Postdoc / Research Associate in Condensed Matter Theory (Quantum Matter, Active Matter), IOP Bhubaneswar

Job Description

These postdoc positions in condensed matter theory are in the Condensed Matter Physics Theory (CMPT) group at the Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar. IOP is hiring several postdocs or Research Associates. One area is quantum condensed matter; the other is active matter, biological physics and complex systems.

At a glance

• Posts: Multiple Postdoctoral / Research Associate positions (number not stated)
• Where: CMPT group, Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
• Pay: ₹58,000 (RA-I), ₹61,000 (RA-II) or ₹67,000 (RA-III), plus ₹60,000 a year contingency
• Tenure: 1 year, extendable to a second and possibly a third year
• Apply by: 31 October 2026, by email

The posts are under the DAE project “Research and development on cutting-edge topics in theoretical and experimental physics” at IOP. The ad gives its UID as “RIO 4004”. The ad has no advertisement number or issue date. It is a separate call from IOP’s experimental condensed matter (CMPE) postdoc ad.

About the condensed matter theory research areas

• Quantum condensed matter: topological quantum matter, quantum transport, frustrated magnetism, quantum thermodynamics, disordered systems, correlated electrons and Floquet systems
• Active matter, biological physics and complex systems: active matter, physics of living systems, pattern formation and non-equilibrium phase transitions; also magnetic systems modelling, hysteresis and rheology
• Contribute to the project, along with other academic duties at IOP suited to the post

For quantum matter, the ad wants a strong theory background and peer-reviewed papers, with analytical or computational skills. For active matter, it lists stability analysis, pseudo-spectral and finite-element methods, molecular dynamics and agent-based simulations. For magnetic and complex systems, it lists equilibrium statistical physics, phase transitions, magnetism and complex fluids.

Why this role matters

Topological matter, quantum transport and correlated electrons underpin future quantum devices. A theory postdoc here comes with a contingency grant and a group of several faculty. It is a solid step towards a faculty post in India.

Eligibility

• A completed PhD, or a submitted PhD thesis
• You must show a PhD degree or provisional certificate before joining
• Peer-reviewed papers in your area are expected
• No age limit is stated in the advertisement

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, a research presentation, or both. For questions, the ad names four faculty contacts: A. Saha, S. Mandal, D. Chaudhuri and G. Tripathy, with their IOP email addresses.

Pay and duration

• ₹58,000 for RA-I (straight after the PhD)
• ₹61,000 for RA-II (one year of postdoctoral experience)
• ₹67,000 for RA-III (two or more years of postdoctoral experience)
• The ad gives these figures without a period; it says they follow IOP and Department of Atomic Energy norms
• Plus a contingency grant of ₹60,000 a year
• Campus housing if available; HRA at institute rates if you live off campus
• First appointment for one year; a second year after review, and possibly a third (full or shorter) if funds allow

How to apply

Email cmpth@iopb.res.in with: a CV that states your PhD status (awarded, submitted or to be submitted); a list of publications; a research statement of at most two pages; and a cover letter. Ask at least two referees to send letters straight to cmpth@iopb.res.in by the deadline.

Key dates

• Last date to apply: 31 October 2026
• Reference letters: due at the same address by the same date

Please read the official IOP Bhubaneswar advertisement (PDF) before applying, and browse more postdoc jobs on ResearchJobs.in.