SATHI Foundation at IIT Kharagpur Hiring Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Apply by August 16, 2025

The SATHI Foundation at IIT Kharagpur, a Section 8 non-profit under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, is inviting applications for the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO).

This contractual leadership role offers a consolidated monthly salary of ₹1,30,000–₹2,00,000 and involves managing operations at the SATHI Centre—India’s premier national scientific and technical infrastructure facility. Eligible candidates with a postgraduate degree in engineering or Ph.D. in natural sciences, along with proven C-level experience in technology-driven organizations, are encouraged to apply online by August 16, 2025.

SATHI Foundation at IIT Kharagpur Invites Applications for Chief Operating Officer (COO) Role

Are you a visionary leader ready to shape India’s scientific infrastructure? The SATHI Foundation at IIT Kharagpur, backed by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, is hiring a Chief Operating Officer (COO). This pivotal leadership role offers a unique opportunity to manage a cutting-edge facility that serves academia, research labs, startups, and industries. With a consolidated salary between ₹1,30,000–₹2,00,000 per month, this one-year contractual post is open for applications until August 16, 2025.

Let’s dive into the full details of the opportunity.

About SATHI Foundation IIT Kharagpur

The SATHI Foundation, a Section 8 non-profit company, operates one of India’s premier scientific infrastructure hubs—the Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institute (SATHI) Centre at IIT Kharagpur. This facility is funded by DST and serves as a shared national resource for scientific research and innovation.

Designed to democratize access to high-end equipment and expertise, the SATHI Centre supports projects from universities, R&D institutions, startups, and corporate labs across India.

Key Objectives of the SATHI Foundation:

• Provide advanced analytical instruments to external users.
• Bridge gaps between academia and industry.
• Promote research collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Enhance India’s self-reliance in scientific instrumentation.

Role of the Chief Operating Officer (COO)

The COO will lead the strategic and operational management of the SATHI Foundation. From team leadership to stakeholder engagement, this role demands a dynamic, organized, and visionary professional who can manage both day-to-day activities and long-term development.

Core Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end operations of the SATHI Centre.
• Lead a team of operators, technical staff, and administrative personnel.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve user engagement.
• Ensure financial sustainability through outreach and collaborations.
• Report directly to the Chairman of the Foundation.
• Maintain compliance with government norms and project guidelines.

This role is ideal for professionals who have held leadership roles in technology-driven organizations, especially those focused on research, innovation, and scientific instrumentation.

Eligibility and Qualifications

If you’re planning to apply, make sure your profile aligns with the rigorous eligibility criteria set by the foundation. The selection process ensures that only candidates with relevant academic qualifications and leadership experience are considered.

Let’s look at the must-have and good-to-have credentials.

✅ Essential Qualifications & Experience

These are non-negotiable qualifications for the position. Candidates failing to meet these will not be considered for shortlisting.

• Academic Background: Postgraduate in Engineering or a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences.
• Minimum Marks: At least 60% marks or a CGPA of 6.0 (on a 10-point scale) across academic milestones.
• Experience: Prior leadership in a C-Level role (COO, CTO, CEO) in research, academic, or industry organizations.
• Skills: Proven ability in strategic planning, customer and stakeholder development, and research facility management.

🌟 Desirable Qualifications & Experience

While not mandatory, these qualifications enhance your candidacy and demonstrate the potential for long-term success in the role.

• Strong network within scientific and industrial sectors.
• Expertise in financial planning and business development.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across government, academia, and private sectors.
• Leadership experience in team-building and operational excellence.
• Familiarity with DST-funded or academic institutional frameworks.

Application Process and Key Dates

Applications are being accepted online only. No offline or email-based applications will be entertained. All documents and supporting materials must be submitted through the official portal.

Key Dates to Remember:

• Application Deadline: August 16, 2025
• Mode of Application: Online only
• Selection Method: Shortlisting + Online Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email and will be required to attend a virtual interview. The final decision will be made by the SATHI Foundation’s selection committee.

General Instructions for Applicants

Before applying, all candidates are advised to carefully read the general guidelines. These ensure clarity on contractual terms, selection transparency, and application norms.

Important Points:

• Contract Duration: Initial appointment is for 1 year. Extendable up to 3 years based on performance.
• Employment Type: Contractual under a Section 8 company.
• No Application Fee: Completely free to apply.
• Equal Opportunity: Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Final Authority: All decisions regarding recruitment lie solely with the SATHI Foundation.

Why Join SATHI Foundation as COO?

This role isn’t just a job—it’s a national mission. You’ll be at the forefront of:

• Empowering researchers and innovators across India.
• Driving technological accessibility.
• Making lasting contributions to India’s scientific ecosystem.

The position offers not only financial rewards but also professional prestige, intellectual challenge, and meaningful societal impact.

Ready to Apply? Here’s Your Call to Action!

If you’re passionate about technology, leadership, and nation-building, the COO position at SATHI Foundation IIT Kharagpur is your next career milestone. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a game-changer in India’s scientific future.

👉 Apply online before August 16, 2025, and take the first step toward a leadership role with national relevance.

🔗 Stay Updated with AUBSP

For more career updates, government job alerts, and education news, follow AUBSP—your trusted platform for reliable and timely opportunities in academia and public sector.

FAQs on SATHI Foundation Recruitment 2025

What is the SATHI Foundation at IIT Kharagpur?
The SATHI Foundation is a Section 8 non-profit company established to manage the Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institute (SATHI) Centre at IIT Kharagpur. It operates under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, to provide advanced scientific instrumentation facilities to academia, startups, industries, and R&D institutions.

What position is currently open at the SATHI Foundation?
The foundation is inviting applications for the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead its strategic and operational initiatives.

Is this a permanent position?
No, the position is contractual. The initial appointment is for one year, which may be extended up to three years based on performance.

What is the salary for the COO position?
The consolidated monthly salary for the COO position ranges from ₹1,30,000 to ₹2,00,000.

What qualifications are required for the COO role?
Candidates must have a postgraduate degree in engineering or a Ph.D. in any natural science discipline with at least 60% marks or a CGPA of 6/10 in all prior degrees.

Is prior leadership experience necessary for this role?
Yes, applicants must have served in C-level leadership roles such as COO, CTO, or CEO in technology-driven organizations.

What kind of experience is preferred for the position?
Experience in strategic planning, financial management, stakeholder engagement, industry collaboration, and leadership in scientific or academic institutions is highly desirable.

Is the position open to candidates from both academia and industry?
Yes, the foundation welcomes candidates with leadership experience in academic institutions, research organizations, startups, or private companies involved in science and technology.

What is the mode of application?
Applications can only be submitted online. No hard copies or email applications will be accepted.

What is the last date to apply?
The deadline to submit the online application is August 16, 2025.

Is there any application fee?
No, there is no application fee for this position.

What is the selection process?
Candidates will be shortlisted based on their online application. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.

Who does the COO report to?
The COO will report directly to the Chairman of the SATHI Foundation.

What are the primary responsibilities of the COO?
The COO will manage operations, lead outreach and publicity for the SATHI Centre, oversee financial sustainability, supervise the technical team, and coordinate with stakeholders.

Is the role suitable for women candidates?
Yes, the foundation strongly encourages women candidates to apply as part of its commitment to gender diversity.

Can candidates from outside India apply?
The job post does not specify restrictions on nationality, but preference is likely given to candidates with experience relevant to Indian scientific and academic institutions.

What is the work location for the COO?
The position is based at the SATHI Centre located within IIT Kharagpur.

Is relocation assistance provided?
The job posting does not mention relocation support. Candidates may need to make their own arrangements.

Can current government employees apply?
Yes, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. However, they may need to resign or take deputation as per their current organization’s policies.

Will the COO be involved in external collaborations?
Yes, one of the key roles of the COO is to develop collaborations with industries, academia, and government agencies.

What kind of instruments are housed at the SATHI Centre?
The SATHI Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical and characterization instruments used in advanced research across disciplines.

Will the COO be involved in business development?
Yes, ensuring financial sustainability and driving user engagement through business development are core responsibilities of the COO.

What is the employment type under a Section 8 company?
Employment under a Section 8 company is governed by contractual norms and is not equivalent to a regular government appointment.

Will the selection process be transparent?
Yes, the selection process involves application-based shortlisting followed by a formal online interview, and all decisions will be made by the SATHI Foundation.

Can I edit my application after submission?
The portal guidelines will specify whether edits are allowed. It’s recommended to review your application thoroughly before final submission.

How will I be notified if shortlisted?
Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email, as provided in their online application.