Research Associate Fellowships 2026, IGCAR Kalpakkam (8 Projects: Pyroprocessing, Fuel Alloys, Quantum, Radiation Biology)

Job Description

IGCAR Kalpakkam has opened Research Associate fellowships for 2026. There are 8 projects in chemistry, physics, engineering and life sciences. Fellows get Rs 58,000 a month and a Rs 60,000 yearly grant. Apply by email by 31 October 2026.

At a glance

• Position: Research Associate, 8 fellowships (indicative), one per project
• Where: Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
• Pay: Rs 58,000 a month plus Rs 60,000 a year contingency grant
• Duration: 2 years, plus 1 more year on good performance
• Who: PhD holders (most projects) or M.Tech holders (two engineering projects)
• Apply by: 31 October 2026, by email

The advertisement is No. IGCAR/04/2026. It opened on 7 October 2026. IGCAR is a Department of Atomic Energy centre that develops fast reactor technology. Selection is by interview at Kalpakkam.

The eight IGCAR Research Associate projects

• PC-01: phosphoryl and sulphur-based extractants for actinides and fission products. PhD in chemistry (organic synthesis)
• PC-02: chemical and electrochemical study of used LiCl-KCl molten salt, for recycling in pyroprocessing. PhD in chemistry; molten salt electrochemistry, CV and EIS
• PC-03: quantum secure direct telemetry over optical fibre. PhD in physics; experimental quantum communication
• PC-04: hybrid plasmonic and 2D TMDC semiconductors for sensors. PhD in physics with nanomaterial synthesis
• PC-05: defect analysis in CdZnTe crystals for gamma-ray detectors. PhD in physics
• PC-06: phase changes in cast U-Zr and U-Pu-Zr fuel slugs, to tune injection casting. M.Tech in metallurgy
• PC-07: a remote deployment module for an in-service inspection crawler. M.Tech in mechanical engineering
• PC-08: biological effects of chronic low-dose radiation on plants and animals in Tamil Nadu’s high background radiation areas. PhD in life science, zoology, biotechnology, molecular biology or allied field

Why this role matters

DAE fellowships pay well, come with housing and a research grant, and give access to facilities few universities have. The pyroprocessing and fuel-slug projects are central to India’s fast reactor and closed fuel cycle plans. For a fresh PhD or M.Tech, this is a strong first post.

Eligibility

• The qualification listed for your chosen project code (above)
• Maximum age: 35 years. Age, qualification and experience are counted on 31 October 2026. The ad states no category relaxation
• The fellowship is not given to scholars who have submitted a PhD thesis and are waiting for its evaluation
• Government and PSU employees must show a no-objection certificate at document checks

The pay clause calls the fellows “Research Scholars”. On the recruitment page, one icon for this advertisement links to an older JRF PDF; use the Research Associate PDF linked here. The fellowship gives no right to a regular job at DAE.

Pay and duration

• Rs 58,000 a month for the whole tenure
• Contingency grant of Rs 60,000 a year for books, software, hardware, journals and conference travel
• Subsidised hostel, or family housing in deserving cases
• Eligible for the DAE Contributory Health Service Scheme
• 2 years at first, plus 1 more year on satisfactory performance

How to apply

Print the application form from the IGCAR recruitment page (it is also on pages 8 to 10 of the ad). Email scans of the filled form and enclosures to jrfrect@igcar.gov.in with the subject “Research Associate Position”. Your thesis supervisor must email one referee report directly to the same address by 7 November 2026, quoting your name. Call letters come by email only.

Key dates

• Opening date: 7 October 2026
• Last date for applications: 31 October 2026
• Last date for the referee report: 7 November 2026
• Interviews: at Kalpakkam, for screened-in candidates

Please read the official IGCAR advertisement (PDF) before applying, and browse more Research Associate jobs on ResearchJobs.in.