Research Associate Opportunity in Statistical Sciences at ISI Kolkata

The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata has announced a Research Associate position in its Statistical Sciences Division under advertisement No. PU/507/ADV/806. This is a purely temporary post for one year, extendable up to two years depending on funding and performance, with a monthly fellowship of ₹58,000 – ₹67,000 based on post-doctoral experience.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Statistics, Biostatistics, Cryptology, Econometrics, or related fields, preferably awarded by an institution other than ISI within the past two years, and be under 35 years of age as of 31 October 2025 (age relaxations applicable).

Applications—with a cover letter, CV, research and teaching statements, and two reference letters—must be emailed to pincstatsd@gmail.com by 31 October 2025. The selection process may include shortlisting, a written test, and an interview presentation, with no TA/DA provided.

Research Associate Role in Statistical Sciences at ISI Kolkata

If you’re a statistical thinker with a Ph.D., driven by rigorous research and impactful work, this recent opportunity from the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata deserves your attention. With this detailed guide, AUBSP brings you everything you need to understand the role, assess your fit, and apply with confidence. Let’s dive in.

What Is the Research Associate Position?

This role is a temporary, contractual appointment in the Statistical Sciences Division of ISI, meant for one Indian national with strong academic and research credentials. The appointment starts immediately upon joining, for one year, with the possibility of extension up to two years subject to funding and performance. The selected candidate may be posted to ISI’s Kolkata headquarters or any of its centres.

While not permanent, the position offers exposure to high-level statistical, biostatistical, econometric, or cryptologic work—ideal for building research credentials and expanding academic networks.

Key Details: Pay, Duration & Location

Here are the essential logistical and financial features of the position:

• Tenure: Initially valid for one year from the date of joining. It may be extended further, up to two years in total, depending on funding availability (beyond March 31, 2025) and performance.
• Fellowship / Pay: Between ₹58,000 and ₹67,000 per month, depending on post-doctoral experience, following DST guidelines (DST OM No.SR/S9/Z-08/2018 and updated Office Order No.D.O.2024/183).
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided as per Institute norms if hostel or Institute housing is unavailable. ISI does not provide residential facilities for contractual staff.
• Location: The primary work location is ISI Kolkata (203, B. T. Road, Kolkata-700108), but deployment could occur at any ISI centre.

These terms are competitive for a research associate role and offer both monetary stability and academic exposure.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility and Requirements

To stand a strong chance, you should satisfy the following:

• Essential Qualification: Ph.D. in Statistics, Biostatistics, Cryptology, Econometrics, or related areas.
• Preference: Candidates who obtained their Ph.D. outside ISI in the last two years will be given preference.
• Age Limit: Must be 35 years or younger as of 31 October 2025. Relaxations apply per standard government rules for SC/ST/OBC/women and differently-abled candidates. Outstanding candidates with relevant experience may also receive age relaxations.

Additionally, you will need to submit a detailed CV, along with a cover letter, research statement, and teaching statement. Be sure to include all academic qualifications, experience, and appropriate identification or certificates (e.g. Aadhaar, voter card, SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled status). Two reference letters are required, one of which should come from your Ph.D. supervisor. Applications lacking any required element will be rejected without consideration.

Selection Process & Conditions

Understanding how you’ll be assessed helps you prepare strategically. The selection unfolds in stages:

• Shortlisting: An initial screening by a selection committee based on your submitted materials.
• Written Test: If the number of applicants is large and the need arises, candidates may be required to take a written test in their subject area.
• Interview / Presentation: Shortlisted candidates must deliver an open presentation followed by interactions with the selectors.

There are also some important conditions:

• No Guarantee: Fulfilling eligibility criteria doesn’t guarantee selection.
• Contractual Post: This is not a permanent appointment, and you won’t have claim on regular positions or future project continuations.
• Work Expectation: Collaboration with ISI’s Statistical Sciences faculty; timely submission of final report at end of tenure.
• Travel Costs: ISI doesn’t provide TA/DA for interviews or joining.

How & When to Apply

Knowing the deadlines and required documents is crucial. Follow these steps carefully:

• Last Date to Apply: 31 October 2025. Applications must reach via email by midnight on this date.
• Where to Send: Email your materials (cover letter addressed to the Professor-in-Charge, Statistical Sciences Division, ISI) and all self-attested testimonial PDFs to pincstatsd@gmail.com.
• Documents to Include:
  1. Cover letter
  2. CV with research & teaching statements
  3. Scanned academic transcripts, degree certificates, identification (Aadhaar/Voter/PAN)
  4. SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled certificate if applicable
  5. Two reference letters (one from Ph.D. supervisor) sent directly to the same email.

Make sure all parts are complete. Missing any one can lead to automatic rejection.

Why This Opportunity Is Significant

At AUBSP, we believe in spotting opportunities that can accelerate your research career. Here’s why this ISI position stands out:

• Prestige & Academic Environment: ISI Kolkata is a well-respected institution with strong infrastructure, established faculty, and serious research output. Working here lends credibility and visibility internationally.
• Research Growth: You’ll be engaging in statistical sciences’ cutting-edge work—statistics, cryptology, econometrics—which opens doors to publications, collaborations, and perhaps future academic or industry roles.
• Mentorship & Networking: Close work with faculty, exposure via presentations and interviews, plus collaborations across divisions/centres.
• Competitive Pay + Support: Fellowship is good, and although residential facilities are not available, HRA helps offset housing cost.

If you are finishing your doctoral work or have recently passed out, this role could bridge you from Ph.D. into a more independent research phase.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

To make your application truly stand out, here are actionable tips guided by AUBSP’s standards:

1. Tailor Your Research Statement: Show concrete plans, mention specific areas you want to explore (e.g. advanced econometrics, cryptology, etc.), and tie them with ISI faculty interests if possible.
2. Highlight Recent Publications/Projects: Even during Ph.D., include conference papers, pre-prints, or relevant project work demonstrating your analytical/statistical skills.
3. Strong References: Supervisors or collaborators who can comment quantitatively on your work—its novelty, rigor, and potential.
4. Clarity & Completeness: Ensure your cover letter states why you’re applying, what you bring, and that your CV/statement is well structured and free of gaps. Double-check every document.
5. Prepare for Presentation: If called for interview, be ready with slides, know your past work deeply, anticipate questions in methodology, statistical theory, and applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if I submitted my Ph.D. but degree isn’t yet awarded?
Many times, ISI allows candidates whose thesis is submitted, provided they include expected completion date and documentation. But make sure to check the advertisement wording.

Can I apply even if I’m over the age limit?
Officially, the upper cutoff is 35 years as of 31 October 2025. Relaxations apply for reserved categories, and occasionally for exceptional profiles.

Do I need prior teaching experience?
Not necessarily mandatory. What’s more important is your research work; however, any teaching or mentoring experience helps strengthen your application and teaching statement.

Is hostel accommodation available?
No — for contractual staff, ISI does not provide residential facilities. If hostel accommodation is unavailable, HRA will be given.

Important Dates & Checklist

Item	Date / Action
Deadline for applications	31 October 2025 (email submission)
Prepare documents	Cover letter, CV, research & teaching statement, transcripts, IDs, reference letters
Email address	pincstatsd@gmail.com
Reference letters submission	Directly from referees to same email address
Age eligibility check	Your age must not exceed 35 years as on 31 October 2025

Ensure you complete this checklist at least a week before the deadline to avoid last-minute glitches.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This Research Associate position at ISI Kolkata is more than a job—it’s a chance to elevate your research portfolio, connect with leading scholars, and build a strong foundation for your future career. If your Ph.D. journey is complete or near completion, and if you are driven by curiosity, statistical rigor, and impactful work, this could be the stepping stone you’ve been waiting for.

What to do now?

• Start drafting your cover letter and statements today.
• Reach out to your Ph.D. supervisor for a strong reference.
• Review ISI’s Statistical Sciences Division and faculty to align your research statement.
• Complete & verify all supporting documents well before 31 October 2025.

Want help reviewing your statement or CV or need advice on presentation prep? AUBSP is here for you. Reach out—we can make sure you put your best foot forward.

Best of luck—go seize this opportunity to shine!