stipend will be ₹53,340/- per month. The tenure for this role is "Upto 31.03.2027" and is extendable, indicating a possibility of extension based on project requirements and performance. These emoluments are designed to support researchers adequately during their temporary engagement with the institute.

Documents Required

While the application itself is via email with a prescribed format, certain documents are explicitly mentioned for the interview stage. It is wise to prepare these in advance. Additionally, some documents are generally required for any application process.

• Duly filled prescribed application format: This is the primary document to be sent via email. Ensure it is completely filled and converted to PDF.
• Passport size photograph: A recent passport-size photograph is generally required for application forms and for identification during the interview.
• Signature: Your scanned signature will be needed for the application form.
• All educational certificates & mark sheets: From matriculation onwards, including M.Sc. degree and National Level Test qualification for JRF, and Ph.D. degree/thesis submission proof for Post-Doctoral Fellow.
• Proof of age: Typically, your 10th standard mark sheet or birth certificate serves as valid age proof.
• Experience certificates: If you have relevant research or work experience, especially in the preferred areas mentioned, provide certificates to support your claims.
• Publications: If you have any research publications, keep a list or copies ready, as these are important for research profiles.
• Valid ID proof: A government-issued photo ID such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License.

Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and ready for submission or verification as required. For the email application, only the filled application format in PDF is explicitly mentioned. Other documents will be needed at the time of the interview.

How to Apply

The application process for IISER Pune JRF and Post-Doctoral Fellow positions is entirely online via email. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is submitted correctly:

1. Download Application Format: First, visit the official IISER Pune website (www.iiserpune.ac.in). Navigate to the recruitment section and locate Advertisement No. 52/2026. Download the prescribed application format provided under this advertisement.
2. Fill the Application Form: Carefully fill out all the required details in the downloaded application format. Ensure all information, including personal details, educational qualifications, experience, and project preferences, is accurate and complete.
3. Convert to PDF: Once the form is completely filled, convert it into a single PDF document. Make sure the PDF is clear and readable.
4. Prepare Email: Open your email client. The application must be sent to the specified email address: .
5. Set Subject Line: This is a critical step. The subject line of your email must be exactly: “Name of the Post and Advt. No.52/2026”. For example, if applying for JRF, it would be “Junior Research Fellow and Advt. No.52/2026”. If applying for Post-Doctoral Fellow, it would be “Post-Doctoral Fellow and Advt. No.52/2026”.
6. Attach Application: Attach the duly filled application format in PDF format to your email.
7. Send Email: Send the email on or before the last date, 23rd July 2026. It is advisable to send it well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical glitches.
8. Confirmation: Keep a copy of the sent email for your records. Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email only, and a list will also be uploaded on the institute website.

Remember, incomplete applications or those with incorrect subject lines may not be considered. Pay close attention to every detail.

Important Instructions

Candidates often overlook crucial instructions that can impact their application. Pay attention to these points to ensure a smooth application process and avoid disqualification:

• Verify Eligibility: Before applying, thoroughly check if you meet all the educational qualifications, age limits, and specific criteria for the post you are interested in.
• Temporary Engagement: Understand that these are purely temporary and contractual engagements. There is no claim for permanent absorption into IISER Pune.
• No TA/DA for Interview: If shortlisted for an interview, no Travel Allowance (TA) or Dearness Allowance (DA) will be provided. Plan your travel and accommodation accordingly.
• No Canvassing: Any attempt to influence the selection process through canvassing in any form will lead to immediate disqualification.
• Accurate Information: Ensure all information provided in your application form is accurate and verifiable. False information can lead to rejection at any stage.
• Correct Subject Line: The email subject line is critical. Use the exact format specified: “Name of the Post and Advt. No.52/2026”.
• Single PDF Format: The application format must be sent as a single PDF document. Do not send multiple attachments or other file formats.
• Check Official Website: Regularly visit the official IISER Pune website for any updates, announcements, or lists of shortlisted candidates.
• Save Application Copy: Always keep a copy of your submitted application form and the sent email for future reference.
• Read Notification Carefully: This article provides a summary, but the official notification is the ultimate source of truth. Read it completely before applying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for government jobs can be competitive, and even small errors can lead to rejection. Be mindful of these common mistakes to ensure your application is processed successfully:

• Missing the Deadline: Submitting your application after 23rd July 2026 will result in automatic rejection. Always aim to apply a few days in advance.
• Incorrect Email Subject Line: Failing to use the exact subject line “Name of the Post and Advt. No.52/2026” can cause your application to be overlooked or misfiled.
• Incomplete Application Form: Not filling all mandatory fields in the prescribed application format can lead to your application being considered incomplete.
• Sending Wrong File Format: The notification clearly states to send the application in PDF format. Sending it in Word, JPEG, or any other format will likely lead to rejection.
• Not Meeting Eligibility: Applying without thoroughly checking all eligibility criteria (education, age, specific preferences) is a waste of time and resources.
• Attaching Multiple Files: The instruction implies sending the "duly filled prescribed application format... in PDF format". Avoid attaching multiple separate documents unless explicitly asked.
• Not Checking Updates: Failing to regularly check the IISER Pune website for shortlist announcements or interview schedules can cause you to miss important communications.
• Providing False Information: Any discrepancy or false information found in your application or documents will lead to immediate disqualification.

By being meticulous and following instructions precisely, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful application.