BARC Research Associate Fellowship 2026 — Everything You Need to Know

This project focuses on next-generation battery technology. You'll synthesise polymer-based electrolytes and investigate how ions move through them — knowledge that is critical for making lithium-ion batteries safer and more efficient. Two advanced spectroscopic techniques are at the core: broadband dielectric spectroscopy and positron annihilation spectroscopy. Candidates who have already worked with Li-ion cells or broadband spectroscopy have a clear advantage. Mathematics at undergraduate level is compulsory.

An entirely computational role. The work involves building molecular dynamics models and electrochemical/spectroscopic simulations of actinide elements — the heavy radioactive metals that lie at the heart of nuclear fuel cycles. If you enjoy solving complex nuclear chemistry problems through computational modelling rather than wet lab work, this is the position for you.

The goal here is to detect lanthanides and actinides at incredibly low concentrations in nuclear materials. You'll work with functionalized magnetic-optical nanoparticles (such as Fe₃O₄@Au and Fe₃O₄@CdSe) and design novel chromophoric ligands that enable cloud point extraction (CPE) — a selective preconcentration technique. Expertise in multidentate ligand synthesis is the core requirement.

This project directly supports the development of India's Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) — one of India's advanced nuclear energy programmes. The work involves studying redox behaviour and mass transport of fuels and corrosion products in high-temperature molten salt environments using electrochemical methods. Prior electrochemistry lab experience is preferred.

Fission products interact with surrounding fuel materials in complex ways. This project synthesises multi-component phases to study those interactions systematically — using XRD and SEM for structural analysis and measuring thermal expansion and heat capacity under varying environmental conditions. Candidates with experience in thermophysical property evaluation are preferred.

Two researchers are needed for this technically demanding, multi-disciplinary role. The work spans designing vacuum experimental setups, characterising rare earth oxides using SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and TGA-DTA, running thermodynamic calculations with FACTSAGE/CALPHAD software, and developing processes for converting rare earth oxides to metals via chemical and electrochemical methods.

A fascinating intersection of physics and medicine. The work involves using pulsed laser systems to modify surfaces of metallic biomaterials — improving their osseointegration (how they bond with bone), antibacterial properties, and corrosion resistance. Thin film deposition of bio-ceramics and selective laser sintering for 3D scaffold fabrication are central techniques. Hands-on experience with a pulsed laser system is a strong advantage.

This project develops intelligent optical sensors using the principles of supramolecular chemistry — essentially programming dye molecules to "light up" or dim in the presence of specific biological targets. Targets include milk allergens, heparin, biogenic amines, cancer biomarkers like spermine, and ATP. Sensors are designed for real biological samples and even intracellular matrices. Perfect for those who love host-guest chemistry and optical spectroscopy.

A hands-on materials role focused on plasma spray coating — a technique where molten or semi-molten particles are sprayed onto surfaces to build protective coatings. You'll operate and maintain plasma spray systems, prepare powders, optimise process conditions, and characterise coatings for microstructure and mechanical properties for both industrial and scientific applications.

Electrode erosion limits the operational life of high-power air plasma torches used in strategic industrial applications. This project builds comprehensive numerical models of these torches, validates them experimentally, and performs detailed post-operation analysis of electrodes using SEM, TEM, XRD, and XPS. A rich blend of simulation-heavy physics and advanced materials characterisation.

BARC develops electron accelerators for radiation processing — food irradiation, medical device sterilisation, cancer treatment, and wastewater treatment. This RA will work on developing magnets, RF cavities, and beam diagnostics for these accelerators. Simulation using CST Microwave Studio and COMSOL forms a major part of the role. A background in RF, electromagnetics, and programming is preferred.

Using pulsed and continuous-wave lasers to characterise the atomic structure of lanthanides and mid-Z elements (Z = 25–72), this project generates spectroscopic data that feeds into laser photoionisation designs for diagnostics. Techniques include RIMS, LIBS, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The RA manages experiments end-to-end — from planning through to manuscript preparation.

One of the most forward-looking projects in this entire cycle. BARC is developing an indigenous Ti:Sapphire laser at 729 nm specifically for manipulating calcium-40 ion qubits in a trapped-ion quantum computer. The laser needs sub-kilohertz linewidth — achieved through the Pound–Drever–Hall (PDH) locking technique and an ultra-stable reference cavity. A remarkable opportunity for anyone passionate about quantum technologies and laser optics.

Air-pulsed columns are used in BARC's hydrometallurgical processes for separating nuclear fuel components. This project studies how gas, liquid, and solvent phases flow and interact inside these columns — both experimentally and through mathematical modelling — with direct application to nuclear fuel separation and reprocessing.

The Copper-Chlorine (CuCl) thermochemical cycle is a promising route for producing green hydrogen using nuclear heat. This RA will develop and characterise Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) and barrier coatings, and create analytical methods for real-time measurement of ionic species in the process — a meaningful contribution to India's clean energy goals.

Two RAs for a project dedicated to making strontium-selective ligands — compounds that bind and extract radioactive strontium from nuclear waste streams. The work covers catalytic hydrogenation reactions, understanding catalyst deactivation, developing regeneration processes, and scaling synthesis from lab quantities to pilot scale. Strong organic synthesis skills are essential.

Three positions with distinct but related computational sub-projects. The first researcher designs ligands and catalysts for metal/isotope purification. The second uses machine learning and molecular dynamics to understand how radionuclides behave in glass matrices used for nuclear waste immobilisation. The third runs first-principles (DFT) simulations to evaluate structural and thermophysical properties of reactor materials. Strong computational backgrounds are required across all three roles.

Three RAs for three complementary water technology sub-projects. The first tackles Zero Liquid Discharge systems for brine treatment and critical mineral recovery. The second develops advanced Membrane Distillation and Counter-Flow Reverse Osmosis (CFRO) for processing hypersaline industrial waste. The third builds a Humidification-Dehumidification (HDH) desalination system designed for off-grid, decentralised applications. Impactful applied work with real-world relevance.

Two positions with complementary scope. The first RA develops cation and anion exchange membranes stable in high-acid conditions and at elevated temperatures (60–80°C). The second develops bipolar membranes, sets up Chronopotentiometry characterisation, and builds complete bipolar membrane-based devices. Both roles sit at the intersection of polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, and industrial process engineering.

Two parallel membrane engineering roles. The first develops polypropylene membrane modules for Membrane Distillation to recover clean water from concentrated brine. The second — with direct nuclear safety relevance — develops and tests capillary membrane modules for treating effluents containing radioactive Cesium and Strontium. Both involve real performance testing, not just fabrication.

India's rare earth sector is strategically vital. Four RAs will work on lab and bench-scale experiments developing indigenous technologies for producing high-purity rare earth oxides, phosphors, metals, and alloys — and for recovering uranium from diverse source materials. Both wet (hydrometallurgical) and high-temperature (pyrometallurgical) processing routes are in scope.

One of the few projects that doesn't require a PhD — making it accessible to B.Tech/M.Tech holders. Muon tomography uses cosmic ray particles to image dense objects — useful for detecting hidden materials in cargo or monitoring nuclear reactors. The first RA handles high-speed FPGA-based data acquisition hardware design. The second builds the software side: Monte Carlo simulations, track reconstruction, and 3D tomographic image reconstruction in Python/C++.

The single largest recruitment in this advertisement — 15 Research Associates across an enormous breadth of life sciences. This project applies nuclear and radiation technologies to agriculture and food preservation to strengthen India's food security. Qualifying disciplines span Agronomy, Botany, Bioinformatics, Soil Science, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Zoology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Food Technology. If your PhD is in any biological or agricultural science, this is well worth your consideration.

Four positions in nuclear medicine, each with a distinct mandate. The first RA purifies emerging radioisotopes from reactor and accelerator-irradiated targets. The second synthesises and radiolabels cancer-targeting peptides. The third develops radiolabeled nanoparticles for multi-modal cancer imaging and therapy. The fourth (Biosciences PhD) evaluates novel targeting agents in animal disease models. Experience with phage/ribosomal display and animal experimentation is desired for the fourth role.

Part of BARC's advanced nuclear physics programme developing a Niobium Quarter Wave Resonator and an ECRIS ion source upgrade. The two RAs will work on simulations and experiments related to Radioactive Ion Beam (RIB) production targets, ion sources, and low-energy beam transport. Fellowship ends December 2027.

A single position for an experimentalist with a nuclear physics PhD. The work centres on developing and deploying new radiation detectors and experimental setups for low-energy nuclear physics measurements with direct relevance to nuclear astrophysics — understanding how nuclear reactions power stars and forge heavy elements in the universe. Fellowship ends January 2028.