IIT Kanpur Research Associate-I Recruitment 2026 for a PhD holder in the Indo-Taiwan molten catalyst project; apply online by 20 Nov 2026. The post is on a one-year contract starting 1 December 2026 with a consolidated salary of Rs 58,000 per month plus HRA. Interested candidates must fill the Google Form given in the advertisement (Advt. No. P.Rect./R&D/2026/224).
Position title
Research Associate-I
Description
IIT Kanpur invites applications for the post of Research Associate-I in an Indo-Taiwan sponsored project on Novel Molten Catalyst for Dry Reforming of Methane: Experiments and Modeling. Candidates with a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Material Science or related disciplines with strong fundamentals in catalysis can apply. The post is purely temporary and on contractual basis for one year starting 1 December 2026, with a consolidated salary of Rs 58,000 per month plus HRA. Applications must be submitted through the online Google Form on or before 20 November 2026.
Responsibilities
Be the key person in driving the project along with the PI, assist the PI in running the laboratory, and guide the research of PhD students.
Qualifications
PhD in Chemical Engineering/Chemistry/Physics/Material Science or related disciplines with strong fundamentals in Catalysis. Prior experience with density functional theory calculations (preferably in VASP, CP2K) and machine learning. Good programming knowledge in C/C++ (or Fortran) and Linux shell scripting. Familiarity with HPC environment.
Job Benefits
Rs 58,000/- per month + HRA (as per institute norms)
Contacts
Dr. Vishal Agarwal, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh-208016, India. Email: vagarwal@iitk.ac.in. Phone: +91 512 259 6895
Skills
Coding and density functional theory calculations (preferably VASP, CP2K), catalysis, machine learning, C/C++ (or Fortran or Python), Linux shell scripting, familiarity with HPC environment.

Important Dates
| Last Date | 20 Nov 2026 |
| Post Start Date | 01 Dec 2026 |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Research Associate-I |
| Department | Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Department of Chemical Engineering |
Eligibility / Qualification
PhD in Chemical Engineering/Chemistry/Physics/Material Science or related disciplines with strong fundamentals in Catalysis. Prior experience with density functional theory calculations (preferably in VASP, CP2K) and machine learning. Good programming knowledge in C/C++ (or Fortran) and Linux shell scripting. Familiarity with HPC environment.
Mode Of Selection
- The selection committee approved by IIT Kanpur reserves the right to fix suitable criteria for short listing of eligible candidates satisfying qualifications, experience and recommendations.
- Only short-listed candidates will be called for an interview (online).
About the Project
The post is in an Indo-Taiwan sponsored project on "Novel Molten Catalyst for Dry Reforming of Methane: Experiments and Modeling" at the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Kanpur. The institute is looking for motivated and talented candidates with prior experience in coding and density functional theory calculations (preferably in VASP, CP2K) and catalysis.
Job Responsibilities
The successful candidate would be the key person in driving the project along with the Principal Investigator. The candidate should also assist the PI in running the laboratory and guiding the research of PhD students.
How to Apply
- Fill the application form (Application Form for Research Associate I, 2026) using the Apply Online link on or before 20 Nov 2026.
- Do not send the application to the email address of the PI (vagarwal@iitk.ac.in); use it only to ask for further details.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
Important Points to Know Before Applying for Research Associate-I
- Advertisement Number: P.Rect./R&D/2026/224.
- The appointment is purely temporary and on contractual basis.
- Prior research experience in molten catalysis is an added advantage.
- If shortlisted, copies of relevant certificates are required and will be checked against original certificates at the time of interview.
- No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
- For further details, contact Dr. Vishal Agarwal at vagarwal@iitk.ac.in or +91 512 259 6895.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for IIT Kanpur Research Associate-I 2026?
The last date of receiving applications is 20 November 2026.
What is the qualification required for IIT Kanpur Research Associate-I?
A PhD in Chemical Engineering/Chemistry/Physics/Material Science or related disciplines with strong fundamentals in Catalysis is the essential qualification.
What is the salary for IIT Kanpur Research Associate-I?
The consolidated salary is Rs 58,000 per month plus HRA as per institute norms.
What is the duration of the IIT Kanpur Research Associate-I post?
The post is for one year, starting from 1 December 2026.
How can I apply for IIT Kanpur Research Associate-I?
Candidates must fill the Google Form given in the advertisement on or before 20 November 2026. Applications should not be sent to the PI's email address.
How will candidates be selected?
Eligible candidates will be short-listed by the selection committee, and only short-listed candidates will be called for an online interview.