Post-Doctoral Research Position in Integrated Pest Management at Mahindra University – Virginia tech Interdisciplinary Research center for Transformative Technologies (MU-VT IARCT2)

Title: Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Project Title: Melon fly management in India

Project Description (brief): Melon fly is serious pest of mostly cucurbitaceous crops such as gherkin,

cucumber, watermelon, bitter gourd, ribbed gourd, snake gourd, pumpkin, and some others in India. It can complete its life cycle year-round in South India and undergoes partial hibernation in winter in the North India. Initially an areawide management program will be implemented in the Global Green company contract farmers’ gherkin fields in Telangana followed by extending it to gherkin and other cucurbit farms in South India and eventually to North India. Currently, we have collaboration of Virginia Tech, Thapar Institute of Technology, Mahindra University, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, four agricultural universities from South India, ATGC, ICAR-NBAIR, Global Green company, and Gherkin Exporters’ Association and we plan to involve more private and public research and business institution from all over India.

Additionally, the program will cover Integrated Pest Management of crops that are exported such as baby corn, jalapeno pepper, ginger, grapes, and others.

Job Description:

It involves taking directions and guidance from Virginia Tech, coordinating with current and future collaborators, conducting field and laboratory experiments, workshops and field days as needed, preparing reports and publications, and setting up and managing website.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Entomology with specialization in integrated pest management, biological control, and insect ecology, with a knowledge in biogeography, and computer programs. Good communication skills and personnel relationship.

Application:

Interested and highly motivated candidates should submit their CV to umang.sharma@mahindrauniversity.edu.in and a letter describing how their candidacy would be best suited to this position.

Applications are invited from Indian citizens for filling up the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under the ANRF-sponsored project for a maximum duration of three years. The position is temporary, with an initial one-year appointment, extended to three years (possibly as SRF in the third year), solely based on performance. Further, the candidate will be encouraged to apply to the regular PhD program of the institute. The details of the project are mentioned below:

Title of the Project:		Structure  Preserving  Hybrid  High  Resolution  Numerical Methods for Convection-diffusion Problems
Number of positions:		One (01)
Project Duration:		Three (03) years
1	Principal Investigator		Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Mahindra University, Hyderabad
2	Essential Qualifications		ü M.Sc. in Mathematics/Applied Mathematics or M.Tech. degree with a good knowledge of Mathematics or any equivalent degree with a minimum of 60% aggregate score. ü Candidates are preferred with NET/GATE. ü Desirable qualifications include proficiency in any programming language and strong communication skills.
3	Age limit		Not more than 28 years.
4	Salary/Emoluments		As per the SERB norms (₹ 37000 per month) + HRA.
5	Relaxation on qualification and age		SC/ST/OBC/WOMEN/PWD candidates will get relaxation as per Govt. of India rules.
6	Date of Interview		The short-listed candidates will be informed by e-mail about the interview date.

Interested candidates are requested to apply for the JRF-ANRF position by emailing their comprehensive CVs to rakesh.kumar@mahindrauniversity.edu.in by May 20, 2026. The CV should include essential details such as date of birth, contact information (phone number, email, and postal address), educational and professional qualifications, and any NET/GATE qualification.

Applications are invited for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position in a research project funded by AgriHub: Innovation Hub for Agriculture (AI/ML & Deep Learning Center of Excellence) to be carried out at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Mahindra University, Hyderabad.

Name of Post: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)

Job Description: As a part of the project we are expecting to collect cotton leaf samples from selected field locations and perform DNA extraction from collected samples. Then the extracted DNA spectral images will be analyzed through PCR results for accurate visualization and identification of genetic markers, DNA Makers, Molecular diagnostics. Then we expect to develop and train an AI model to interpret spectral/gel image data for automatic gene identification and data analysis. Finally, we deploy a field-deployable prototype for rapid and affordable Cry gene detection.

Funding Agency: AgriHub: Innovation Hub for Agriculture (AI/ML & Deep Learning Center of Excellence), IIT Indore.

Fellowship Duration: 18 Months or till the end of the project, whichever is earlier

Number of Vacancies: 1

Minimum eligibility requirements:

• B.Tech/M.Tech. in the field of Computer Science/ AI /Computational Biology with NET/GATE qualification.
• Candidate should not be more than 30 years
• 60% Marks or equivalent CGPA in UG or PG degree.

Desirable Qualifications: Candidates with strong knowledge of python programming, Machine Learning/Deep Learning algorithms along with knowledge in bioinformatics domain, computational biology domain will be given preference

Age limit: 30 years

How to Apply: Interested candidates are requested to submit a detailed softcopy of their CV to neha.bharill@mahindrauniversity.edu.in & ruby.bhardwaj@mahindrauniversity.edu.in by 05-May-2026.

Tentative Date of Interview: May, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. Selected candidates will be intimated by email. No TA/DA will be paid for appearing in the interview.

The appointment is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project.

For any specific queries, please email neha.bharill@mahindrauniversity.edu.in

Project Title: Biotechnological approaches for deodorization and processing of chlorella biomass protein, to enhance its flavour profile (Savory, Dairy and Meat Flavors) for incorporation into food products 

Funding Agency: Department of Biotechnology – DBT- BIRAC call for Smart Proteins

Principal Investigator: Dr. Sarat Chandra Togarcheti, Assistant Professor, Centre for Life Sciences, Mahindra University

Project Duration: Initially one year (extendable based on performance). The candidate will have the opportunity to register in PhD programme at Mahindra University.

About the Project

This project aims to develop portfolio of food flavours by processing of Chlorella biomass through various biomass processing strategies to promote its consumption there by addressing challenges of food security. The project is being conducted in collaboration with CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru, and the candidate may be required to travel to the partner institute as needed.

Position Details

Position: Project Associate I

Number of Positions: One

Location:

Centre for Life Sciences at Mahindra University which has major focus in research undertaken by faculty trained in modern technologies such as personalized medicine, genome editing, metabolic engineering, immunobiology, host-pathogen interaction, GMOs, molecular diagnostics, nanobiotechnology, bioprocess modelling, biosensors, green products, stem cells & regenerative medicine, biomaterials, biomedical devices, computational biology, clinical informatics, etc.

Application deadline:

10^th May, 2026

Qualification: 

M.Sc. / M. Tech in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or related disciplines.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in the handling and cultivation of microalgal cultures
• Practical experience working with microbial cultures, bioreactors, and techniques such as SDS and ELISA
• Strong knowledge of analytical techniques
• Experience in data analysis, management, and reporting

Fellowship

As per DST norms: Project Associate–I @ Rs. 31000/- P.M. + HRA 27% @ 8370/-P.M.

The position is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project. Boarding and lodging may be provided at the institute, with the costs covered under HRA.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email their CV, a brief statement of interest, and contact details of two referees to the Principal Investigator.

Email: sarat.togarcheti@mahindrauniversity.edu.in Subject line: Application for Project Associate-I- DBT Project (Smart Proteins under BioE3 Policy) Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email for interview.

Applications are invited for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position in a research project funded by AgriHub: Innovation Hub for Agriculture (AI/ML & Deep Learning Center of Excellence) to be carried out at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Mahindra University, Hyderabad.

Name of Post: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)

Job Description: As a part of the project we are expecting to collect cotton leaf samples from selected field locations and perform DNA extraction from collected samples. Then the extracted DNA spectral images will be analyzed through PCR results for accurate visualization and identification of genetic markers, DNA Makers, Molecular diagnostics. Then we expect to develop and train an AI model to interpret spectral/gel image data for automatic gene identification and data analysis. Finally, we deploy a field-deployable prototype for rapid and affordable Cry gene detection.

Funding Agency: AgriHub: Innovation Hub for Agriculture (AI/ML & Deep Learning Center of Excellence), IIT Indore.

Fellowship Duration: 18 Months or till the end of the project, whichever is earlier

Number of Vacancies: 1

Minimum eligibility requirements:

• B.Tech/M.Tech. in the field of Computer Science/ AI /Computational Biology with NET/GATE qualification.
• Candidate should not be more than 30 years
• 60% Marks or equivalent CGPA in UG or PG degree.

Desirable Qualifications: Candidates with strong knowledge of python programming, Machine Learning/Deep Learning algorithms along with knowledge in bioinformatics domain, computational biology domain will be given preference

Age limit: 30 years

How to Apply: Interested candidates are requested to submit a detailed softcopy of their CV to neha.bharill@mahindrauniversity.edu.in & ruby.bhardwaj@mahindrauniversity.edu.in by 18/03/2026.

Tentative Date of Interview: April, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. Selected candidates will be intimated by email. No TA/DA will be paid for appearing in the interview.

The appointment is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project. For any specific queries, please email mailto:neha.bharill@mahindrauniversity.edu.in

The Project

The School of Digital Media & Communication (SDMC), Mahindra University, Hyderabad is the Indian Partner Institution in a 5-country, 5-year research project (REACT — Reimagining Activism, Communication and Trajectories of Participation in the Global South), funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The project seeks to explore how young people (aged 18-30 years) in the Global South navigate uncertainty and push for social change. Prof. Thomas Tufte, the internationally known scholar of communication for social change, at Loughborough University, UK is the Principal Investigator of the project. Prof. Vinod Pavarala, Senior Professor & Advisor, SDMC at Mahindra University is the senior researcher leading the project in India.

We are looking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with Prof. Pavarala and the team on the India part of the study, starting June 2026.  The position, to be located at Mahindra University, is a 30-month position (2.5 years), ideally distributed as part-time over a 4-year period (1.6.2026 to 30.5.2030), subject to negotiation. The India fieldwork will primarily be in Hyderabad, involving interviews, focus-group discussions, creative workshops, urban manifestos, and scenario building.  By combining communication for social change, cultural studies, urban research, and critical development theory, the project will develop a new interdisciplinary framework—COMPAS (Communication, Participation and Social Change).  

Duties

• Implement the qualitative study in Hyderabad under the day-to-day leadership of Professor Pavarala;
• Plan, collect, and process all data;
• Manage a research assistant who will assist the postdoc;
• Author and co-author publications; and
• Engage with the global team of REACT researchers through regular meetings.

Detailed duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character or level of responsibility. The post-doc is expected to be based primarily at Mahindra University, with the potential for some international travel.  The post-doc reports to Senior Professor Vinod Pavarala, while working closely with the Principal Investigator Professor Thomas Tufte.

PAY SCALE: Our pay scale for all cadres has been structured competitively, and is commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

The applicant must have:

• A PhD awarded, preferably, in communication and media studies, although those with PhDs from allied social sciences, with demonstrable interest in the project, will also be considered.
• Evidence of scholarship in the form of any publications and conference papers.
• Experience in using qualitative research methods.
• Spoken language skills relevant for conducting fieldwork in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Any prior experience in project management, especially of large international research projects, will be an added advantage.

Interested and qualified candidates may send their applications to nirmala.c@mahindrauniversity.edu.inwith the subject line: Application for Postdoctoral Research Associate – SDMC.

Applications must be submitted no later than April 12, 2026. The application must include: (i) a cover letter; (ii) an updated CV; (iii) list of publications, if any. These (i-iii) could be merged into a single document (Word/PDF); Additionally, submit (iv) a copy of the PhD certificate and (v) a letter of reference from someone (e.g. thesis/project supervisor) who is knowledgeable about your work and experience.

Project Title: Antimicrobial Peptide-Based Inhibition of AgrC as a Novel Strategy to Target Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus

Funding Agency: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Investigator Initiated Small Grant

Principal Investigator: Dr. Mrittika Sengupta, Associate Professor, Centre for Life Sciences, Mahindra University

Project Duration: Initially one year (extendable based on performance). The candidate will have the opportunity to register in PhD programme at Mahindra University.
About the Project
This project aims to develop a resistance-sparing anti-virulence strategy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by targeting AgrC using antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The study integrates computational peptide design, molecular microbiology, biofilm assays, and in vivo validation to identify novel therapeutic candidates that suppress virulence without promoting antimicrobial resistance.
Position Details
Position: Project Research Scientist – I (Non-Medical)

Number of Positions: One

Location:

Centre for Life Sciences at Mahindra University which has major focus in research undertaken by faculty trained in modern technologies such as personalized medicine, genome editing, metabolic engineering, immunobiology, host-pathogen interaction, GMOs, molecular diagnostics, nanobiotechnology, bioprocess modelling, biosensors, green products, stem cells & regenerative medicine, biomaterials, biomedical devices, computational biology, clinical informatics, etc.

Application deadline:

February 20^th, 2026

Qualification:

M.Sc. / M. Tech in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology or related disciplines.
Desirable Skills

• Hands-on experience in microbiology, qRT-PCR, biofilm studies.
• Familiarity with antimicrobial resistance research.
• Strong background in microbiology and molecular biology.
• Experience with computational peptide design desirable
• Prior experience in handling mouse models desirable

Fellowship
As per ICMR norms: Project Research Scientist–I (Non-Medical) @ Rs. 56,000/- P.M. + HRA 30% @ 16,800/-P.M.

The position is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email their CV, a brief statement of interest, and contact details of two referees to the Principal Investigator.

Email: mrittika.sengupta@mahindrauniversity.edu.in

Subject line: Application for Project Research Scientist-I- ICMR Project (AgrC-AMPs) Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email for interview.

Mahindra University, Ecole Centrale School of Engineering, Hyderabad invites applications for the post of a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in the SERB project entitled “Dynamic Fracture at a Non-Planar Interface” sponsored to Prof. Ranjith Kunnath (File No. CRG/2022/004550). The project involves developing mathematical formulations for dynamic fracture problems and their numerical implementation. This is the final year of the project.

Eligibility:

First class M.E./M.Tech./M.S. in Mechanical/Civil Engineering/Applied Mechanics or M.Sc. in Physics or M.Sc. in Mathematics with background in Theoretical/Computational Solid Mechanics. Exceptional B. Tech. candidates will also be considered. Candidates who have qualified GATE/CSIR-UGC NET/DST INSPIRE will be given preference.

Fellowship: As per SERB norms

Duration: Appointment is for 1 year.

Interested candidates can send their CV with relevant details to the Principal Investigator, Prof. Ranjith Kunnath by email to ranjith.kunnath@mahindrauniversity.edu.in. For more information, visit the webpages https://www.ranjithkunnath.in// and https://www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in/faculty/ranjith-kunnath.

Mahindra University in collaboration with Virginia Tech have jointly launched an Interdisciplinary Advanced Research Center for Transformative Technologies (I2T2) at Mahindra University, Hyderabad campus.

These roles are part of high-impact, internally funded research projects aimed at driving innovation in the following transformative areas:

• Biomarkers Discovery: Early Detection & Biotherapeutics
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Energy & Water Nexus

Project 1: Biomarkers Discovery: Early Detection & Biotherapeutics:

Project 1
Research topic: Biomarker Discovery and Validation for Early Detection of Head and Neck Cancers.
Position: Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF)
Duration: 2 years (Initial appointment for 1 year, extendable based on performance)
Project Guide: Dr. Arun Kumar Chelluboyina

Job Description: The selected Postdoctoral Fellow will work on a translational cancer research project aimed at identifying and validating molecular biomarkers for early diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Roles & Responsibilities:

• Designing and executing molecular experiments including RNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, proteomics, and ELISA-based assays.
• Performing data analysis using bioinformatics tools to identify differentially expressed biomarkers.
• Handling clinical samples in collaboration with hospital partners and maintaining biospecimen integrity.
• Writing reports, publications, and assisting in drafting grant proposals.
• Coordinating with collaborating institutions and assisting in pilot diagnostic assay development.

Additional Benefits: Travel support for conferences and access to high-end instrumentation.

Interested candidates please share your CVs with anagha.subhash@mahindrauniversity.edu.in with the subject line as research topic – Biomarkers Discovery.

Project 2: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

 Project 1
Research topic: Intersection of IoT-based real-time monitoring of power substations and blackout prediction in smart grids using deep learning techniques.
Position: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Duration: 2 years (Initial appointment for 1 year, extendable based on performance)
Project Guide: Dr. Neeraj Choudhary

 Job Description:

• The selected candidate will contribute to an interdisciplinary project focused on IoT-enabled smart grid monitoring using Raspberry Pi-based edge computing and deep learning for blackout prediction.
• Key responsibilities include sensor integration, real-time data acquisition, model development, and dashboard implementation.
• Candidates with experience in Python, IoT systems, and machine learning are preferred.

Project 2
Research topic: Physics Informed ML – RVDS-LSUM Scheme for analysis and design of complex Aerospace configurations
Position: Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF)
Duration: 2 years (Initial appointment for 1 year, extendable based on performance)
Project Guide: Prof. Arya Kumar Bhattacharya

Job Description:

• To advance the LSKUM-RVDS-ELM methodology to the design and optimization of complex Aerospace configurations using the inviscid Euler equations for transonic regimes.
• This methodology belongs to the domain of Physics-Informed Machine Learning, here LSKUM denotes Least Square Kinetic Upwind Method (refer works of SM Deshpande et al), and preliminary description of RVDS (Residual Variation Diminishing Scheme) and ELM (Extreme Learning Machine) may be found at 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3457670 .
• Further extension of the methodology to low supersonic speeds and also RANS approaches are envisaged.
• The candidate should have completed Doctoral work in the area of CFD, have some appreciation of AI / ML including optimization techniques, and have good software development skills.
• Should have orientation to work in a team and a fair record of quality published work.

Project 3
Research topic: Quantum generative methods for metasurface-based single photon emissions
Position: Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF)
Duration: 2 years (Initial appointment for 1 year, extendable based on performance)
Project Guide: Prof. Jayasri D

 Job Description:

• To carry out independent research in the field of inverse design using quantum algorithms and perform implementations in languages such as python/C.
• To use IBM and/or Xanadu platforms for quantum methods and integrate them with the classical ML methods.
• To independently work on IP creation such as patents and publications and also collaborate with the existing team of researchers.

Interested candidates please share your CVs with balaji.narayanan@mahindrauniversity.edu.in with the subject line as research topic – AI&ML

Project 3: Energy & Water Nexus
MUVT – IARCT2 at Mahindra University invites applications from highly motivated candidates for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in the area of two-dimensional (2D) materials for next-generation energy storage and sensor technologies.

 Project 1
Research topic: 2D Materials for Next-Generation Energy Storage and Sensor Technologies
Position: Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF)
Duration: 2 years (Initial appointment for 1 year, extendable based on performance)
Project Guide: Dr. Chitra Gurnani

Job Description:

• The successful candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary research team working developing high-performance materials and devices for energy storage (batteries, supercapacitors) and sensors.

• Design and synthesis of novel 2D materials, including chalcogenides, carbides, heterostructures
• Characterization using advanced techniques (IR, NMR, UV, XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman, XPS, AFM, etc.)
• Fabrication and testing of energy storage devices (e.g., supercapacitors, Li-ion, Na-ion) and sensors
• Data analysis and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to research proposals.
• Present research findings at group meetings, conferences, and symposia.

Essential Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, or a closely related field
• Expertise in 2D materials synthesis (CVD, solution-based)
• Experience in electrochemical testing (CV, GCD, EIS) and materials characterization
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented, interdisciplinary environment

Desirable:

• Experience with device integration or flexible/wearable electronics

Additional Benefits:

• Travel support for conferences

Project 2
Research topic: Design and Synthesis of Advanced Materials for Electrocatalytic and Photocatalytic applications.
Position: Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF)
Duration: 2 years (Initial appointment for 1 year, extendable based on performance)
Project Guide: Dr. Gomathi Anandhanatarajan

 Job Description:

• The successful candidate will contribute to the development and mechanistic understanding of advanced catalytic materials.
• Design, synthesize, and characterize novel catalytic materials (e.g., metal oxides, chalcogenides, molecular complexes and graphene-based nanocomposites).
• Conduct electrochemical and photoelectrochemical experiments to evaluate catalytic performance.
• Employ techniques such as CV, LSV, EIS, and chronoamperometry.
• Analyze structure–activity relationships using advanced characterization tools (XRD, TEM, XPS, SEM, UV-Vis, etc.).
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to research proposals.
• Present research findings at group meetings, conferences, and symposia.

Essential Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, or a closely related field
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented, interdisciplinary environment

Additional Benefits:

• Travel support for conferences

Interested candidates please share your CVs with Nirmala.c@mahindraunviversity.edu.in with the subject line as research topic – Energy & Water Nexus