Senior Research Fellow in Quantum Computing for Smart Grids, IIT Ropar (NQM Project)
Job Description
IIT Ropar has three openings for Senior Research Fellows (SRF) in quantum computing applied to smart-grid power systems. The posts belong to a three-year project funded by the National Quantum Mission (NQM) that develops quantum and hybrid quantum-classical methods for optimisation and real-time power-system applications.
At a glance
- Positions: three SRFs (four JRF posts are advertised separately)
- Where: IIT Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab
- Experience: preferably two years of relevant research or professional experience
- Apply by: 18 September 2026, through the online form
About the SRF role in quantum computing and power systems
The project tackles real-time Optimal Power Flow and related grid-optimisation problems, which become harder to solve as grids add variable renewable generation and need faster decisions. As a Senior Research Fellow you will contribute to:
- Designing and testing hybrid quantum-classical optimisation algorithms for dynamic grids
- Formulating real-time OPF problems and simulating them on hybrid quantum-classical systems
- Building computational models, running experiments and interpreting results
- Writing research papers, project reports and technical documentation
- Collaborating with power-systems and quantum-computing researchers
Eligibility for the SRF posts
An M.E., M.Tech or M.S. (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Science Engineering or a related discipline, with First Division as defined by the awarding institution, preferably with two years of relevant research or professional experience. A specialisation in power systems, power electronics or control systems is preferred.
A valid GATE/NET or equivalent qualification is preferred; candidates without one may be considered for another project staff category, subject to institute rules and funding. Reservations and relaxations follow Government of India norms.
Preferred skills
- Power-system optimisation and Optimal Power Flow (OPF) analysis
- Python and quantum-computing frameworks such as Qiskit, PennyLane or Cirq
- Basic machine learning or hybrid classical-quantum modelling
- Power-system simulation tools such as PSCAD, RTDS, MATPOWER or DIgSILENT
- IoT-based data acquisition or real-time power-system data processing
How to apply
Submit the online application form given in the official IIT Ropar advertisement by 18 September 2026, with all supporting documents uploaded. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and the institute may fill fewer posts depending on project needs. The advertisement does not state the fellowship amount.
Browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Indian Institute of Technology Ropar
Official advertisement: www.iitrpr.ac.in
How to prepare for the SRF interview
- Lead with your research: SRF panels expect independent work, so prepare a five-minute account of a project you drove, with its results and publications.
- OPF in depth: be ready to compare classical solution methods (interior-point, convex relaxations, heuristics) and say where they struggle in real time.
- Quantum formulations: explain how you would encode a grid-optimisation problem as a QUBO and how you would benchmark a hybrid solver against a classical baseline.
- Tooling: show fluency in Python and at least one of Qiskit, PennyLane or Cirq, plus MATPOWER or a similar power-system tool.
- Planning: think about how you would split a three-year project into milestones and papers.
About IIT Ropar
The Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, in Rupnagar, Punjab, is one of the IITs established in 2008. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes across engineering and the sciences, and hosts externally funded projects such as this National Quantum Mission project.
