Senior Project Associate in On-Chip Photonic Quantum Computing, IIT Delhi (NQM Project, Prof. Awanish Pandey)

Job Description

This senior project associate job in photonic quantum computing is at the Optics and Photonics Centre, IIT Delhi. The National Quantum Mission project builds an on-chip photonic quantum processor. It suits an MTech with R&D experience, or a PhD.

At a glance

• Post: Senior Project Associate, 1 post
• Where: Optics and Photonics Centre, IIT Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
• Pay: ₹42,000 a month + HRA at 27%
• Duration: Renewed yearly, up to the project end (31 March 2031)
• Apply by: 21 October 2026, 5:00 pm, by email

The project is “On-chip photonic quantum processor for next generation quantum computing and information processing” (RP04963G_SN). The Department of Science and Technology funds it under the National Quantum Mission (NQM). The Principal Investigator is Prof. Awanish Pandey of the Optics and Photonics Centre. The project runs up to 31 March 2031. The advertisement is IITD/IRD/262/2026, dated 5 October 2026. It is open to Indian nationals only.

About the photonic quantum processor project

• Work on photonic integrated circuits for quantum computing and information processing
• Design and simulate on-chip devices, and take part in fabrication
• Build and run optical and microwave test set-ups
• Guide junior project staff and help write project reports

The advertisement does not list duties. The points above describe typical work at this level on a project with this title. Ask the PI for the exact tasks at interview.

Why this role matters

Few Indian labs build quantum photonic chips. This post gives an MTech or PhD a senior hands-on role in a long-running national mission project. The project runs up to 2031, so the work can grow with it.

Eligibility

• First-class MTech/ME in Electrical & Communication Engineering or Electrical Engineering, with specialisation in Optical Communication, Microwave Engineering or Nanofabrication, and two years of R&D experience in industrial and academic institutions, or
• A doctoral degree in a related field
• Indian nationals only
• No age limit is stated in the advertisement

Only shortlisted candidates are called for an online interview. IIT Delhi may set higher shortlisting criteria. SC/ST candidates may get a 5% relaxation in marks. The post is contractual with consolidated pay, renewed yearly or up to the project end, whichever is earlier. The advertisement writes the MTech branch as “Electrical & Communication Engineering”. We quote it as printed.

Pay and duration

• ₹42,000 a month (consolidated) plus HRA at 27%
• Contract renewed yearly, or up to the project end, whichever is earlier

How to apply

Download Form No. IRD/REC-4 from the IRD website (ird.iitd.ac.in/rec). Fill in your marks, division and work experience. Email the form to Prof. Awanish Pandey at opcawanish@iitd.ac.in. Put the advertisement number IITD/IRD/262/2026 in the subject line. The last date is 21 October 2026, 5:00 pm.

Key dates

• Advertisement dated: 5 October 2026
• Last date to email the form: 21 October 2026, 5:00 pm
• Shortlist and online interview details: posted at ird.iitd.ac.in/shortlisted

Please read the official IIT Delhi advertisement (IITD/IRD/262/2026) before applying, and browse more quantum technology jobs on ResearchJobs.in.