IIT Kanpur Chemistry Recruitment 2026 has opened a fresh set of project research opportunities in the Department of Chemistry. Three official advertisements posted on 24 September 2026 invite applications for two Project Associate-I roles and two Research Associate-II positions, giving a total of four project positions. The projects cover biomolecular free-energy calculations and quantum/HPC-enabled computational research on battery materials. These are specialised opportunities for candidates from Chemistry, Physics, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry and selected engineering backgrounds.
Department: Chemistry
Total positions covered: 4
Posts: Project Associate-I and Research Associate-II
Projects: ANRF free-energy research and DST SPAARQ Quantum-HPC
Salary: up to ₹61,000 + HRA
Main deadline: 8 October 2026, 11:59 PM
Appointment: Temporary and contractual
IIT Kanpur Chemistry Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Institute | Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur |
|---|---|
| Department | Chemistry |
| Advertisement Date | 24 September 2026 |
| Posts | Project Associate-I; Research Associate-II |
| Total Positions | 4 |
| Highest Listed Pay | ₹61,000 + HRA |
| PI | Dr. Nisanth N. Nair |
| Location | IIT Kanpur, Kanpur |
Vacancy Details
| Advertisement | Post | Positions | Project | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P.Rect./R&D/2026/198 | Project Associate-I | 1 | Efficient Exploration of Free Energy Surfaces | Two weeks from advertisement date |
| P.Rect./R&D/2026/197 | Project Associate-I | 1 | SPAARQ: Software Platforms and Algorithms to accelerate Research in Quantum – HPC | 8 Oct 2026, 11:59 PM |
| P.Rect./R&D/2026/196 | Research Associate-II | 2 | SPAARQ: Software Platforms and Algorithms to accelerate Research in Quantum – HPC | 8 Oct 2026, 11:59 PM |
Project Associate-I – ANRF Free Energy Project
Advertisement P.Rect./R&D/2026/198 invites applications for one Project Associate-I in an ANRF-sponsored project titled “Efficient Exploration of Free Energy Surfaces: New Methods and Algorithms.” According to IIT Kanpur, the work involves biomolecular modelling using a molecular mechanics force field, free-energy calculations and enhanced sampling techniques.
Essential Qualification
Candidates should have a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Biochemistry, or a B.Tech in Biotechnology or Chemical Engineering. IIT Kanpur states that knowledge of biomolecular modelling, molecular-dynamics simulations and Python or other programming languages is desirable.
Salary
The advertised salary is ₹37,000 + 20% HRA for candidates qualified in CSIR-UGC NET or GATE, as per institute/ANRF norms. The advertisement also lists ₹30,000 + 20% HRA under the applicable norms for the other category described in the notice.
Duration
The appointment is for one year and may be extended based on satisfactory performance. It is explicitly described as purely temporary and contractual.
Project Associate-I – DST SPAARQ Quantum-HPC Project
Advertisement P.Rect./R&D/2026/197 offers one Project Associate-I position in the DST-sponsored SPAARQ: Software Platforms and Algorithms to accelerate Research in Quantum – HPC project. The research involves studying battery materials using density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics and machine-learned interatomic potentials (MLIP).
Qualification
The essential qualification is a Master’s in Chemistry, Physics, Material Science or Chemical Engineering, or a B.Tech in Material Science or Chemical Engineering. The team is looking for candidates interested in molecular modelling of condensed-matter systems with strong programming skills.
Desirable Experience
Knowledge of modelling condensed-matter systems using DFT and/or molecular dynamics is desirable. IIT Kanpur specifically states that preference will be given to candidates with experience developing machine-learned interatomic potentials.
Pay and Deadline
The salary is ₹31,000 + 20% HRA as per institute norms. The initial duration is one year and may be extended based on satisfactory performance. Applications must reach the project through the prescribed online form by 8 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Research Associate-II – DST SPAARQ Project
Advertisement P.Rect./R&D/2026/196 is the highest-paying opportunity in this group. IIT Kanpur has advertised two Research Associate-II positions in the same DST SPAARQ project. The work centres on battery materials, DFT, molecular dynamics and MLIP development.
Essential Qualification
Applicants must hold a PhD in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering or Physics. IIT Kanpur is seeking candidates with extensive experience in DFT modelling of condensed-matter systems and strong programming skills.
Desirable Research Profile
Desirable experience includes DFT and/or molecular-dynamics modelling, with preference for candidates who have experience developing MLIPs. The advertisement also asks for a good publication track record in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
Salary and Tenure
The Research Associate-II salary is ₹61,000 + HRA as per institute norms. There are two positions. The appointment is for one year and can be extended subject to satisfactory performance. The deadline is 8 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.
What is the SPAARQ Project?
The advertised title expands SPAARQ as Software Platforms and Algorithms to accelerate Research in Quantum – HPC. In these vacancies, the research application involves computational study of battery materials using modern atomistic and electronic-structure techniques. Candidates interested in computational chemistry, condensed-matter modelling, materials research and scientific computing may find the technical focus particularly relevant.
The notices specifically mention density functional theory, molecular dynamics and machine-learned interatomic potentials. These methods increasingly intersect with high-performance computing and data-driven materials research. Applicants should therefore present genuine evidence of their computational and programming experience where applicable.
About the ANRF Free-Energy Project
The second research stream, supported by ANRF, concerns efficient exploration of free-energy surfaces through new methods and algorithms. The Project Associate-I will work with biomolecular systems, molecular-mechanics force fields, free-energy calculations and enhanced sampling. This makes the role potentially relevant to candidates who have worked in computational chemistry, biophysics, molecular simulation or related areas.
How to Apply
All three official advertisements direct candidates to submit their applications through the online form linked in the respective IIT Kanpur notice or by scanning the QR code shown there. Because each advertisement has a separate application link, candidates should open the exact vacancy they want and use the corresponding form rather than relying on a third-party application link.
For the SPAARQ Project Associate-I and Research Associate-II vacancies, the deadline is 8 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. The ANRF Project Associate-I notice states that applications should be received within two weeks from the date of advertisement. Since the official recruitment listing shows the posting date as 24 September 2026, candidates should apply promptly and verify the live form rather than waiting until the final day.
Selection Process
The IIT Kanpur advertisements state that shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview. This means submitting an application does not itself guarantee an interview. Applicants should ensure that the CV and application clearly demonstrate how their qualifications and technical skills match the advertised project.
How to Prepare a Strong Research Application
For computational research roles, a generic CV is rarely enough. Applicants should clearly list relevant simulation packages, programming languages, computational methods, thesis work and publications. If you have worked with DFT, molecular dynamics, enhanced sampling, Python, scientific computing or MLIPs, describe the project context and your contribution accurately.
Research Associate-II applicants should make their doctoral research and publication record easy to assess. Include accurate citations or links where appropriate. Project Associate candidates should highlight coursework, dissertation work, internships and programming projects that connect directly with the advertised methods.
Who Should Consider These Posts?
The ANRF Project Associate-I vacancy has the broadest listed educational pathways, including relevant master’s degrees as well as B.Tech routes in Biotechnology or Chemical Engineering. The DST SPAARQ Project Associate-I is focused more specifically on chemistry, physics, materials and chemical engineering. The Research Associate-II posts are aimed at PhD holders with substantial computational research experience.
Candidates should choose the vacancy that best matches their actual training rather than applying based only on salary. A close technical match is particularly important in project recruitment because research groups often need someone who can contribute to specialised work quickly.
Documents and Information to Keep Ready
Prepare an updated CV, educational details, qualification certificates, research-experience information, publication list and valid contact details before opening the form. Where the form asks for a statement of experience or research interests, tailor it to the project. Candidates claiming NET or GATE qualification for the higher Project Associate-I remuneration should keep the relevant proof ready.
Important Dates
| Official posting date | 24 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| SPAARQ PA-I deadline | 8 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| SPAARQ RA-II deadline | 8 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| ANRF PA-I | Within two weeks from advertisement date; verify the live application form |
Official IIT Kanpur Links
ANRF Project Associate-I Advertisement 198
DST SPAARQ Project Associate-I Advertisement 197
DST SPAARQ Research Associate-II Advertisement 196
More Research Jobs on CareerSphere
Also check IIT Palakkad Research Staff Recruitment 2026, KSCSTE Project Fellow Recruitment 2026 and IPC Microbiology Internship 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many positions are covered?
Four positions: two Project Associate-I positions across separate projects and two Research Associate-II positions in the DST SPAARQ project.
What is the highest salary?
The Research Associate-II advertisement lists ₹61,000 + HRA as per institute norms.
What is the SPAARQ application deadline?
Both SPAARQ advertisements specify 8 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Are these permanent IIT Kanpur jobs?
No. The advertisements describe the appointments as purely temporary and contractual. Initial tenure is one year, with possible extension based on satisfactory performance.
How will candidates be selected?
The official notices state that shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview.
Final Note
These IIT Kanpur Chemistry vacancies are fresh, specialised research opportunities posted on 24 September 2026. Candidates with strong computational chemistry, molecular simulation, materials modelling or programming backgrounds should compare their profile with the individual advertisement and apply through the official form. Always recheck the IIT Kanpur notice before submission for any update or change.
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