Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has announced an official recruitment notification for the position of Research Assistant. This opportunity is part of the institute’s ongoing efforts to support advanced research in social sciences, neuroscience, and related fields, funded by the Indian Council of Social Sciences Research (ICSSR). Interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply online through the official IIT Madras website before the deadline. This comprehensive job description provides detailed information on the recruitment process, job responsibilities, eligibility, salary, and application procedure to assist prospective applicants in preparing their applications effectively.
Research Assistant Recruitment at IIT Madras 2026
Overview of the Vacancy
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) |
| Department | Management Studies |
| Funding Agency | Indian Council of Social Sciences Research (ICSSR) |
| Post Name | Research Assistant |
| No. of Posts | 1 (one) |
| Salary | Rs. 37,000/- per month |
| Location | IIT Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Contract Duration | 6 months (extendable based on performance) |
| Application Start Date | 06 February 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 20 February 2026 |
| Official Website | https://www.iitm.ac.in/ |
| Advertisement Number | ICSR/PR/Advt.16/2026 |
Vacancy Details
The recruitment is for a single Research Assistant position within the Department of Management Studies at IIT Madras, focusing on neuroscience and social sciences research related to EEG, fNIRS, and behavioral data analysis.
Eligibility Criteria for the Research Assistant Position
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree (Master’s) in one of the following disciplines from a recognized university or institution:
- Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Behavioral Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
Grade requirements include a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent CGPA. Additionally, candidates must have NET qualification or hold an M.Phil/PhD degree in the relevant field.
Knowledge and Skill Requirements
| Skill / Knowledge Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Collection Experience | Prior exposure to EEG, fNIRS, physiological data collection, and hyperscanning protocols. |
| Analytical Tools | Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, SPSS, R, or equivalent data analysis platforms. |
| Research Methodology | Strong foundation in research design, experimentation, and data collection procedures. |
| Psychological and Behavioral Assessments | Experience in administering standardized psychological questionnaires and behavioral assessments. |
| Qualitative Methods | Familiarity with conducting interviews, transcription, and thematic analysis. |
| Interpersonal Skills | Ability to work effectively with adolescents and families in research settings. |
| Organizational Skills | Strong coordination skills to manage multiple tasks and research activities. |
| Communication and Documentation | Excellent academic writing and record-keeping abilities. |
| Technical Proficiency | Comfort with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and data visualization tools. |
Preferred / Desirable Experience
- Previous work as a Research Assistant, Project Associate, or Intern in psychology or neuroscience labs.
- Hands-on experience with EEG devices, signal processing, and machine learning techniques.
Additional Requirements
- Ability to handle fieldwork including participant recruitment and coordination.
- Willingness to travel locally for research activities.
- Must be willing to relocate to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, for the project duration.
- Indian citizenship or eligible migrant status from Pakistan or Nepal with appropriate certification.
Job Responsibilities and Tasks
Research Support and Coordination
Assist in planning research activities, preparing ethics documentation, and coordinating various project tasks to ensure smooth execution.
Participant Recruitment and Data Collection
Recruit suitable participants, conduct screening, and administer psychological questionnaires and behavioral assessments. Prepare participants for EEG hyperscanning sessions, execute protocols, and perform quality checks on collected data.
Data Management and Analysis
Support in preprocessing EEG data, organizing datasets, and managing interview transcripts. Assist in qualitative analyses, coding, and thematic evaluation. Contribute to statistical analysis, feature extraction, and predictive modeling of multimodal data.
Research Documentation and Reporting
Maintain accurate research records, datasets, and documentation in adherence to ethical standards. Assist in drafting research reports, manuscripts, conference submissions, and policy briefs based on research findings.
Important Dates and Deadlines
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Release | 06 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 20 February 2026 |
Salary and Employment Terms
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Salary | Rs. 37,000/- |
| Nature of Employment | Temporary Contract Basis |
| Initial Duration | 6 months |
| Extension | Possible based on performance and project needs |
| Long-term Security | No guarantee of permanency or extension after contract expiry |
Selection Process in Detail
- Application Submission: Fill and submit the online application via the official portal.
- Screening: Applications will be evaluated based on qualifications, experience, and relevance to the position.
- Shortlisting: The institute may restrict the number of candidates to a reasonable limit for interviews.
- Interview / Test: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview and/or tests as deemed necessary.
- Document Verification: Selected candidates must produce original documents for verification.
- Final Selection: Based on overall performance, including interview and document evaluation.
Application Procedure and Important Instructions
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted ONLINE ONLY via the official IIT Madras recruitment portal: https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in/careers/current_openings.php. Follow these steps:
- Register with a valid email address for the application portal.
- Fill out the application form completely, ensuring all details are correct.
- Attach any required supporting documents as per instructions.
- Submit the application before the deadline: 20 February 2026.
- After submission, print the confirmation page for future reference during interviews and document verification.
Important Notes and Tips
- One application per candidate is allowed. Multiple submissions will result in disqualification.
- Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submitting; edits are not permitted after submission.
- Application submissions are provisional pending eligibility verification.
- Applicants currently working in IIT Madras projects need to apply through proper channels with a No-Objection Certificate.
- The institute reserves the right to cancel or modify the recruitment process without prior notice.
- Willful misrepresentation or canvassing will lead to disqualification.
- Willingness to relocate to Chennai is mandatory for eligible candidates.
Additional Resources and Official Documents
For further details and official notification, refer to the following links:
Conclusion
This position offers an excellent opportunity for recent postgraduate graduates in psychology, neuroscience, and related fields to contribute to cutting-edge research at IIT Madras. Candidates should prepare their application materials carefully, ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, and submit their applications well before the deadline. This contract-based role provides valuable research experience, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to be part of impactful neuroscience and psychological research initiatives.