Research Associate in Experimental High Energy Physics (QCD and Jets), IISER Tirupati
Job Description
IISER Tirupati is recruiting a Research Associate in experimental high energy physics (Research Associate-1, Advertisement No. 74/2026) for an ANRF-funded project led by Dr. Nihar Ranjan Sahoo. The project, “Understanding the topological aspects of extreme QCD matter through their interactions with jets”, studies the hot, dense matter created in relativistic heavy-ion collisions.
Energetic jets lose energy as they travel through this matter, the quark-gluon plasma, so measuring how jets are modified is one of the main ways physicists probe its properties.
At a glance
- Position: Research Associate-1 (one post)
- Where: IISER Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
- Pay: Rs 58,000 per month plus 10% HRA (Rs 42,000 plus 10% HRA if the PhD is awaited)
- Duration: one year, extendable to two
- Apply by: 5 October 2026, 5 PM
About the Research Associate role in high energy physics
The advertisement does not list specific duties, but the project and the qualifications it asks for point to data analysis and simulation work on jets in heavy-ion collisions.
Eligibility
- A PhD in experimental high-energy or nuclear physics. Candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting the degree may also apply
- Evidence of high-quality research during or after the PhD
- Strong computational and data-analysis skills; experience with C++ or Python, ROOT, Monte Carlo event generators used in high energy physics, and Geant4 or related frameworks is preferred
- Research experience in areas such as relativistic heavy-ion collisions at RHIC or the LHC, Electron–Ion Collider physics, jet physics or hard probes is preferred
- Indian nationals, aged 40 or under on the closing date
Fellowship and tenure
- Rs 58,000 per month plus 10% HRA for candidates with a PhD certificate
- Rs 42,000 per month plus 10% HRA if the PhD is awaited, with a letter confirming the thesis has been submitted and the viva is pending
- A nominal research grant
- One year initially, extendable by one more year after a performance review (two years at most)
How to apply
Fill in the prescribed application form, convert it to PDF, and email it to niharsahoo@labs.iisertirupati.ac.in by 5 October 2026, 5 PM, with “Research Associate-1: 74/2026” in the subject line. A CV on its own does not count as a complete application, and no other mode of application is accepted. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email. No TA/DA is paid for the interview, and the selected candidate must join immediately. Read the official IISER Tirupati advertisement before applying.
Browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati
Official advertisement: www.iisertirupati.ac.in
How to prepare for the interview
- Jets in the quark-gluon plasma: explain how jets are modified in heavy-ion collisions and which observables, such as nuclear modification factors, jet substructure and correlations, are used to study it.
- Your analysis pipeline: walk through one analysis from your PhD end to end: event selection, corrections, background subtraction or unfolding, and systematic uncertainties.
- Software: C++ and Python with ROOT, event generators such as PYTHIA or JEWEL, and Geant4-based detector simulation. Mention specific code you wrote.
- The Electron–Ion Collider: know its main physics goals, since the advertisement lists EIC physics among relevant experience.
- A short research talk: prepare 10 to 15 minutes on your thesis, ending with how your skills fit this project.
Before applying, read a few recent papers from the Principal Investigator's group so you can discuss where the project is heading.
About IISER Tirupati
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati is an autonomous institution of national importance under India's Ministry of Education, set up to promote high-quality science education and research. Like the other IISERs, it offers integrated BS-MS and PhD programmes alongside externally funded research projects like this one.
