FAQ for Faculty Applicants

[This is an unofficial FAQ prepared by our faculty to help prospective applicants]

 

Are there open positions? Are you accepting applications?

Yes we have open positions. We do not have a fixed number of positions to fill and will be recruiting as and when we find suitable candidates. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

 What positions are available to faculty applicants?

Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor.

See below for non-faculty (but academic) positions.

Eligibility?

Eligibility details are available here. 

We will consider people who have a Ph.D. in any natural sciences, mathematics or an allied discipline. Both theoreticians and experimentalists are welcome. Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged. Profiles of our current faculty reflecting the diversity of interests are available here. 

 Do I have to teach?

Yes! IISER Pune is a research institute that also trains undergraduates and postgraduates. The IISERs have been established specifically to bridge the gap between teaching-only universities and research-only institutes. We recruit candidates who are committed to research-driven teaching.

 What is the teaching load?

Teaching is integral to the concept of IISER. From this point of view, teaching is not a ‘load’ but a part of our job description. The teaching component typically constitutes 20 - 25% of one’s time. Faculty members are encouraged to develop innovative ways to promote research-based learning. We are also developing a Teaching Assistant system as a part of our Ph.D. programme.

 What about research?

IISER Pune is primarily a research institute. You are expected to spend most of your time (75 - 80%) engaged in research-related activities.

 When should I apply? How early should I apply?

Applications are welcome throughout the year. The entire process can take anywhere from a few months to a year. It makes sense to apply a year in advance of the date you wish to join.

 How to apply?

Your application package should consist of:

i) CV with publications.

ii) A research proposal looking at the next 3-5-10 years not exceeding 4 pages.

iii) Short statement of teaching interests and philosophy.

iv) Contact details of referees (at least 4 for Physics and Mathematics and at least 6 for Chemistry and Biology). We will contact your referees directly with specific questions.

v) Application summary form:  .doc   or .pdf 

 

Send the complete package preferably by email to: facultyapplications@iiserpune.ac.in

OR

by post to:

Director
IISER Pune
Central Tower, Sai Trinity Building
Garware Circle, Sutarwadi Road, Pashan
Pune 411021, INDIA

 What next?

Your package will go through a preliminary internal screening. It may normally take 2-3 months. If shortlisted, we will contact you and invite you to visit and give a research seminar (we will take care of local hospitality).

 What happens during my visit?

Your visit will involve meeting a section of our faculty and delivering a research seminar. You will also meet the divisional Coordinator and/or the institute Director. Apart from your potential in setting up an exciting research programme, we are eager to know how you will enrich the IISER Pune community in terms of research, teaching, mentoring, etc.. This will also serve as an opportunity for you to see IISER Pune. You will be given a tour of our existing facilities and our plans for the future.

Please bring with you, a list of requirements for the next 0-3-5 years necessary for establishing your research programme. We will discuss your wish-list during your visit. You can also append this to your research proposal in your application package.

 What are you expecting from the research seminar?

Apart from listening to what you have been doing, we also would like to get a flavour of your future plans. We would suggest something like a 10 minute introduction, 30 minutes for ongoing work and 10 minutes for future plans.

Please note that the audience will be diverse. There will be faculty from all areas of science represented at IISER Pune and trainees including, undergraduates, Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows.

 Then what?

The faculty will discuss your application. If the faculty are enthusiastic, we will guide your application through a selection committee with external reviewers. If your application is successful, you can expect to receive an offer letter within a month of the selection committee meeting.

 What about funding/start-up money?

IISER Pune is committed to generously support new recruits during their initial stages and to provide all possible opportunities to enable a productive research programme. This apart, we strongly encourage and support applications for external funding from national and international agencies. We are happy to sponsor candidates (who have indicated acceptance) for fellowships and other funding schemes prior to their joining.

It is advisable to have a list of requirements and approximate expenses for the next 0-3-5 years ready for discussion at various stages of your application.

What kind of salary can I expect?

We follow Govt. of India rules. Gross salaries (including House rent allowance and Travel allowance) as of December 2009 are approximately:

Assistant Professor: Rs 59,924 per month

Associate Professor: Rs 80,945 per month

Professor: Rs 90,059 per month

In addition, towards telephone and broadband expenses are reimbursed up to Rs 1,500 per month. A cumulative amount of 3 lakhs (1 lakh/year) per 3-year block for attending international conferences, purchase of books, certain contingencies, etc. is also available. Medical insurance and a pension scheme are available as per Central Government rules for an employee stationed in Pune.

 What is the campus like?

A comprehensive campus is currently being built on a 100-acre plot. We estimate we will move to this campus in two years (Dec 2011 – Jan 2012).

 If the main campus is not ready yet, where will I work from?

We have a fully equipped, modern transit campus with state-of-the-art laboratories, teaching facilities and related infrastructure. Both the current and future campuses are within city limits and thus offer all the advantages of living in a city like Pune.

 If the main campus is not ready yet, what do I do for Housing?

IISER Pune provides leased housing to all faculty (you have to find the place).

Do you offer non-faculty academic positions?

Yes. We have a number of non permanent positions available. These range from IISER fellows, Postdoctoral fellows to Teaching assistants. For further details, please write to:

Mathematics:  A. Naolekar ( ani at iiserpune.ac.in )

Biology: A. Ghose  ( aurnab at iiserpune.ac.in )

Physics: S. Ananth ( ananth at iiserpune.ac.in )

Chemistry: A. Venkatnathan ( arun at iiserpune.ac.in )

 Where can I get answers to other general questions about pursuing an independent research career in India?

Various sources on the internet discuss diverse aspects of Higher Education and Academic life including, salaries, ethics and science politics. For a flavour of such “from the trenches” reports and analysis you may want to visit http://www.nanopolitan.blogspot.com or www.giridharmadras.blogspot.com.