Post-Doctoral Fellowships and Research Associate Positions at IIST Thiruvananthapuram
- What are the Post-Doctoral Fellowships at IIST?
- Objectives of the Fellowships
- Eligibility Criteria & Financial Support
- How to Apply
- Selection Process
- Importance of the IIST Fellowships
- FAQs
What are the Post-Doctoral Fellowships at IIST?
The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), located in Thiruvananthapuram, offers structured Post-Doctoral Fellowships (PDF) and Research Associate (RA) positions for researchers who wish to pursue independent research. The authorisation of PDFs/RA positions is intended to foster high-quality research in response to India’s growing demands in space science, engineering, humanities, and management, as well as to supplement the strategic objectives of ISRO.
The program stipulates flagship schemes such as the top performing PhD holders to be acknowledged as Abdul Kalam Postdoctoral Fellowship, Senior Project Research Associate (SPRA) roles for PhD holders who have submitted their theses, and tiered services of PDF/ RA (I, II, III) according to the post-PhD experience of awardees. Faculty project-based and externally funded postdoctoral roles would provide flexible routes for candidates entering IIST’s rich research ecosystem.
Objectives of the Fellowships
- Advanced Independent Research: Allow PhD graduates to pursue innovative, high-impact research.
- Provide Diversity of Career Stages: Offer projects tailored specifically for new PhD graduates, candidates who have submitted their thesis, and independent researchers.
- India’s Global & National Talent: Opportunities for scholars of Indian descent living abroad, as well as global collaborations with researchers.
- Meet the objectives of ISRO: Provide a holistic approach to strengthen India’s space technology and research ecosystem through specific projects.
Eligibility Criteria & Financial Support
Eligibility
- Abdul Kalam Fellowship: awarded to candidates (Indian/NRI/foreign) with a PhD up to ~35 years old with at least 3 first-author Q1 publications.
- Senior Project Research Associate (SPRA): candidates who have submitted their thesis with at least 2 lead-author Q1/Q2 publications.
Post-Doctorate Fellow/Research Associate:
- PDF – I / RA – I – recent PhD graduate.
- PDF – II / RA – II – 1-2 years of post-PhD experience.
- PDF – III / RA – III – > 2 years of post-PhD experience.
- Faculty Project Funded PDF / RA – must meet qualifications for the project.
- Externally funded PDF / RA – must have external fellowship (e.g., INSPIRE, SERB)
Financial support
- Abdul Kalam Fellowship: ₹1,00,000/month + accommodation on campus or HRA + facilities for healthcare.
- SPRA: ₹46,000/month before the PhD degree is awarded → ₹58,000/month after the degree is awarded.
Post-Doctoral Fellowship/ Research Associate stipends:
- PDF – I / RA – I: ₹58,000/month
- PDF – II / RA – II: ₹61,000/month
- PDF – III / RA – III: ₹67,000/month.
- Project sustained PDFs: paid according to project/funding norms.
- Externally funded PDFs: paid according to fellowship, IIST provides infrastructure and research facilities. All roles will include accommodation/HRA and medical benefits.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the post-doctoral portal for the IIST.
Abdul Kalam Fellowship, SPRA, and PDF/RA positions:
- Check the IIST Post-Doctoral Programme Page for open calls.
- Application includes the required documents which must all be submitted online with the application.
- You must identify and have an IIST faculty member to mentor you and endorse your application.
Externally Funded PDFs:
- Apply through the IIST portal.
- Calls open quarterly (January, April, July, October).
- Applications must include proof of external fellowship and the mentor’s approval.
Apply Online – IIST Postdoctoral Fellowship Portal
Documents Required
- PhD degree certificate or evidence of submission of thesis.
- Full curriculum vitae (CV) and publication list.
- Research proposal (if applying independently).
- Endorsement or NOC from an IIST faculty mentor.
- Proof of external fellowship (for externally funded candidates).
- Any additional certificates (category, nationality, etc.).
Selection Process
- Externally Funded PDFs: Applications are accepted quarterly. Selection is made based on the proposal’s quality and suitability with the assigned faculty mentor.
- Abdul Kalam Fellowship, SPRA, and PDF/RA:
- Initial assessment of eligibility and publication record.
- Presentation (seminar) and/or interview with IIST faculty.
- Final selection based on merit and level of mentor support.
- Performance Reviews: The continuation of the fellowship is conditional on an annual progress review.
Importance of the IIST Fellowships
The post-doctoral and research assistant posts at IIST offer well-structured, well-resourced, and flexible opportunities for researchers at various career levels.
- Enable high-impact research at India’s first and only fully space-dedicated institute.
- Facilitate direct partnership with ISRO and its mission-driven projects.
- Enhance India’s international research visibility in space technology, science, and allied disciplines.
- Provide roadmaps for career advancement from SPRA → PDF → faculty/project roles.
These fellowships are a unique opportunity for both Indian and international researchers to do world-class research, while also having the opportunity to contribute directly to India’s space science and technology development roadmap.
FAQs
Q: Is housing provided for IIST fellows?
Ans: Yes, housing on campus is provided for Abdul Kalam fellows, SPRA fellows and PDF/RA fellows. If not available, HRA is provided.
Q: Can international applicants apply?
Ans: Yes, Indian Citizens, NRIs, PIOs and foreign nationals can all apply (terms and conditions are applicable based on the role, i.e. for Abdul Kalam fellowship).
Q: What is the general duration?
Ans: Duration of the Abdul Kalam Fellowship is 1 year (may be extended), duration of the PDF/RA can be for a maximum of 3 years, duration of the SPRA can be 1 year.
Q: Do project-based positions exist?
Ans: Yes, the Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) hires PDFs/RAs based on externally sponsored and faculty-led projects regularly.
Conclusion
IIST Thiruvananthapuram offers structured and satisfying Post-Doctoral Fellowships and RA positions, and is among the most established pathways for early-mid career researchers in India. The Abdul Kalam Fellowship and project-based planned opportunities are two types of fellowships at IIST, but regardless of which you participate in, you will receive competitive financial support, in addition to unique access to ISRO’s space research environment.
For the next generation of researchers (and research independence) in the space sciences, engineering or allied fields, fellowships/associations represent an ideal opportunity to cultivate partnerships within the research community, celebrate research progress in the profession and contribute towards India’s international recognition as an emerging world leader in space technology.
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