IIT Kanpur Research Associate-I Chemical Engineering Recruitment 2026

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Material Science or a related discipline, with strong fundamentals in catalysis.
• Prior experience in density functional theory calculations, preferably using VASP or CP2K, and in machine learning.
• Good programming knowledge in C/C++ or Fortran, Linux shell scripting and familiarity with an HPC environment.
• Extensive coding experience in C/C++, Fortran or Python and familiarity with Linux are required.
• Prior research experience in molten catalysis is desirable.

• Open the official notification and locate the Google Form linked in it.
• Complete and submit the form on or before 20 November 2026.
• Do not send the application to the email address provided for queries.
• If shortlisted, keep copies of relevant certificates and their originals ready for verification at the interview.

About the position

IIT Kanpur's Department of Chemical Engineering is recruiting a Research Associate-I under advertisement P.Rect./R&D/2026/224. The position supports the Indo-Taiwan sponsored project “Novel Molten Catalyst for Dry Reforming of Methane: Experiments and Modeling”. The notice does not specify the number of vacancies.

The appointment is purely temporary and contractual for one year, starting on 1 December 2026. It carries a consolidated salary of Rs 58,000 per month plus HRA according to institute norms. The selected candidate will work with the principal investigator to drive the project, assist with laboratory operations and help guide PhD students' research.

Eligibility and experience

Applicants need a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Material Science or a related field, and strong fundamentals in catalysis. The notice also requires experience in density functional theory calculations and machine learning. VASP and CP2K are preferred for the calculations.

Candidates should have the specified programming knowledge, Linux shell scripting experience and familiarity with a high-performance computing environment. Extensive coding experience in C/C++, Fortran or Python and familiarity with Linux are required. Previous research in molten catalysis is an added advantage.

Application and interview

Submit the Google Form linked in the official notice by 20 November 2026. The email address given for Dr. Vishal Agarwal is for further queries; applications should not be sent to it. The notice does not specify an application fee or an age limit.

The institute-approved selection committee may set shortlisting criteria for eligible applicants. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview; its date has not been announced. Shortlisted candidates need copies of relevant certificates, which will be checked against the originals at the interview. No TA/DA will be paid for attending.