Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune has invited applications for 3 temporary and contractual project positions under a funded project in the Physics Department. Advertisement No. 81/2026, dated 8 October 2026, covers Senior Project Associate, Project Associate-II and Project Assistant, with one vacancy for each post.
The appointments are initially for 6 months and may be extended subject to satisfactory performance and continuation of the project. Post-wise consolidated emoluments range from ₹27,000 to ₹57,000 per month plus 30% House Rent Allowance (HRA). Applications must be sent by email in the prescribed format on or before 22 October 2026.
IISER Pune Project Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune |
| Advertisement No. | 81/2026 |
| Advertisement date | 8 October 2026 |
| Department | Physics |
| Total posts | 3 |
| Posts | Senior Project Associate, Project Associate-II, Project Assistant |
| Nature of appointment | Temporary and contractual |
| Initial tenure | 6 months |
| Extension | Subject to satisfactory performance and project continuation |
| Location | IISER Pune, Maharashtra |
| Application mode | Email in prescribed format |
| Last date | 22 October 2026 |
| Interview | Online through Zoom for shortlisted candidates |
Post-wise Vacancy, Qualification, Pay and Age
| Post | Posts | Minimum qualification | Emoluments | Upper age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Project Associate | 1 | PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or related areas | ₹57,000 + 30% HRA per month | 40 years |
| Project Associate-II | 1 | PhD in Physics/Chemistry/Materials Science or related areas; or MSc in these subjects with 2 years' R&D experience | ₹42,000 + 30% HRA per month | 40 years |
| Project Assistant | 1 | BE in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering; or MSc in Physics/Chemistry/Materials Science or related areas | ₹27,000 + 30% HRA per month | 35 years |
| Total | 3 | Post-specific | Post-specific | Post-specific |
The age ceilings are specified as on the last date of application, 22 October 2026. Candidates can use Regal Naukri's Age Calculator with that date before applying.
Senior Project Associate Eligibility
The Senior Project Associate position requires a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related area.
Candidates with hands-on experience in energy materials, analytical techniques and data analysis will be preferred. The role involves developing, testing and optimising materials for next-generation energy-material applications.
The notified emoluments are ₹57,000 per month plus 30% HRA, and the upper age limit is 40 years.
Project Associate-II Eligibility
Candidates can qualify for Project Associate-II through either of these routes:
- PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related area; or
- MSc in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science with 2 years of R&D experience.
Hands-on experience with battery materials and electrochemical characterisation is preferred. The work involves developing, testing and optimising materials for next-generation batteries.
Applicants using the MSc-plus-experience route can use the Work Experience Calculator to total relevant R&D periods before completing the prescribed application. IISER Pune makes the final decision on whether the experience meets the requirement.
The notified emoluments are ₹42,000 per month plus 30% HRA, with an upper age limit of 40 years.
Project Assistant Eligibility
For Project Assistant, candidates need either:
- BE in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering; or
- MSc in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related area.
Preference is given to applicants with hands-on experience in battery materials, analytical techniques and data analysis. The role focuses on developing, testing and optimising battery materials and batteries.
The notified emoluments are ₹27,000 per month plus 30% HRA, and the upper age limit is 35 years.
Tenure and Nature of Appointment
All three appointments are initially for 6 months. They may be extended for a further period if performance is satisfactory and the funded project continues.
The appointment is purely temporary and ends automatically when the project terminates. Selected candidates do not acquire a claim for regular appointment or absorption in IISER Pune or the funding agency.
Selection Process
IISER Pune will shortlist applicants before interview. Meeting the minimum qualification alone does not guarantee an interview call, and the Project Investigator may restrict the number of candidates based on the recommendations of the Screening Committee.
Shortlisted candidates will be informed by email, and the interview will be conducted online through Zoom. The shortlist, interview date, time and other details will also be placed below the official advertisement on the IISER Pune website.
No TA/DA is payable for participation in the interview.
Application Fee
The official advertisement does not state an application fee for Advertisement No. 81/2026. Candidates should not import a fee rule from another IISER Pune recruitment.
Documents to Keep Ready
The notice states that supporting material will be collected and verified at the appropriate stage.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Educational certificates | Proof of the qualification claimed |
| Experience certificates | Required where experience is part of eligibility or preference |
| Age proof | Verification of the applicable upper-age condition |
| Other relevant testimonials | Support qualifications and relevant experience |
| Recent passport-size colour photograph | Required for verification stage |
Use the Government Job Document Checklist to organise the records that support the information entered in your application.
How to Apply for IISER Pune Project Recruitment 2026
- Read the official IISER Pune Advertisement No. 81/2026 and choose the post that matches your qualification and age.
- Download the prescribed application format from the official opening page and complete it carefully.
- Use the Eligibility Pre-check to compare your profile with the post-specific requirements. If applying for Project Associate-II through the MSc route, verify the two-year R&D condition before submission.
- Convert the completed prescribed application into PDF format.
- Email the PDF application to [IISER Pune Physics project recruitment](mailto:phy_app@iiserpune.ac.in) on or before 22 October 2026.
- In the email subject line, mention “Name of the post and Advt. No. 81/2026”, replacing “Name of the post” with the specific post you are applying for.
- Keep a copy of the sent email and PDF application. Monitor the official opening page for the shortlist and interview schedule.
For broader guidance on keeping qualification and experience evidence ready for verification, see Regal Naukri's government-job documents guide.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement published | 8 October 2026 |
| Last date to email application | 22 October 2026 |
| Shortlist / interview schedule | To be published by IISER Pune |
| Interview mode | Online through Zoom |
Important Candidate Notes
- Apply only in the prescribed IISER Pune format and convert it to PDF before emailing.
- State the post name and Advertisement No. 81/2026 in the email subject.
- Qualifications must be obtained from recognised universities or institutions.
- Mention all relevant educational qualifications and experience in the application; IISER Pune may shortlist applicants above the minimum criteria.
- The number of posts may vary depending on project requirements during selection.
- The competent authority may consider relaxation of experience or age in the circumstances described in the official notice.
- Bringing political or other influence in support of candidature is treated as disqualification.
- Check the official IISER Pune page regularly for updates.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official IISER Pune opening page | Open recruitment page |
| Advertisement No. 81/2026 | Open official PDF |
| Prescribed application format | Download official application form |
| Application email | [Email Physics project recruitment](mailto:phy_app@iiserpune.ac.in) |
| IISER Pune website | Visit IISER Pune |
| Age Calculator | Check post-wise age eligibility |
| Eligibility Pre-check | Review eligibility |
| Work Experience Calculator | Calculate R&D experience |
| Government Job Document Checklist | Organise supporting records |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available under IISER Pune Advertisement 81/2026?
There are 3 vacancies: one Senior Project Associate, one Project Associate-II and one Project Assistant.
What is the last date to apply?
The prescribed application must be emailed on or before 22 October 2026.
What is the salary?
Senior Project Associate receives ₹57,000 + 30% HRA, Project Associate-II receives ₹42,000 + 30% HRA, and Project Assistant receives ₹27,000 + 30% HRA per month.
What qualification is required for Senior Project Associate?
A PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related area is required.
Can an MSc candidate apply for Project Associate-II?
Yes, an MSc in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science is accepted when accompanied by 2 years of R&D experience. A relevant PhD is the alternate qualification route.
What is the qualification for Project Assistant?
Candidates need BE in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or MSc in Physics/Chemistry/Materials Science or related areas.
What are the age limits?
The upper age limit is 40 years for Senior Project Associate and Project Associate-II, and 35 years for Project Assistant, as on the last date of application.
Is the interview online?
Yes. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be conducted online via Zoom.
Is an application fee required?
The official advertisement does not state an application fee.