ARIES invites applications for the positions of Research Associate (RA)/Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF), Aryabhatta Postdoctoral Fellow (APDF), and Senior Project Associate (SPA) in three cycles each year. Eligible candidates may apply for the RA/PDF and APDF positions throughout the respective application cycles. Applications for the SPA positions, however, will be reviewed only if the number of applications received exceeds a prescribed threshold or as and when required.

How to apply: Interested candidates may apply alongwith:

1. CV with publication list,
2. Brief summary of Ph.D. work (not exceeding 1 page),
3. A research proposal (not exceeding 2 pages) using ARIES facilities,
4. Names of three referees (including his/her thesis supervisor) who can provide recommendation letter.

For the current cycle, applications are invited only for the RA/PDF and SPA positions. The last date for submission of applications is 15 June 2026. The projects available for the PDF positions in the current cycle are provided here.

(Apply Online)

• Qualification: Ph.D. degree holders, from a duly recognized (UGC) Indian or Foreign University/Institute, in disciplines of Astronomy & Astrophysics / Atmospheric Science.
• Age: Not more than 35 years for RA-I on the last date of submission of application.
• Fellowship:

1. RA-I: Fellowship Rs 58,000/- per month for a fresh Ph.D,
2. RA-II: Fellowship Rs 61,000/-per month for a Ph.D. with 1-2 years of post-doctoral experience.
3. RA-III: Fellowship Rs 67,000/- per month for a Ph.D. with more than 2 years of post-doctoral experience. 

• Nationality: Indian citizens including people with NRI/PIO status as well as foreign nationals.
• Duration: Initially for 1 year, renewable for a maximum of two more years after successfully clearing the review each year.
• Grant for International travel: Rs 1,50,000/-(Rupees One Lakh and Fifty Thousand only) in their entire tenure after successful completion of first year of their PDF tenure.
• Book grant: Rs 5,000/- per year.
• Accommodation: Accommodation will be provided, if available. If candidate is staying outside the ARIES campus, HRA is provided as per Central Government norms applicable for Nainital.
• Medical Benefits: As per the institute’s policy for its employees.

• Qualification: Ph.D. degree holders from a duly recognized (UGC) Indian or Foreign University/Institute in Astronomy & Astrophysics/ Atmospheric Sciences. The candidate must have an outstanding academic record.
• Age: Not more than 32 years on the last date of submission of the application.
• Fellowship: Rs 75,000/- per month for a fresh Ph.D
• Nationality: Indian citizens, including people with NRI/PIO status and foreign nationals. 
• Duration: Initially for 2 year, renewable for a maximum of one more years after successfully clearing the review each year.
• Research grant: Rs. 5.0 lakhs per year.  
• Grant for International travel: Candidates will be provided with an economy-class airfare to join the position. Foreign nationals/NRIs will also be provided return airfare. Additionally, a travel grant of Rs. 2.0 lakhs (for the complete tenure) is available for national/ International conferences.
• Accommodation: Accommodation will be provided, if available. If the candidate is staying outside the ARIES campus, HRA is provided as per the Central Government norms applicable for Nainital.
• Medical Benefits: As per the institute’s policy for its employees.

Several important projects are running in various research  areas of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Solar physics, and Atmospheric Sciences, at ARIES. These projects demand suitably skilled and trained manpower for the purpose. ARIES will engage such manpower in the respective projects as required. Candidates who have submitted Ph.D thesis and awaiting the award of the degree in disciplines of Astronomy & Astrophysics or Atmospheric Science from a recognized University/Institute are eligible for these positions. These positions are open throughout the year and reviewed as and when required. The position will be upgraded to RA-I once the candidate receives the Ph.D degree. The terms and conditions of RA-I will be same as mentioned above.

• Qualification: 

1. Master's degree in physics or a related field.
2. Four years of research experience in the relevant area.
                              OR
   Doctoral degree in Physics or a related subject.

• Fellowship: Rs 42,000 per month
• Nationality: Indian 
• Duration: Maximum one year
• Grant for International travel: No
• Book grant: No
• Accommodation: Hostel Accommodation will be provided, if available. If candidate is staying outside the ARIES campus, HRA is provided as per Central Government norms applicable for Nainital.
• Medical Benefits: As per the institute’s policy for its employees.