Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Physics
Institute:
IIT Tirupati
Country:
India
Research Field:
quantum, Optics, Physics, laser spectroscopy
Posted Date:
Feb 20, 2026
Deadline:
Mar 03, 2026
Offer Period:
4 Years
Offer Start Date:
within 7 days of intimation of selection
Research Associate III position in a multi-node quantum repeater network for entanglement distribution based quantum communication
Project Description:
- Applications are invited from eligible Indian nationals for the Research Associate III (RA III) in a timebound sponsored project undertaken in the Department of Physics.
Nature of work
- Research and development
- Design and development of laser spectroscopy set-up
- Data recording and documentation of the research work
- Critical analysis of the experimental results
- Assist in any other associated experiment
- Offline on campus physical presence is needed
- Remote work not possible
- Supervision and mentoring of research students and interns
- Attending meetings, workshops, conferences
- Reporting of experimental data, observations and outcomes in the nature of peer-reviewed manuscripts
- Teaching responsibilities and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- The selected candidate will get opportunity to work on interdisciplinary areas those are required for setting up of the experiment. Some of these are (but not limited to) simulation; designing, fabrication, testing of indigenous instruments in the field of lasers & optics, developing low-noise analog & digital electronics, developing FPGA based systems, ultra-high vacuum, mechanical & software development, neutral atom trapping and so on. Apart from the development of the experiment, they will have to work on simulation and modeling of physics problems that are necessary to meet the experimental goals using open source and/or proprietary software. Developing a complete experiment involves multiple work-packages and developing those requires expertise in interdisciplinary fields. Within a lab, this can be achieved by working in collaborative manner.
- The work shall involve laser cooling techniques applied to neutral rubidium (Rb) atoms. It will also involve precision laser spectroscopy, experimental quantum optics and applications of quantum information processing protocols. The final objective is to develop a cold atom quantum memory node for quantum repeater applications.
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- Ph.D. in Physics or equivalent degree with minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA during Ph.D. (graduate) and above 6.5 CGPA (or equivalent percentage of 65%) during M.Sc./B.E/B.Tech./M.E/M.Tech. coursework.
- Relaxation:
- 7.0 CGPA or 70% for OBC/EWS
- 6.0 CGPA or 60% for SC/ST/PWD
- 7.0 CGPA or 70% for OBC/EWS
- 6.0 CGPA or 60% for SC/ST/PWD
Preferred Qualification:
- Good knowledge of more than one of the following topics at the M.Sc.
- Physics and PhD level
- - Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
- - Electronics
- - Quantum Mechanics
- - Quantum Optics
- - Electromagnetic Theory
- - Atomic and laser spectroscopy
- - Finite Element Modelling and Simulation using COMSOL/ANSYS
- - Knowledge of ORCAD/EAGLE
- - Hands on experimental exposure in AMOP (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics) experiments at the PhD level
- Ph.D. in Physics. Candidates who have submitted/ defended their Ph.D. thesis and are waiting for final degree can also apply.
- Must have worked for at least one year at the RAI/RAII level.
- Experience in programming with any one of the following: Python/ MATLAB/ Mathematica / VHDL/ Verilog/ LabVIEW/ SolidWorks / COMSOL/ ANSYS/ digital & analog electronics/ optics/ fabrication will be useful.
- Prior demonstrated experience of working in experimental optics and/or experimental atomic and molecular physics.
- Prior demonstrated experience with precision laser spectroscopy/ laser cooling/ ion trapping/ atom trapping and related areas.
- Prior demonstrated experience with modelling of light-matter interaction in warm atomic vapor/cold atom/ion trap systems.
- Demonstrated theoretical ability to model and simulate physics of cold atom/warm vapor quantum memories/repeaters/ etc.
- Having at-least one original research paper in SCI and or a peer-reviewed journal. Preference shall be given to candidates with more than one publication in a SCI indexed journal.
- Must be willing to work efficiently in a team environment with other students, research and project staff and postdoctoral fellows, self-motivated, and work under a variety of challenging research conditions.
- Must have good oral and written communication skills evident through peerreviewed publications and presentation of work in national/international conferences/workshops/school/meetings/etc.
- Experience with supervision of PhD/Masters students
- Exceptional candidates with a very strong publication record having only a theoretical background in light-matter interaction in warm atomic vapor/cold atom/ion trap systems and/or physics of cold atom/warm vapor quantum memories/repeaters/etc. will be considered for this opening subject to fulfilling of the criteria. Such candidates will need to provide an additional letter of recommendation/reference from their previous academic supervisors who may comment on the candidate’s academic and research potential as well as their intellectual output and abilities.
- Must demonstrate highest work ethics, commitment and dedication to the project.
- - Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
- - Electronics
- - Quantum Mechanics
- - Quantum Optics
- - Electromagnetic Theory
- - Atomic and laser spectroscopy
- - Finite Element Modelling and Simulation using COMSOL/ANSYS
- - Knowledge of ORCAD/EAGLE
- - Hands on experimental exposure in AMOP (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics) experiments at the PhD level
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- Initially 1 year, extendable up to three more years of project subject to satisfactory performance and annual review by expert committee.
Benefits:
- INR 67000/- + HRA as applicable (9% for Tirupati city)
Application Process:
Documents Required:
- Self-attested academic certificates and transcripts from undergraduate level to postgraduate level.
- A copy of the current CV, a copy of the Statement of purpose (SOP) and motivation letter.
- A brief research proposal on cold atom quantum memory.
- Two letters of recommendation required one of which must be from your thesis supervisor (PhD research guide).
- In case of exceptional candidates as mentioned above, three letters of recommendation are required one of which must be from your thesis supervisor (PhD research guide).
How to apply:
- Please send all documents and supporting material as a single pdf file before the last date to the following email address: csrc_recruitment@iittp.ac.in
- Please mark a copy of the application to pml@iittp.ac.in.
- Please highlight in the email subject: Application for RAIII position under the NQM project on quantum repeaters at IIT Tirupati.
- Application Link: https://forms.gle/fh3euKfR7hEuG4Cc9
Mode of selection:
- Shortlisting based on CV, SOP, motivation letter, research proposal and the LORs received.
- Online interview of the shortlisted candidates.
- No TA/DA will be paid for the shortlisted/selected candidates.
- Candidate needs to join duty within 7 days of intimation of selection by the committee.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati (IIT Tirupati), established in 2015 as an Institute of National Importance, is a premier technical institution in Andhra Pradesh, initially mentored by IIT Madras. Located on a sprawling 548-acre campus in Yerpedu, it focuses on research, innovation, and sustainable education. The institute offers undergraduate (B.Tech), postgraduate (M.Tech, M.Sc.), and Ph.D. programs across various engineering disciplines. Known for its modern infrastructure, including advanced labs and smart classrooms, it aims to foster excellence in technology and research. With a strong emphasis on industry collaboration and a growing reputation for placements, IIT Tirupati is quickly becoming a center for academic excellence in India.
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Who can apply for a postdoctoral position?
Postdoctoral positions are open to candidates who have completed a PhD or will complete their doctoral degree before the start date. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the funding scheme and host institution.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most postdoctoral positions are open to international applicants. Visa sponsorship and work permit support are usually provided by the host institution, subject to local regulations.
Is prior postdoctoral experience required?
In most cases, prior postdoctoral experience is not mandatory. However, candidates with relevant research experience beyond the PhD may be preferred for certain positions.
What is the typical duration of a postdoctoral contract?
Postdoctoral contracts typically range from six months to three years, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance.
Are teaching responsibilities included?
Teaching responsibilities vary by institution and position. Some postdoctoral roles are research-only, while others may include limited teaching or supervision duties.
Can I apply for multiple postdoctoral positions?
Yes. Candidates are encouraged to apply for multiple suitable postdoctoral positions to increase their chances of selection.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.