Senior Project Associate in Identity Testing for Algebraic Models, NISER Bhubaneswar (ANRF Project)
Job Description
NISER Bhubaneswar is hiring a Senior Project Associate in theoretical computer science for an ANRF-funded project titled “Identity Testing for Algebraic Models”. The post is in the School of Computer Sciences.
At a glance
- Post: Senior Project Associate, one post
- Where: School of Computer Sciences, NISER, Jatni, near Bhubaneswar
- Contact: Dr Anamay Gurunath Tengse
- Pay: ₹57,000 a month + HRA as per rules
- Duration: One year or until the project ends, whichever is earlier
- Apply by: 23 October 2026, 5:00 pm (by email); online interview on 30 October 2026
The advertisement number is NISER/R&D/CS2605/26/2026-27. The project is funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Identity testing asks whether an algebraic expression, such as an arithmetic circuit, is always zero, and it is a central open problem in algebraic complexity.
About the Senior Project Associate post in theoretical computer science
- Research on identity testing for algebraic models of computation
- Work with the project team in the School of Computer Sciences
- Prepare a research statement for the application, covering your current work and future goals
The ad names the project but does not list duties. The points above follow what the ad asks you to send.
Why this role matters
Funded research posts in pure theory are rare in India. This one lets a recent PhD, or a Master’s graduate with R&D experience, work on a well-known open problem for a year with a clear research focus.
Eligibility
- A 4-year Bachelor’s or a Master’s in Mathematics, Engineering, Technology or a related area, plus four years of R&D experience in industry or academia; or
- A PhD in Mathematics, Engineering, Technology or a related area
- Age: up to 50 years on 23 October 2026
- Indian nationals only
The post is temporary and tied to the project. It does not lead to a NISER degree and gives no claim to a NISER job. No TA/DA is paid for the interview or for joining.
Pay and duration
- ₹57,000 a month plus HRA as per rules
- One year or until the project ends, whichever is earlier
How to apply
Email Dr Anamay Gurunath Tengse at anamay@niser.ac.in by 5:00 pm on 23 October 2026. Send the filled application form (pages 2 and 3 of the NISER advertisement), scanned certificates, an updated CV, a research statement, and contact details for at least two referees. The ad asks you to apply as soon as possible. The online interview on Google Meet is on 30 October 2026 at about 10:00 am.
Key dates
- Last date for email applications: 23 October 2026, 5:00 pm
- Online interview: 30 October 2026, about 10:00 am
Please read the official NISER advertisement 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
- Know the core results: the Schwartz–Zippel lemma, why randomised PIT is easy, and why derandomising it is hard.
- Read on circuit classes: read-once branching programs, ROABPs, depth-3 and depth-4 circuits, and known PIT results for them.
- Link PIT to lower bounds: be ready to explain the hardness-versus-randomness connection in simple terms.
- Write a focused research statement: one page on what you have proved or built, and one on what you would try here.
- Line up two referees early: the ad asks for their contacts. See more Research Associate jobs.
About NISER
The National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) is an autonomous institute under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. It was set up in 2007 and its campus is at Jatni, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is affiliated to the Homi Bhabha National Institute.
