The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, Pune (NCRA) of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research [TIFR] (an autonomous institute under the umbrella of the Department of Atomic Energy of the Government of India) is an internationally reputed research institute. NCRA-TIFR is located inside the Pune University Campus. Facilities operated by NCRA-TIFR include, the Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT) and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). Located about 80 KM north of Pune, GMRT is the world’s largest radio telescope at metre wavelengths.

Indian nationals fulfilling the following advertised criteria may apply for a temporary position for six months to assist in observations, data reduction, analysis and interpretation of precision pulsar timing data with the GMRT and the ORT being carried out by Prof Bhal Chandra Joshi under his Raja Ramanna Chair grant for the InPTA collaboration. The position is available for six months starting from January 2026 and will not be extended beyond June 2026:

1. RESEARCH ASSOCIATES (Click here to apply online)

[1 Post;  UR; HQ: Pune]
[TME: Rs. 46,400/-]

 JOB DESCRIPTION :

1. Planning observations with the uGMRT telescope for precision timing project
2. Reducing and analysing precision pulsar timing data obtained by the InPTA collaboration and other timing projects being operated by Prof Bhal Chandra Joshi
3. Assistance in testing new analysis algorithms in the precision pulsar timing data
4. Assistance in preparing text and figures for publications based on the above analysis

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION:

1. Master’s degree Physics/Astrophysics (with aggregate of 60% marks) from a recognized university/Institute
2. At least one first author paper published in a peer reviewed journal of international repute

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION:

1. Doctor of Philosophy (Thesis submitted/Defended),
2. Two first author papers published in a peer reviewed journal of international repute

EXPERIENCE:

4  years’ experience in astronomy research specializing in pulsar astronomy.

Prior exposure to radio astronomy and data analysis is essential. Candidates with experience in pulsar astronomy, particularly in pulsar timing analysis, will be given preference. Preference will be given to candidates who have/ are likely to submit their doctoral thesis within next 2 months.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

1. Knowledge of radio astronomy,
2. good computer skills,
3. familiarity with Python and Jupyter notebook programming
4. exposure to pulsar timing data analysis obtained with large radio telescope

HONORORIUM : Fixed stipend of Rs. 46,400/- pm

TERM OF THE POSITION : January 2026 to June 2026

NOTE/GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• HQ mentioned is for the present. All the above posts are transferable within NCRA campuses i.e. Pune, Khodad & Ooty.
• Candidates will be required to work in shifts/ beyond office hours and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, as per the exigencies of the Centre.
• The Institute reserves the right to restrict the number of candidates for the recruitment process to a reasonable limit on the basis of the qualifications and experience prescribed in the advertisement.
• Mere fulfilling the essential and desirable qualifications will not entitle an applicant to be called for the recruitment process.
• The Institute reserves the right not to fill the post herein advertised.
• Canvassing in any form shall disqualify the candidate.

LAST DATE:

1. Last date for receipt of the applications is 15 Dec 2025. Age, Qualification & experience will be reckoned as on 01-Jul-2025.

 HOW TO APPLY:

 Candidates are encouraged to apply on-line at https://tinyurl.com/ncrajob2025

1. Those who cannot apply online, can submit hard copy in the prescribed format, in a sealed cover super scribing the post applied for on the envelope and forward to the Administrative Officer, NCRA-TIFR, Post Bag 3, Ganeshkhind, Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Pune 411007.
2. Applications received online/by post after the last date will not be considered.
3. For details such as advertisement, application format, experience etc., visit at https://tinyurl.com/ncrajob2025

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

Please click here to read and understand the selection procedures.

Please note that the detailed advertisement published on the NCRA website is final and candidates are encouraged to go through the website for any updates from time to time.

In case of any difficulty in making online application please send email describing the difficulty to estt@ncra.tifr.res.in