Research Associate in Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences at SAC, ISRO (Ahmedabad)

Job Description

The Space Applications Centre is taking six Research Associates for satellite-based weather and ocean research, covering parameter retrieval, data assimilation, numerical ocean modelling and biogeochemical modelling, under advertisement SAC:02:2026 (post code 08).

At a glance

• Position: Research Associate, post code 08
• Vacancies: 6
• Where: Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad
• Stipend: ₹58,000, ₹61,000 or ₹67,000 a month by level, plus HRA
• Age limit: 35 years as on 30 September 2026
• Apply by: 17:00 on 30 September 2026

This is a post-PhD position for people who want to work on the Indian monsoon and the Indian Ocean with satellite data rather than only with models. The scope covers retrieving geophysical parameters such as cloud microphysics, rainfall, winds, temperature and moisture from meteorological satellites; calibration and validation; numerical weather prediction and satellite data assimilation; severe-weather nowcasting; and aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions. Separate strands cover numerical ocean modelling with Observing System Simulation Experiments, and data assimilation for ecosystem, biogeochemical and carbon-cycle modelling.

Why this role matters

Observing System Simulation Experiments decide what sensors future satellites carry, which means this work shapes instruments that have not been built yet. For a new PhD it is a genuine research post with national data behind it.

What the associates will work on

• Geophysical parameter retrieval from meteorological satellite observations, covering cloud microphysical properties, rainfall, winds, temperature and moisture
• Calibration and validation, numerical weather prediction and satellite data assimilation
• Satellite-based techniques for severe weather nowcasting and prediction, studies of Indian summer monsoon processes, and aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions
• Numerical ocean modelling and satellite-based ocean and coastal process studies, including Observing System Simulation Experiments to help design and optimise future ocean-observing sensors
• Data assimilation in ecosystem or biogeochemical modelling and carbon cycles, integrating in-situ observations, satellite remote sensing and computational modelling

Eligibility

• Ph.D. in Oceanic Sciences, Marine Sciences, Environment Modeling, Atmospheric Sciences, Meteorology, Earth System Sciences, Physics or a related discipline
• OR three years of research, teaching, design and development experience after an M.E./M.Tech. in Oceanography, Physical Oceanography, Atmospheric Sciences, Meteorology, Marine Sciences, Environment Modeling or a related discipline, plus at least one paper in a Science Citation Indexed journal
• Maximum age 35 years as on 30 September 2026, with the usual relaxations for SC/ST, OBC-NCL, serving central government employees, persons with benchmark disabilities and ex-servicemen
• Indian nationals only

SAC states that the scope of work given against each post is an outline and not exhaustive, that the number of vacancies is provisional and may go up or down, and that it may cancel the recruitment or leave posts unfilled. The positions are temporary and carry no claim to a regular appointment at any Department of Space or ISRO centre. A fellowship is not a government job with permanent tenure. These posts are temporary, tied to the project or scheme that funds them, and the advertisements say plainly that they confer no claim to a regular post. What they do give you is paid research time inside a national laboratory, and in many cases a route into a PhD. Selection is by interview alone. If many applications arrive, SAC will shortlist on academic record and subject specialisation, and says the committee’s decision is final. Shortlists and the interview schedule are published on the SAC website, and call letters go out only by e-mail, so candidates who are not shortlisted hear nothing. Research Associates are placed at one of three levels and the amount is fixed as a consolidated sum depending on qualification and experience.

Pay and duration

• Research Associate-1: ₹58,000 a month plus HRA
• Research Associate-2: ₹61,000 a month plus HRA
• Research Associate-3: ₹67,000 a month plus HRA
• House Rent Allowance at the rate in force at Ahmedabad if hostel accommodation is not provided, and medical benefits for yourself only

How to apply

Apply online only, through the portal linked from the official ISRO advertisement page for advertisement SAC:02:2026 (the full advertisement PDF lists every post code). The portal is open from 10:00 on 10 September 2026 to 17:00 on 30 September 2026. There is no application fee for any post. Note that the printed advertisement gives the portal as career.sac.gov.in, which does not currently resolve; careers.sac.gov.in does respond, so use the link on the ISRO advertisement page rather than typing the address by hand. After submitting, save your application number and print the summary, because the site closes for printing after 17:00 on 30 September 2026.

Key dates

• Advertisement SAC:02:2026 dated 10 September 2026
• Online portal open from 10:00 on 10 September 2026
• Closes at 17:00 on 30 September 2026
• Your NET or GATE result must be valid on 30 September 2026

Please read the official ISRO advertisement SAC:02:2026 before applying, and browse more research associate jobs on ResearchJobs.in.