Project Scientist Opportunity at IIT Kanpur: Pioneering Femtosecond Laser Research

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), consistently ranked among India’s top engineering and research institutions, invites applications for the temporary and contractual position of Project Scientist in the Department of Chemistry. This role is pivotal to a cutting-edge research initiative focusing on advanced laser technology.

The Research Focus: Femtosecond Laser Technology

The successful candidate will join a dynamic research group working on the STC project titled “Femtosecond Laser Machining improvements with femtosecond pulse shaping.”

Femtosecond (fs) lasers are ultra-short pulse lasers that deliver energy in bursts lasting only a few quadrillionths of a second. This precision allows for “cold ablation,” minimizing thermal damage and enabling unprecedented quality in micro- and nanofabrication across fields like electronics, medicine, and material science. The project specifically aims to improve machining outcomes by using femtosecond pulse shaping, a technique that precisely sculpts the light pulse’s temporal profile to optimize the light-matter interaction. This work is at the forefront of laser-material processing.

• Position: Project Scientist (Purely Temporary and Contractual)
• Advertisement Number: P.Rect./R&D/2025/240
• Number of Posts: 1
• Duration: The appointment is for 1 year, with the potential for extension until the project concludes, based strictly on performance evaluation.

Essential and Desirable Candidate Profile

Candidates must ensure they meet the minimum criteria to be considered for shortlisting.

Minimum Qualifications

• A M.Sc. degree in Chemistry.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a research or R&D environment.

Desirable Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a multidisciplinary skill set that combines a strong technical background with exceptional communication abilities. This includes:

• A Diploma in Computer Programming.
• Extensive, demonstrable experience in science communications.
• Proven ability in book writing and book design.
• A strong portfolio of publications specifically involving fs lasers.
• Superior writing skills for reports, grants, and technical documents.

Compensation and Preference

• Consolidated Salary Structure: A highly attractive scale of ₹31,600 – ₹2,600 – ₹78,400/- P.M.
• Selection Preference: The committee will prioritize applicants who can demonstrate a deep, long-term association with the Institute, specifically those with over 15 years of prior experience in projects at IIT Kanpur. A strong academic background and being well-versed in English are also key factors for preferential selection.

Application Instructions and Contact Information

The application process is strict and must be followed precisely. Failure to adhere to these instructions may result in disqualification.

1. Application Method: Candidates must apply only via Email to the address provided below.
2. Required Information: The application email must contain complete and comprehensive details of:
   • Educational qualifications (including year of passing, percentage of marks/division for all degrees).
   • Detailed working experience.
   • Last Salary drawn.
3. Attachments: All relevant qualifications and experience claims must be substantiated with Xerox copies of testimonials (self-attested certificates).
4. Deadline: All applications must be received by October 31, 2025 (Friday).
5. Submission Email: dgoswami@iitk.ac.in

Selection Process

The short-listing committee retains the right to implement suitable criteria to select the most qualified applicants. Only short-listed applicants will be notified and called for a telephonic interview, the date and time of which will be conveyed via email. Candidates who do not satisfy the minimum qualification and work experience criteria will not be called for the interview. Please note that No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview in person.

This is a prestigious opportunity to work on highly advanced research at a top-tier institution. Candidates with the requisite skills and a passion for laser technology are strongly encouraged to apply.