IIT Kanpur Project Post-Doctoral Fellow Recruitment 2026

IIT Kanpur Project Post-Doctoral Fellow Recruitment 2026: The Department of Chemical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has invited applications for a Project Post-Doctoral Fellow for the research project “Force field development for high energy materials.” The institute’s official advertisement gives the last date as 25 October 2026. Applicants should read the original notice carefully and send their application and résumé to the email address specified by the project investigator.

This is a project-based appointment, not a permanent faculty or regular institute position. The notice states an initial appointment of one year, with possible extension by mutual consent based on performance. The salary range is ₹60,000–₹85,000, with the stated progression of ₹5,000 and an additional 20% HRA as per institute norms.

Recruitment highlights

Who can apply?

The essential qualification is a PhD in Physics (soft matter), Physical Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. Candidates should also have experience in coding with Python, C and C++, and experience working in a Linux environment. The notice specifically expects a significant background in molecular simulations and thermodynamics, along with experience in quantum/classical molecular simulations.

Familiarity with simulation packages such as LAMMPS and GROMACS is particularly relevant. Applicants should explain their hands-on experience with these tools in the résumé rather than relying only on a list of skills. A doctorate in a related area alone may not be sufficient if the candidate cannot demonstrate the required simulation and coding background.

Nature of work

The selected fellow will work on simulating reactive molecular systems and help develop molecular models, particularly machine-learning potential models. The role also involves collaborating with the software team to integrate the model into the institute’s Material Simulation Platform. It is therefore suited to researchers who can connect physical chemistry or chemical engineering fundamentals with computational modelling and software implementation.

• Carry out simulations of reactive molecular systems.
• Contribute to force-field and molecular-model development.
• Work with machine-learning potential models where relevant to the project.
• Coordinate with the software team on integration into the Material Simulation Platform.
• Use scientific coding and simulation workflows to support the project objectives.

Salary and tenure

The official advertisement lists a salary range of ₹60,000–₹85,000 with 20% HRA as per institute norms. The appointment initially runs for one year. The institute may extend it with mutual consent if performance is satisfactory; an extension should not be assumed to be automatic. Since this is a temporary contractual research post, candidates should review the appointment terms and project duration before accepting an offer.

How to apply

1. Open the official IIT Kanpur advertisement linked below.
2. Confirm that your PhD discipline matches one of the stated fields.
3. Prepare an updated résumé that clearly identifies your research area, molecular-simulation experience, coding skills and use of LAMMPS/GROMACS if applicable.
4. Include relevant research experience, publications and technical skills that directly support the project requirements.
5. Email the application and résumé to jksrecruitment@gmail.com by 25 October 2026.
6. Use the subject line to identify the Project Post-Doctoral Fellow position and advertisement number P.Rect./R&D/2026/202.
7. Keep a copy of the sent email and all attachments for your records.

Contact listed in the advertisement: Dr. Jayant K. Singh, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Kanpur. Telephone: 0512-259-7017. No TA/DA is payable for attending an interview, and only shortlisted candidates will be called. The department reserves the right to set suitable shortlisting criteria.

Documents to prepare

• Current résumé/CV.
• PhD degree certificate or proof of award and relevant academic records.
• Details of doctoral and postdoctoral research, where applicable.
• Summary of coding experience in Python, C and C++.
• Evidence of Linux usage and molecular-simulation experience.
• Relevant publication list and project experience, if available.
• Contact details for professional referees, if requested in the official notice.

This is a practical preparation list, not a substitute for any document requirements in the official advertisement. Submit additional documents only where the institute asks for them.

Selection process

The advertisement says the department will shortlist eligible candidates using suitable criteria and call only shortlisted applicants for interview. It does not promise that every eligible applicant will be interviewed. The notice also says TA/DA will not be paid for attending an interview. Candidates should keep their email and phone reachable after applying and should not treat submission as confirmation of selection.

Common application mistakes to avoid

• Applying with a degree that does not match the specified PhD disciplines without explaining its relevance.
• Listing programming languages without showing what scientific tasks were completed using them.
• Failing to mention relevant simulation packages or the kind of molecular systems studied.
• Sending the application after the deadline or forgetting the résumé attachment.
• Assuming the one-year appointment is permanent or that extension is guaranteed.
• Relying on third-party summaries instead of checking the official notice for any amendment.

Candidate application worksheet

Before sending the email, make a one-page match sheet with three columns: requirement in the advertisement, evidence in your CV, and supporting document. For example, if the notice asks for experience with LAMMPS or GROMACS, name the package and briefly describe the simulation work you performed. If it asks for Python, C and C++, identify a project or research task that demonstrates your use of those languages. This helps the reviewer locate relevant evidence quickly.

Use a clear subject such as “Application – Project Post-Doctoral Fellow – P.Rect./R&D/2026/202”. Keep the message brief: identify the role, state the matching qualification, mention the strongest relevant simulation experience and confirm that the CV is attached. Do not add claims that cannot be supported in an interview.

Applicants exploring other current Uttar Pradesh research openings can also review IIT Kanpur Project Technician Recruitment 2026 and the University of Allahabad Junior Research Assistant recruitment. These are separate advertisements with different eligibility and application procedures.

Important links

Official advertisement: IIT Kanpur Project Post-Doctoral Fellow notice
Official recruitment listing: IIT Kanpur Scientific and Research Staff vacancies
Institute website: www.iitk.ac.in

Frequently asked questions

What is the last date to apply?

The official advertisement gives 25 October 2026 as the last date for receipt of applications.

What qualification is essential?

A PhD in Physics (soft matter), Physical Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, together with the specified coding and molecular-simulation experience.

What is the salary?

The notice states ₹60,000–₹85,000 plus 20% HRA as per institute norms.

Is this a permanent IIT Kanpur job?

No. The advertisement describes a temporary contractual project appointment, initially for one year.

Where should the application be sent?

Email the application and résumé to jksrecruitment@gmail.com, following the instructions in the official notice.

Applicants should verify all requirements and any updates on the official IIT Kanpur website before applying. This article is an informational summary and is not an official recruitment notice.