Call for Postdoctoral Researchers

AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (APDF) Scheme 2025–26

Join the CSOS Lab at IIT Tirupati

The Catalysis for Sustainable Organic Synthesis (CSOS) Lab, Department of Chemistry, IIT Tirupati, invites expressions of interest from highly motivated researchers who wish to apply for the AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (APDF) Scheme 2025–26, with Prof. Parthasarathy Gandeepan as the proposed host supervisor.

This fellowship provides an excellent opportunity for young researchers to develop an independent research profile in modern organic synthesis, catalysis and sustainable chemistry.

Important Date

Last date for application: 20 October 2026

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the host well in advance, as proposal development, institutional approval, NOC preparation and online verification require sufficient time.

Research Areas

Candidates interested in the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:

• Photoredox catalysis and visible-light organic synthesis

• Electrochemical organic synthesis

• Mechanochemical and solvent-free synthesis

• C–H activation and radical functionalization

• Enantioselective and asymmetric catalysis

• Transition-metal and metal-free catalysis

• Sustainable synthesis of bioactive and pharmaceutical molecules

• Supported and recyclable catalytic systems

Fellowship Support

As per the AICTE scheme guidelines, the fellowship provides:

• Fellowship: ₹65,000 per month

• Contingency grant: ₹50,000 per year

• HRA as per applicable Government norms

• Initial tenure of one year, extendable for one additional year based on satisfactory research progress

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should:

• Have an awarded Ph.D. degree or valid provisional certificate in Organic Chemistry, Chemistry or a closely related discipline

• Have a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry and characterization techniques

• Demonstrate good research aptitude, publications and independent scientific thinking

• Be willing to undertake full-time postdoctoral research

• Satisfy the age, academic, employment and other eligibility requirements prescribed by AICTE

Candidates already in regular service are not eligible under the published scheme conditions.

Support from the CSOS Lab

The selected applicant will receive support in:

• Identifying a competitive research problem

• Developing and refining the research proposal

• Planning objectives, methodology and expected outcomes

• Completing the institutional and online application process

• Accessing research infrastructure and scientific mentoring during the fellowship

How to Express Interest

Interested candidates may email the following documents:

1. Updated CV with complete publication list

2. A brief cover letter explaining research interests and suitability

3. A one- to two-page preliminary research concept

4. Ph.D. award details or expected/provisional degree status

5. Details of previous experience in organic synthesis and catalysis

Email subject: APDF 2025–26 Application – Candidate Name

Contact

Prof. Parthasarathy Gandeepan
Department of Chemistry
Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati
Email: pgandeepan@iittp.ac.in

Official Links

• AICTE APDF Application Portal

• Applicant Registration and Application Manual

• AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship Scheme Guidelines