Junior Research Fellow in Quantum Computing for Smart Grids, IIT Ropar (NQM Project)
Job Description
IIT Ropar is recruiting four Junior Research Fellows (JRF) in quantum computing for a three-year research project funded by India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM). The project sits where smart-grid power systems meet quantum computing, with a focus on quantum and hybrid quantum-classical approaches to optimisation and real-time power-system applications.
At a glance
- Positions: four JRFs (three SRF posts are advertised separately)
- Where: IIT Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab
- Project: three years, funded by the National Quantum Mission
- Apply by: 18 September 2026, through the online form
About the JRF role in quantum computing for power grids
Power grids have to balance supply and demand continuously, and problems such as Optimal Power Flow become computationally demanding as grids grow and change in real time. This project asks whether quantum and hybrid quantum-classical algorithms can help. The fellows will:
- Develop and test hybrid quantum-classical optimisation algorithms for dynamic power grids
- Model real-time OPF problems and simulate them on hybrid quantum-classical systems
- Build computational models, run experiments and analyse the results
- Write research papers, project reports and technical documentation
- Work with researchers across power systems, quantum computing and related fields
Eligibility
An M.E., M.Tech or M.S. (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Science Engineering or a related discipline, with First Division as defined by the awarding institution. A specialisation in power systems, power electronics or control systems is preferred.
A valid GATE/NET or equivalent national-level qualification is preferred. Candidates without one may, subject to institute rules and funding, be considered for another project staff category at the applicable pay. Reservations and relaxations follow Government of India norms.
Skills that will help
- Power-system optimisation and Optimal Power Flow (OPF) analysis
- Python and quantum-computing frameworks such as Qiskit, PennyLane or Cirq
- Basic machine learning or hybrid classical-quantum modelling
- Power-system simulation tools such as PSCAD, RTDS, MATPOWER or DIgSILENT
- IoT-based data acquisition or real-time power-system data processing
How to apply
Apply online through the form given in the official IIT Ropar advertisement by 18 September 2026, and upload all supporting documents. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The advertisement does not state the fellowship amount.
Explore more JRF positions on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Indian Institute of Technology Ropar
Official advertisement: www.iitrpr.ac.in
How to prepare for this JRF interview
- Power-flow basics: be able to write down the OPF problem (objective, power-balance equations, line and voltage limits) and explain why it is hard to solve quickly at scale.
- Quantum optimisation: know how an optimisation problem is mapped to QUBO or Ising form, and how QAOA and variational algorithms work at a high level.
- Hands-on code: build a small Qiskit or PennyLane notebook that solves a toy optimisation problem, and be ready to walk the panel through it.
- Simulation tools: mention concrete MATPOWER, PSCAD or DIgSILENT work, including results you obtained.
- Your M.Tech project: a two-minute summary covering the problem, your method and what you would do differently.
About IIT Ropar
The Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, in Rupnagar, Punjab, is one of the IITs established in 2008. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes across engineering and the sciences, and hosts externally funded projects such as this National Quantum Mission project.
