IIT Madras Post Doctoral Researcher Recruitment 2026: Apply Online, Eligibility, Salary

Recruitment overview

IIT Madras has invited applications for the temporary post of Post Doctoral Researcher in the FedEx SMART Center. The recruitment is being handled through the Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research under Advertisement No. ICSR/PR/Advt. 52/2026.

Important dates

The application timeline is short, so candidates should complete the online submission well before the last date.

The official notification does not mention a separate correction window or extended deadline, so applicants should assume the closing date is final unless IIT Madras publishes a corrigendum.

Vacancy, contract nature and duration

This recruitment is for one post only, and the appointment is purely on a contract basis. It is not a permanent faculty or institute service position.

• Number of vacancies: 1
• Nature of appointment: Temporary and project based
• Initial duration: Six months
• Extension: May be extended later based on performance

The official instructions also state that completion of the contract period will not create any right to regularization, permanency, or automatic continuation at the institute.

Eligibility criteria

The primary eligibility requirement is a doctoral qualification in a relevant engineering or robotics-related discipline. IIT Madras has also given limited flexibility for candidates who are at the final stage of their Ph.D.

The notification does not prescribe a separate general degree route such as B.Tech or M.Tech for this post. The role is positioned at the postdoctoral level.

Technical profile IIT Madras is looking for

This is a highly specialized role, and the job description is built around applied robotics and intelligent systems work rather than a broad postdoctoral opening. Applicants should have strong fundamentals and practical exposure in several of the following areas.

• Robot kinematics, dynamics, and control
• Motion planning, trajectory generation, and real-time control
• Sensor fusion and perception using IMU, LiDAR, cameras, force or torque sensors, and encoders
• Embedded controllers and hardware-software co-design for robotic platforms
• Hands-on work with mobile robots, manipulators, or humanoid systems
• Integration and calibration of sensors, actuators, motors, and control electronics
• AI, machine learning, and deep learning for robotics applications
• ROS or ROS2, Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or similar simulation environments
• Programming using C, C++, Python, and scripting for robotics
• Edge AI deployment on platforms such as Jetson, Raspberry Pi, or ARM-based systems

Candidates with strong fundamentals and good research aptitude are also encouraged to apply even if they do not match every listed point at the same depth.

Research expectations and role responsibilities

The position is designed for someone who can work as an independent researcher while also contributing to broader lab and project goals. IIT Madras expects a blend of research output, technical system building, and collaborative academic work.

• Design, implement, integrate, and evaluate complete robotic systems
• Work on perception, control, hardware, and AI or ML components together
• Maintain rigorous and reproducible research practices
• Publish in reputable journals and peer-reviewed conferences where relevant
• Mentor students and contribute to project supervision
• Support collaborative proposals and publications

This means the selection is likely to favour candidates who can show both research publications and real system-building experience.

Salary and place of posting

The official notification gives a pay range rather than a single fixed amount. The final pay within that range may depend on suitability, background, and institute decision.

The notification does not separately mention HRA or other allowances for this post in the advertised pay section.

How to apply online

The application has to be submitted through the official IIT Madras IC&SR recruitment portal. The notice specifically asks candidates to apply online only and to check the correct advertisement number before submission.

1. Open the IIT Madras IC&SR current openings page.
2. Locate Advertisement No. 52/2026 for the Post Doctoral Researcher post.
3. Register or log in using a valid email address.
4. Fill in the online application carefully with correct academic and research details.
5. Review the application before final submission because the form cannot be edited after submission.
6. Submit the application before 27 April 2026.
7. Keep a printout or saved copy of the submitted form for later document verification or interview stages.

The notification clearly says that hard copy of the application should not be sent to the institute.

Selection process and shortlisting

The notification does not give a fixed stage-by-stage recruitment schedule, but it does explain how screening will generally work. Candidates will be shortlisted based on the information submitted in the online application, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

• Initial shortlisting will be based on qualifications, experience, and relevance of profile
• The institute may restrict the number of candidates for test, skill test, or interview
• The institute reserves the right to decide the mode of screening and testing
• Calling a candidate for a test or interview does not guarantee final selection

So, applicants should prepare for a research-focused evaluation rather than assume a routine document-only selection.

Important instructions before submitting the form

Some instructions in the official notice can directly affect candidature, so candidates should not skip them while applying.

• Apply only once for the same post.
• Use a correct and active email address for all communication.
• Make sure all claims in the application are accurate and supported by documents.
• If already working in a project at IIT Madras, apply through proper channel or be ready to produce a No Objection Certificate when required.
• Print or save the submitted application form for future verification stages.
• Watch the official portal for corrigenda or clarification notices.

The application cannot be revised once submitted, so it is worth reviewing every field carefully before final submission.

Who should seriously consider this post

This post is most suitable for applicants whose doctoral work is already close to advanced robotics, controls, perception, or AI-enabled robotic systems. It is also a relevant fit for candidates who want a postdoctoral role that combines research publication with system implementation.

If your background is mainly theoretical and has little connection to robotics platforms, embedded systems, robot simulation, or AI for control and perception, this may not be the best match. But if your work includes robotics experiments, simulation environments, middleware such as ROS, or intelligent autonomous systems, the position is closely aligned with that profile.

Official Links

• Official Notification PDF - Advertisement 52/2026
• IIT Madras IC&SR Current Openings
• IIT Madras IC&SR Recruitment Portal
• IIT Madras Official Website