Hiring for PDF and JRF at MU-Virginia Tech Projects

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