Postdoctoral Programme

An opportunity for knowledge creation and learning for early career scholars

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Overview

A space for knowledge creation and learning for early career scholars for over a decade.

With the establishment of the IIHS (Institution Deemed to be) University, our Postdoctoral Programme is being refocused to create a cohort of the next generation of IIHS faculty and to contribute to interdisciplinary faculty development of Indian higher education institutions.

The Programme builds on over a decade of teaching and training young scholars and early career researchers working on urbanisation-related questions across India’s cities, towns and villages, and across the world. These have included spaces for learning from peers, as well as leading global researchers and academics, like the IIHS PhD Workshop and IIHS Urban ARC. The programme also builds on the legacy of IIHS’ earlier postdoctoral initiatives, through which candidates transitioned into faculty roles at IIHS and positions at leading universities and research institutions in India and internationally.

The Programme sits at the intersections of the three institutional imperatives—research, applied research, and teaching. The Programme emphasises interdisciplinary research and pedagogy on cities, towns, and villages, and linked social-ecological-technological systems across the entire continuum from the semi-wild to the urban.

The Programme nurtures a new generation of scholars who can move across disciplines, connect research with practice, and contribute to the future of higher education.

The Programme

The Programme hosts early career researchers and applied researchers who work with identified supervisors based on their research, teaching, and academic interests. Applicants should have completed a PhD within the two years preceding the date of application. Candidates at the thesis submission stage may also apply, subject to completion of all degree requirements.

Selection will be based on teaching experience, publication record, and an interest in applied research and interdisciplinary inquiry across the five IIHS Schools. The Programme particularly encourages work that engages with heterodox methods and practices.

 

Appointments are initially for one year, with the possibility of extension for an additional year. The programme is currently open only to Indian citizens.

Fellows at IIHS

Roles and responsibilities

Postdoctoral Fellows at IIHS will be affiliated with a particular IIHS School as their primary location. They will be expected to contribute to teaching, research, applied research, and other institutional functions at IIHS. Specific expectations are listed below:

Postdoctoral Fellows will receive structured mentoring and training on developing interdisciplinary pedagogical approaches. These will include taught sessions (which may be combined with the doctoral sessions on pedagogy) as well as hands-on experience teaching at IIHS University.

They will be expected to teach in the IIHS Master’s and potentially the IIHS undergraduate programmes. They may co-teach in their first year with their Supervisors, Mentors, or other faculty. They will also need to offer at least one thematic elective or methods course in the second year of their postdoctoral appointment at IIHS, based on programme requirements. They may also be required to assist with doctoral seminars as needed. In addition, they may be expected to help with IIHS Summer/Winter Schools and Faculty support/development activities.

Postdoctoral Fellows should align their research and applied research focus with IIHS research themes/areas listed above. In addition, they will be expected to contribute to collective research and applied research at the School. In their second year, they will be expected to develop and submit an externally facing grant proposal.

 

Fellows must engage with both the IIHS Research Programme and the Practice/Applied Research Programme, contributing at least 20 per cent of their time to each. They may also choose to participate in other institutional engagements and roles.

Postdoctoral Fellows will contribute to at least one public talk and/or broader public engagement activity in each year of their appointment.

Postdoctoral Fellows who demonstrate a strong fit may be given the opportunity to apply for positions at IIHS at the end of the two-year programme.

Fellows who join IIHS may:

  • Become a part of the Faculty (as Assistant Professors) at IIHS University. This may start as a position in the IIHS Research/Applied Research programmes or Centres/Labs, and then transition to a Faculty role, subject to the fulfilment of relevant procedures.
  • Be absorbed into one of the IIHS Schools, Labs or Centres with potential opportunities to teach in the University’s academic programmes.
What we offer

Institutional support

The Postdoctoral Programme aims to create a new cohort of faculty, researchers and applied researchers who will work on interdisciplinary questions across all IIHS Schools.


It will offer focused training and mentoring for Postdoctoral Fellows to develop capacities across the Research and Practice/Applied Research Programmes at IIHS, developed in conjunction with IIHS Schools, Centres, and Labs. They will also receive institutional support as well as access to mentoring from the wider IIHS network.

  • Internal research funding support
  • Fieldwork / equipment / other research support
  • Conference funding support (for one international conference annually)
  • Focused capacity development in both pedagogy and research development, by enrolling in ongoing IIHS courses or working with their Supervisors
  • In addition to being affiliated with a particular Supervisor and School, Fellows will be assigned a Mentor from another team, School, Programme, Lab, Centre, or Function at IIHS
  • Access to the different IIHS Labs
  • Access to the IIHS Library
  • Access to infrastructure, recreation, and sports facilities on our Campus
Joining the Programme

Application and process

Application

Applications to the Postdoctoral Programme will be invited twice a year: in March for a September start, and in October for a January start.

MAR

Applications by 15 March

Eligible to join the September start

OCT

Applications by 15 October

Eligible to join the January start

Applicants will be required to submit:
  • A research/applied research statement
  • A teaching statement
  • A writing sample
  • A sample course (which may be something they have taught previously)
Compensation

Postdoctoral Fellows will be paid INR 1,25,000 per month.

Tracks

There are two potential tracks for Postdoctoral Fellows: Open or Programmed. In both tracks, Fellows are expected to spend at least 20 per cent of their time on applied research.

Reviews

Quarterly Check-ins

with Supervisor

Six-monthly Reviews

with Supervisor & Mentor

Annual Reviews

with The Committee

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information
What is the nature of the IIHS Postdoctoral Programme?

The Postdoctoral Programme at IIHS is a structured academic and professional development programme designed for early career scholars. It integrates research, applied research, teaching, and institutional activities, with the goal of nurturing the next generation of interdisciplinary faculty and scholar–practitioners.

The vision is to create the next generation of interdisciplinary faculty, researchers and applied researchers for IIHS as well as across higher education and research institutions in India.

The IIHS Postdoctoral Programme is an interdisciplinary programme, focused on human settlements ranging from the semi-wild to urban metropolitan regions. It is positioned at the intersection of research, applied research and pedagogy, drawing on IIHS’ extensive experience as a leading knowledge institution in India and the Global South. Fellows are expected to contribute to research and teaching as applicable, as well as engage in broader institutional activities.

Postdoctoral Fellows will be affiliated with one of the five IIHS Schools as their primary institutional home while collaborating across Schools, Centres and Labs. The Programme includes structured mentoring, research and applied research engagement, teaching responsibilities as applicable, and periodic performance reviews.

The Schools at IIHS are structured around broad, interdisciplinary thematic domains that address key challenges and opportunities emerging from processes of urbanisation and regional transformation. They are organised to integrate research, teaching, policy engagement, and implementation within coherent thematic areas, while enabling collaboration across domains and Labs.

There are currently five IIHS Schools:

  • School of Governance (SoG) – Urban governance, Public and infrastructure finance, Infrastructure regulation and decarbonisation, Materials governance and sustainable development, Innovation and entrepreneurship development.
  • School of Economic Development (SED) – Urban and regional economic development, Land and real estate, Employment and livelihoods, Housing, Urban infrastructure and finance.
  • School of Human Development (SHD) – Social inequality and stratification, Urban culture and everyday life, Urban health systems, Social protection, Affordable housing.
  • School of Systems and Infrastructure (SSI) – Infrastructure and services governance, Water systems, Energy systems, High-performance buildings, Resilient infrastructure and services.
  • School of Environment and Sustainability (SES) – Climate change adaptation, Aquatic and water systems, Food and agricultural systems, Ecological economics, Climate and environmental governance.

These Schools collectively integrate research, teaching and applied research across the urban–regional continuum.

Eligibility & Application
Who is eligible to apply for the IIHS Postdoctoral Programme?

Eligible candidates must:

  • Have completed a PhD within the previous two years (or be at submission stage, subject to completion of degree requirements).
  • Demonstrate a strong publication record.
  • Have prior teaching experience.
  • Show interest in applied research.
  • Be Indian citizens (the Programme is currently open only to Indian citizens).

No, this programme is currently open only to Indian citizens.

Candidates should have completed their PhD within two years preceding the date of application.

Yes, candidates who are at the submission stage of their PhD may apply to the Programme. The application form includes a section for candidates to indicate their expected submission date. While you may apply before submitting your thesis, final selection and appointment will be subject to confirmation of the PhD award within the stipulated timeline.

You are expected to apply to the School that best aligns with your research focus and proposed area of work. You should carefully review their thematic areas and ongoing research to determine where your work most closely fits. If your work intersects multiple areas, you may indicate your first and second preferences, prioritising the strongest alignment.

While the Programme is interdisciplinary, your specific research focus and priorities should align with the overall aims and objectives of the School(s) you choose, which will also be evaluated during the administrative shortlisting process.

To maintain the integrity of the selection process, individual interactions with Faculty members are not encouraged at the application stage. After their review, shortlisted candidates will proceed through a structured selection process.

In addition to meeting the primary eligibility criteria, candidates will be assessed on the following:

  • Academic record: A strong history of teaching and high-quality publications.
  • Research alignment: A clear interest in applied research and interdisciplinary urban practice.
  • Methodological depth: The ability to apply heterodox methods to broad questions across multiple IIHS Schools.
Documents
What are the documents required for completing the application?

The documents (in PDF format) required for submission of the application form are:

  • Resume/CV
  • Cover letter
  • Teaching Statement
  • Research Statement
  • Brief write-up on publications
  • Educational certificates

 

All documents uploaded during the application process must be in PDF format.

The requirements and instructions for the Research Statement, Teaching Statement and the brief write-up on publications are provided in the application portal at the time of uploading each document. Please refer to the instructions given while preparing and submitting your materials. There are no additional templates or guidelines prescribed beyond what is mentioned in the application.

Applicants are required to submit a Teaching Statement (up to 1,000 words). The statement should outline your teaching philosophy and practice, with particular attention to how you design inclusive, interdisciplinary, and practice-oriented learning environments. Applicants must describe their goals for students, the strategies and methods they employ to achieve them, and how they assess and respond to diverse learning needs. Applicants must also submit one sample course, either previously taught or proposed for future teaching.

No, you are not required to submit a fully developed research proposal at the time of application. Specific research plans and expected outputs are typically refined in consultation with the assigned Supervisor after the initial stages of selection. However, you must submit a Research Statement outlining your proposed area of work as part of the application process.

Applicants are required to submit a Research Statement (up to 1,500 words). The statement should provide a clear account of your scholarly trajectory, highlighting your doctoral research, ongoing projects, and the proposed agenda for your postdoctoral work at IIHS. Applicants are encouraged to articulate the originality, significance, and broader impact of their work, situating it within relevant disciplinary and interdisciplinary debates. Please indicate potential collaborations, methodological approaches, and how the proposed research aligns with IIHS’ interdisciplinary areas of engagement. Applicants should also upload one academic writing sample, such as a journal manuscript or a chapter from their thesis. For multi-authored submissions, please clearly indicate your contribution.

Applicants with publications in peer-reviewed journals are required to upload a brief note on these works. No specific format is required. The note should summarise key publications and their central contributions, and may also briefly indicate the applicant’s role in co-authored publications, where relevant.

Applicants are required to provide links to their Google Scholar, ORCID, and LinkedIn profiles as part of the application. Applicants who do not already have these profiles are expected to create and update them before submitting their application.

The following educational certificates are mandatory:

  • Graduation certificate and mark sheet (consolidated/all semesters)
  • Post-graduation certificate and mark sheet (consolidated/all semesters)
  • PhD certificate and mark sheet

 

Key Expectations & Support
What is the monthly Fellowship amount for the IIHS Postdoctoral Programme?

Postdoctoral Fellows will receive a monthly compensation of INR 1,25,000. Since the amount is paid as professional compensation, it is subject to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) as per the prevailing Indian Income Tax regulations.

Postdoctoral Fellows at IIHS will be affiliated with a specific School as their primary base. They are expected to contribute to research, teaching, applied research, and broader institutional responsibilities.

You will be expected to:

Research and Applied Research

  • Align research focus with IIHS research themes.
  • Contribute to collective School research and applied research initiatives.
  • Develop and submit at least one external grant proposal in the second year.

Teaching (as applicable)

  • Teach in the Master’s and, potentially, undergraduate programmes.
    • Co-teach in the first year with Supervisors, Mentors, or faculty, as needed.
    • Offer at least one thematic elective or methods course in the second year, in consultation with relevant faculty.
  • Assist with doctoral seminars, Summer/Winter Schools, and faculty development activities, as required.

Public engagement

  • Deliver at least one talk or undertake broader public engagement each year.

Institutional engagement

  • Allocate a minimum of 20 per cent of time each to the IIHS Research Programme and the Practice/Applied Research Programme.
  • Participate in other institutional engagements and roles, as appropriate.

The Programme offers focused training and mentoring to help Fellows build capacities across the Research and Applied Research Programmes at IIHS. This is developed in collaboration with the five interdisciplinary IIHS Schools, as well as relevant Centres and Labs, ensuring integrated and cross-cutting engagement. In addition, Fellows will receive structured mentoring and training to develop interdisciplinary pedagogical approaches, equipping them with the skills and experience needed for effective teaching.



Postdoctoral Fellows will receive institutional support across research, teaching, and professional development functions, along with mentoring from the wider IIHS network.

 

Specific support includes:

Research funding and resources

  • Access to internal research funding through a competitive process, along with support for fieldwork, equipment, and other research needs.
  • Conference funding for one international conference annually (subject to institutional caps and policies).

Capacity development

  • Focused development in pedagogy and research, including enrolment in relevant IIHS courses and collaborative work with Supervisors (e.g., course development, co-teaching, proposal writing).

Mentoring

  • An assigned Mentor, in addition to their Supervisor; Mentors may be from any School, Programme, Lab, Centre, or Function within IIHS.

Institutional access

  • Access to IIHS Labs (such as Word Lab, Media Lab, Geospatial Lab, Urban Informatics Lab, and the Long-term Urban Ecological Observatory), the IIHS Library, and Campus infrastructure, recreation, and sports facilities.

 

Yes. Fellows will have the ability to participate in multiple ways with the broader research and applied research community—through engagements with the IIHS network and various IIHS platforms (such as the IIHS Annual Research Conference, IIHS Urban Policy Dialogues, etc.). Fellows at IIHS will also receive support to attend conferences and be encouraged to participate in other activities related to their research wherever possible.

Yes. Postdoctoral Fellows may be eligible to transition into Faculty roles as Assistant Professors, subject to IIHS procedures. This progression may begin with a role within the IIHS Research or Applied Research Programmes, Centres, or Labs. Subsequent transition to a formal Faculty appointment is contingent upon meeting relevant procedures.

The IIHS Postdoctoral Programme has served as a space for knowledge creation and learning for early career scholars over the years. Some have transitioned into Faculty or other comparable roles at IIHS, while others have moved into academic and professional trajectories across India and internationally.

Candidates are appointed to the Programme for an initial period of one year. Based on performance and institutional requirements, the appointment may be extended for an additional year, subject to IIHS procedures.

Process & Timelines
Are there specific deadlines for application completion?

Cycle 1: Applications received till 15 September → will be eligible to join the January cohort.

Cycle 2: Applications received till 15 March → will be eligible to join the July cohort.

Candidates may submit their applications at any time during the year. Applications will be considered in the cycle closest to the date of completion.

The total time from submission of a completed application to review typically ranges from 3 to 6 months. The review process involves multiple steps, which include assessment of fit, interactions with IIHS faculty and researchers, and presentations to the Postdoctoral Committee. Details of these will be communicated to shortlisted applicants as needed.

For all technical or submission-related queries, write to postdoc.recruitment@iihs.co.in.

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