Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, an Autonomous Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India, invites applications from eligible Indian nationals for the position of Project Associate-I / Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under a MoE-STARS funded project.
Job Details
| Attribute | Information |
| Hiring Institution | IISER Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh |
| Advt. No. | 73/2026 |
| Open Position | Project Associate-I / Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| No. of Posts | 01 Position |
| Project Title | Carbene-Phosphinidenides as Stabilizing Ligands for the Isolation of Mixed-Valence Transition Metal Clusters and their Applications in Catalysis and Light Emitting Materials |
| Funding Agency | MoE-STARS, Govt. of India |
| Project Code | 30523157 |
| Principal Investigator | Dr. Sudipta Roy |
| Monthly Fellowship | ₹37,000/- p.m. + 8% HRA (NET/GATE/National exam qualified) ₹30,000/- p.m. + 8% HRA (For others) |
| Tenure | Temporary; renewable after 3 months subject to performance (Co-terminus with project) |
| Upper Age Limit | Preferably not more than 50 years (as on closing date) |
| Application Deadline | September 18, 2026 by 5:00 PM |
About Institution
IISER Tirupati is a premier autonomous research and education institute established by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, dedicated to promoting high-quality science education and basic/interdisciplinary scientific research.
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Job Description
The selected candidate will work on a research project focusing on main-group/transition-metal chemistry. The work involves synthesizing carbene-phosphinidenide complexes, isolating mixed-valence transition metal clusters, and evaluating their potential applications in catalysis and optoelectronic/light-emitting materials.
- Ph.D. Opportunity: Selected candidates can also apply for the regular Ph.D. program at IISER Tirupati, provided they satisfy the institute’s eligibility criteria.
Requirements & Required Qualifications
1. Essential Qualification
- M.Sc. in Chemistry (or equivalent degree) with a minimum of 65% marks or equivalent grade.
2. Desirable Criteria
- Prior hands-on research experience in Organic / Inorganic synthesis.
- Valid score in national exams such as CSIR-UGC NET (including LS) or GATE.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Synthetic Chemistry: Design, synthesize, and characterize novel carbene-phosphinidenide ligands and transition metal clusters.
- Material & Catalytic Evaluation: Investigate isolated complexes for catalytic activity and light-emitting properties.
- Data Analysis & Reporting: Document experimental protocols, maintain lab records, and present findings to the Principal Investigator.
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Skills You’ll Gain
| Category | Specific Tools & Competencies Mastered |
| Inorganic & Organometallic Synthesis | Air-sensitive synthesis (Schlenk line / Glovebox), Ligand Design, Cluster Isolation. |
| Spectroscopic Characterization | NMR (including 31P NMR), UV-Vis, Photoluminescence, Single-Crystal XRD basics. |
| Catalysis & Photophysics | Reaction Optimization, Quantum Yield Measurement, Functional Material Analysis. |
Application Procedure & Selection Process
Application Instructions
- Download the prescribed application form available from the official portal link below.
- Fill out the form, convert it into PDF format, and email it directly to
roy.sudipta@iisertirupati.ac.in. - Subject Line Format: Mention “Application for [Post Name] – Project Code: 30523157” in the email subject line.
- Deadline for email submission: September 18, 2026 by 5:00 PM.
- Official Registration Link:IISER Tirupati Job Portal
Selection Process
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified exclusively via email.
- Selection will be conducted via an interview process based on academic qualifications and relevant synthesis experience.
- No TA/DA will be paid for attending the selection interview.
Frequently Asked Interview Questions (With Answers & Solution Guidelines)
Carbene & Phosphinidenide Chemistry
- Question:“What structural and electronic features make carbene-phosphinidenides effective stabilizing ligands for low-valent or mixed-valence metal clusters?”
- Answer & Solution Context: Explain that carbene-phosphinidenides ($R_2C=P^-$ analogues or carbene-stabilized phosphinidenes) possess strong $\sigma$-donor and tunable $\pi$-acceptor capabilities along with steric bulk. The negatively charged/zwitterionic phosphorus center stabilizes electron-deficient metal cores while modulating electron density across mixed-valence centers.
Characterization Techniques
- Question:“Which spectroscopic tool is most diagnostic for confirming the coordination and integrity of phosphorus-containing ligands in solution?”
- Answer & Solution Context: Focus on $^{31}\text{P}$ NMR spectroscopy. Detail how coordination to transition metals typically causes significant chemical shift perturbations and characteristic scalar coupling constants ($J_{\text{P-M}}$ or $J_{\text{P-P}}$), allowing clear verification of ligand binding and cluster nuclearity.