Research Associate-I in Quantum Computing with Neutral Atoms at NISER (Bhubaneswar)
Job Description
NISER Bhubaneswar is taking one Research Associate-I in the School of Physical Sciences for a DST-funded project on quantum computing using neutral atoms, under advertisement NISER/R&D-314/PH2409/27/2026-27.
At a glance
- Position: Research Associate-I
- Vacancies: 1
- Where: School of Physical Sciences, NISER, Jatni, Odisha
- Stipend: ₹58,000 a month plus HRA
- Age limit: 35 years as on 21 September 2026
- Interview: Online, 21 September 2026 at about 14:30
- Apply by: 10:00 on 21 September 2026
Neutral-atom quantum computing holds individual atoms in optical tweezers and drives them into Rydberg states so that neighbouring atoms interact. It is one of the two or three platforms with a serious claim to scale, and this project is part of India’s national quantum effort, funded by the Department of Science and Technology.
Why this role matters
India has very few experimental neutral-atom groups, and postdoctoral positions on this platform inside the country are rare. The advertisement notes the project is likely to run to 31 March 2031, so although the initial appointment is short, the programme behind it is long. Anyone who wants to build cold-atom expertise without leaving India should look closely at this one.
What the associate will work on
- Experimental and theoretical work on quantum computing using neutral atoms, within the National Quantum Mission project at NISER
- Research in the School of Physical Sciences under the project’s published programme
Eligibility
- PhD in Physics or a relevant area from a recognised institute
- Maximum age 35 years as on 21 September 2026, with relaxation for entitled categories as per rules
- Open to Indian nationals
The position is purely temporary, initially until 31 March 2027, extendable on satisfactory performance and subject to the project being extended; the advertisement says the project is likely to run until 31 March 2031. It is strictly co-terminus with the project and confers no right or claim to any regular NISER post.
Pay and duration
- ₹58,000 a month plus House Rent Allowance as per rules
- Initially until 31 March 2027, extendable with the project
How to apply
Upload the completed application form printed in the advertisement, along with copies of all educational certificates from class 10 onwards and your latest CV, through the Google Form given in the advertisement, by 10:00 on 21 September 2026. The interview is online and the link is shared later. The advertisement is listed on the current temporary positions page at NISER as NISER/R&D-314/PH2409/27/2026-27, and the project description is published on the group’s own website.
Key dates
- Advertisement NISER/R&D-314/PH2409/27/2026-27
- Applications close at 10:00 on 21 September 2026
- Online interview on 21 September 2026 from about 14:30
- Position runs to 31 March 2027 initially
Please read the official NISER advertisement NISER/R&D-314/PH2409/27/2026-27 before applying, and browse more research associate jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar
Official advertisement: www.niser.ac.in
How to prepare for this application
- Move quickly: applications close the same morning as the interview, so this is a days-not-weeks decision.
- Read the project page: the advertisement links the group's project description, and referring to it specifically will separate you from generic applicants.
- Be honest about your platform: if your PhD was on ions or superconducting qubits, say what transfers, such as laser systems, vacuum, control electronics or numerics.
- Prepare for a short online interview: have two or three slides ready on your thesis result and be able to give it in five minutes.
- Certificates from class 10: the advertisement asks for everything from matriculation onwards, so scan them before you start the form.
About NISER Bhubaneswar
The National Institute of Science Education and Research at Jatni, near Bhubaneswar, is an autonomous institution under the Department of Atomic Energy. It teaches integrated master's students in the basic sciences and runs research schools in physical, chemical, biological, mathematical, computer and earth sciences, with project positions funded by agencies such as ANRF, DST and ICMR.
