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 Research Associate-1 under a Department of Science and Technology (DST) funded project.
Job Details
| Attribute | Information |
| Hiring Institution | IISER Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh |
| Advt. No. | 75/2026 |
| Open Position | Research Associate-1 |
| No. of Posts | 01 Position (Subject to change based on applicant pool) |
| Project Title | DST’s Nodal Center at IISER-Tirupati for “development and production of key starting materials, intermediates and other raw materials that are required by the Health Care Sector” |
| Funding Agency | Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India |
| Principal Investigators | Dr. Balaraman Ekambaram, Dr. Kiran Kumar Pulukuri, Dr. Gopinath Purushothaman |
| Project Investigator | Prof. Santanu Bhattacharya |
| Project Code | 30123145 |
| Monthly Fellowship | ₹58,000/- p.m. + 10% HRA (With Ph.D. Certificate) ₹42,000/- p.m. + 10% HRA (For candidates who have submitted thesis and viva is pending) |
| Tenure | Initial offer for 7 months; renewable subject to performance (Co-terminus with project) |
| Upper Age Limit | Preferably not more than 40 years (as of closing date) |
| Application Deadline | September 25, 2026 by 5:00 PM |
| Tentative Interview Date | September 30, 2026 (Online Mode) |
About Institution
IISER Tirupati is a premier autonomous institute established by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, dedicated to promoting high-quality scientific education and cutting-edge basic and applied research in India.
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Job Description
The Research Associate-1 will contribute to DST’s Nodal Center initiatives at IISER Tirupati. The role centers on synthesis, process optimization, and development of key starting materials (KSMs), pharmaceutical intermediates, and critical chemical raw materials needed by the healthcare sector.
Requirements & Required Qualifications
1. Essential Qualification
- Ph.D. degree in Chemistry.
- Candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis and are awaiting degree award/defense are also eligible to apply.
- Evidence of high-quality research conducted during or after the Ph.D. program.
2. Desirable Criteria
Preference will be given to candidates with research experience in:
- Synthetic Organic Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Origins of Homochirality vs. Heterochirality
- Biomaterials / Hydrogels & Organogels
Roles and Responsibilities
- Synthetic Optimization: Design and execute chemical synthetic routes for healthcare-grade starting materials and active intermediates.
- Material Characterization: Analyze synthesized compounds using spectroscopic and analytical techniques (NMR, Mass Spectrometry, HPLC/GC).
- Project Documentation: Document experimental findings, compile research reports, and present progress updates to project leaders.
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Skills You’ll Gain
| Category | Specific Tools & Competencies Mastered |
| Organic & Medicinal Chemistry | Synthetic Route Design, KSM/Intermediate Scale-up, Supramolecular Chemistry. |
| Biomaterials & Gels | Hydrogel/Organogel Formulation, Chirality Analytics, Biomaterial Characterization. |
| Healthcare R&D Operations | Process Development, Analytical Method Validation, DST Project Frameworks. |
Application Procedure & Selection Process
Application Instructions
- Download the prescribed application form available on the official IISER Tirupati portal.
- Duly fill out the application form and convert it into PDF format (Note: Sending only a CV/resume without the prescribed form will lead to rejection).
- Email the completed PDF application to both email addresses:
sb23in@yahoo.comeb.raman@labs.iisertirupati.ac.in
- Subject Line Format: Must state “Research Associate-1: 30123145” in the email subject line.
- Deadline: Submit before 5:00 PM on September 25, 2026.
- Official Registration Link:IISER Tirupati Job Portal
Selection Details
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email for an online interview tentatively scheduled for September 30, 2026.
- Verification of original certificates, thesis submission proof, and testimonials will be conducted at a designated recruitment stage.
- No TA/DA is admissible for appearing in the interview.
Frequently Asked Interview Questions (With Answers & Solution Guidelines)
Synthetic Route Optimization for Healthcare Raw Materials
- Question:“What key parameters do you prioritize when translating a bench-scale organic synthesis of a key starting material (KSM) into a scalable, industrial-friendly process?”
- Answer & Solution Context: Focus on atom economy, step reduction, safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. Explain prioritizing non-hazardous reagents, minimizing column chromatography in favor of crystallization/precipitation, optimizing reaction yields, and ensuring strict impurity profiling required for healthcare-grade raw materials.
Supramolecular & Hydrogel Systems
- Question:“How do non-covalent interactions drive gelation in low-molecular-weight organogels/hydrogels, and how can they be tailored for biomedical applications?”
- Answer & Solution Context: Detail how hydrogen bonding, $\pi$-$\pi$ stacking, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions induce self-assembly into 3D fibrous networks that trap solvent molecules. Tailoring these gelators involves adjusting functional groups to tune mechanical strength, stimuli-responsiveness (e.g., pH, temperature), and biocompatibility for drug delivery or tissue engineering matrix applications.