IISER Pune Research Associate Recruitment 2026 — 1 Post, Walk-in 12 Aug

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune (IISER Pune) has released its Research Associate Recruitment 2026 notification under Advertisement No. 64/2026, for 1 contractual vacancy in a genuinely specialised research area — Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, with specific specialisation in the optics of layered semiconductors. This is a research-heavy fundamental physics posting rather than an applied or engineering role, reflecting IISER Pune's core strength in basic sciences research. Candidates need a Ph.D. specifically in this niche subfield, and given the narrow specialisation required, this notification is likely aimed at candidates who completed their doctoral work in optical properties of two-dimensional or layered semiconductor materials — an active and growing area of condensed matter physics research globally. Selection for this IISER Pune Research Associate 2026 post runs entirely through a Walk-in Interview scheduled for 12 August 2026, with no separate written test, a lean process appropriate for a single-vacancy, highly specialised research position where the hiring Principal Investigator can directly assess a candidate's specific expertise. Eligible candidates should report directly for the walk-in interview at IISER Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, on 12 August 2026, carrying all original documents along with one set of self-attested photocopies — ID proof, educational certificates, experience certificates where applicable, and category certificate if applicable. There is no application fee for any category. Compensation is Rs. 47,000 per month plus 24% HRA, positioned well within the standard Research Associate pay band for premier Indian science institutes, with the maximum age capped at 35 years, though relaxation is possible for candidates with higher qualification or experience with prior approval. Candidates should download and read the complete official notification PDF beforehand to confirm the exact reporting time and venue details on campus.

Research Associate: Ph.D. in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, with specialisation in the optics of layered semiconductors.

• Maximum Age Limit: 35 years
• Age relaxation commensurate with higher qualification/experience may be considered with prior approval of the competent authority

• Ph.D. in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, specifically in optics of layered semiconductors
• Age not exceeding 35 years, with relaxation possible for candidates with higher qualification/experience, subject to prior approval of the competent authority
• Candidates should have hands-on experimental experience with optical characterisation techniques relevant to layered/2D semiconductor materials, given the highly specific subfield required

Required Documents: all original documents plus one full set of self-attested photocopies — Ph.D. degree certificate and thesis details, valid photo ID proof, publication list if available, experience certificates where applicable, and category certificate if claiming age relaxation. Important Instructions: candidates should be prepared to discuss their doctoral research and specific experimental techniques in detail during the walk-in interview, since the highly specialised nature of this post means the hiring committee will likely probe deeply into subject-matter expertise rather than conduct a generic HR-style interview; and candidates should reach the venue well ahead of the stated reporting time, as walk-in interviews are typically processed in the order candidates register.

No application fee is mentioned in the official notification for any category.

• Research Associate: Rs. 47,000 per month, plus 24% House Rent Allowance
• The position is contractual, tied to the duration of the sponsoring research project in condensed matter physics

1. Read the official IISER Pune notification carefully to confirm your Ph.D. specialisation genuinely matches the optics of layered semiconductors requirement
2. Report at IISER Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, on 12 August 2026 as per the reporting time mentioned in the notification
3. Carry all original documents along with one full set of self-attested photocopies, including ID proof, Ph.D. certificate, and any publication record
4. Bring your category certificate if you are claiming age relaxation based on higher qualification or experience
5. Arrive well in advance of the scheduled time to complete registration formalities before the interview
6. Keep extra passport-size photographs ready in case they are required at the venue
7. Appear for the Walk-in Interview and present your original documents for verification before the panel