Postdoctoral Fellow in Atmospheric and Space Physics (Nitric Oxide Cooling) at IIT Roorkee
Job Description
IIT Roorkee’s Department of Physics invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in atmospheric and space physics, studying how nitric oxide radiative emissions cool the thermosphere and mesosphere, under the mentorship of Prof. M.V. Sunil Krishna.
At a glance
- Position: Postdoctoral Fellow
- Research focus: Study of thermospheric and mesospheric cooling by nitric oxide radiative emissions
- Pay: Rs 80,000 per month for two years, plus a contingency grant of Rs 50,000 a year
- Duration: Two years
- Apply by: 25 September 2026 (Friday); the department intends to fill the post by 10 October 2026
- Advertisement: Phys/SWAL/PDF/26-27, dated 19 August 2026
Nitric oxide in the upper atmosphere radiates infrared energy to space, and during geomagnetic storms this emission rises sharply, acting as a natural thermostat for the thermosphere. Understanding it matters for space weather, satellite drag and models of the whole atmosphere, and it draws on satellite observations, ground-based data and global models.
About the postdoctoral role
- Combine satellite and ground-based data with global models to better understand atmospheric phenomena
- Use data analysis, numerical and analytical modelling, and programming throughout
The department wants a strong background in atmospheric and space physics, especially space weather and the structure, dynamics and processes of the mesosphere and thermosphere. Experience with global atmospheric models such as TIE-GCM, WACCM-X or CESM is an added advantage. Postdoctoral fellows are registered as IIT Roorkee students for access to the hospital, computer centre, library and sports facilities.
Eligibility
- Ph.D. in Physics, Atmospheric Physics, Space Physics, Computational Physics or Meteorology
- Candidates who have submitted their thesis may apply, but must show proof of the Ph.D. award at the interview if shortlisted
- Only Indian nationals may apply
Candidates called for discussion or interview are reimbursed 2nd AC train or bus fare within India by the shortest route, on producing tickets or the PNR number. The selected candidate is expected to join as soon as the offer letter is issued.
Pay and duration
- Rs 80,000 per month for the first two years
- Contingency grant of Rs 50,000 a year
How to apply
Email a cover letter, your CV, a list of publications (with the most significant highlighted) and a research statement on your past research and future plans in the context of the project to the Professor and Head, Department of Physics, at physics_office@iitr.ac.in, with a copy to mv.sunilkrishna@ph.iitr.ac.in.
Key dates
- Applications close: 25 September 2026 (Friday)
- The department intends to fill the position by 10 October 2026
Please read the official IIT Roorkee advertisement (PDF) before applying, and browse more postdoctoral fellowships on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
Official advertisement: iitr.ac.in
How to prepare for this application
- Nitric oxide chemistry: how it forms and is destroyed in the lower thermosphere, and why its emission responds to geomagnetic activity.
- Observations: satellite infrared limb measurements and how they are used to estimate cooling rates.
- Space weather drivers: solar flux and geomagnetic indices, and what happens to the thermosphere during a storm.
- Models: the basics of TIE-GCM or WACCM-X, even if you have not run them yourself.
- Code and data: bring an example of a data analysis or modelling pipeline you wrote, in Python, Fortran, IDL or similar.
About IIT Roorkee
IIT Roorkee traces its roots to Roorkee College, set up in 1847 and renamed the Thomason College of Civil Engineering in 1854. It became the country's first technical university in 1948, as the University of Roorkee, and was converted into an Indian Institute of Technology on 21 September 2001, when it was recognised as an Institution of National Importance. Much of its research, like this post, runs through externally sponsored projects.
