This document summarizes the process for applying to faculty positions in science and technology academia in India. It outlines the major research institutes and universities that hire faculty, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs). Responsibilities for faculty include independent research, teaching courses, and committee work. Compensation packages for assistant professors are also described. The application process typically takes about a year and involves sending an application packet, contacting the department, giving a seminar during a visit to India, and an interview. Factors like age limits, communication delays, and on-campus presentations are advised.

1. Applying to Science and Technology Academia in India A discussion based on my recent experience of applying to IITs and IISERs Anirban Hazra May 4, 2011

2. Outline Who is hiring? Responsibilities as a faculty member Compensation Steps and timelines of the application process Preparing and sending the application packet

3. Who is hiring? Research Institutes 39 Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs 52 Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) labs Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) labs Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) labs Institutes like the Bhabha Atomic Research Institute, Bose Institute, The Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Harish-Chandra Research Institute, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, and more.

4. Who is hiring? Primarily Teaching Institutes Government and private colleges under universities 31 National Institutes of Technology (NIT) Research and Teaching Institutes State and central universities Indian Institute of Science (IISC), Bangalore and National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneshwar 15 Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) 5 Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER)

5. The education sector in India is growing at an unprecedented rate and there is a shortage of skilled and dynamic people who can drive this expansion, which means, there is more opportunity for academics now than ever before!

6. Responsibilities as a faculty member Start independent research group Get external funding Teach one course a semester on an average Participate in institute’s internal committees Apart from these minimum requirements, initiate new activities and programs

7. Compensation Assistant Professor (5 year appointment) Total pay Rs. 69,812 per month including Rs. 7,600 of house rent allowance (Rs. 49,531 for Assistant professor on contract) Moving expenses Rs. 80,0000 Accommodation (after forgoing house rent allowance) Telephone charges Medical benefits Leave Travel Concession for family Pension after 65 Professional development allowance of Rs. 1,00,000 per year for three years Start up grant for first three years Note that graduate students in India get their own fellowship

8. Applying: Steps and Timelines Sending the application packet Getting in touch with the director, dean of faculty or head of the department to inform them that you have applied andshowing interest in visiting Giving a seminar at the institute when visiting India Interview with faculty recruitment committee which can happen through videoconferencing Receipt of offer Time between 1. and 5. can take one year! Time between 4. and 5. is a few weeks.

9. The application packet Cover letter and application form Curriculum vitae Research proposal Teaching proposal

10. Few things I learned while going through the process Note and disclaimer: The points below are not official rules or guidelines. They are just my impressions based on my limited experience of the application process. Age – below 35 generally preferred for entry level position There is no fixed time-table and the process can take a long time. Apply as soon as you are ready and your CV looks decent. Set up your personal web page. Communication during the process is not as quick as in the US – expect delays! Head of the institute usually has a significant say in the hiring decision. Teaching experience counts. Being different helps! Visiting the institute and presenting your work and yourself really helps!