Post-Doctoral Fellow - Urban Studies – Jindal Institute of Haryana Studies (JIHS)

O.P. Jindal Global University invites applications for the position below

Position: Post-Doctoral Fellow - Urban Studies, Jindal Institute of Haryana Studies (JIHS)

Location:

The Jindal Institute of Haryana Studies (JIHS) at O.P. Jindal Global University is dedicated to generating interdisciplinary, data-driven research to strengthen evidence-based policy processes. The Institute advances research that supports a pathway of development which is inclusive, sustainable, and generates prosperity across communities.

This position in Urban Studies will be dedicated to build a knowledge base on the drivers of urbanisation in Haryana, with a particular focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. These centres are critical sites of transformation, where industrial expansion, service-sector growth, and migration flows are reshaping land use, demography, economy – labour markets, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

Although Haryana is urbanising steadily but unevenly, there has been limited effort to systematically document its changing social, economic, and political processes, along with the governance challenges they generate. Specifically, existing research has largely overlooked the interaction between urban-rural, and regional growth dynamics, in and around small and medium sized urban centres. The lack of focused, comprehensive, time series research on these local–regional dynamics has created significant gaps in both scholarship and policy design.

The Institute seeks to address this gap by producing new insights that can inform policies for sustainable and inclusive urban futures. By focusing on growth dynamics in and around Haryana’s smaller urban centres, the fellow will be expected to develop evidence-based, context-specific strategies that can guide effective and implementable policy, ensuring safe, secure, and dignified living conditions for all citizens. The position marks the beginning of the Institute’s long term goal of building a time-series knowledge base on the growth dynamics in Haryana and National Capital Region.

In line with this ambition, JIHS seeks postdoctoral fellows with an in-depth understanding of urban processes, demonstrated research excellence, and proven capacity to engage with interdisciplinary methods. Ideal candidates will bring expertise in urban spatial planning, understanding of spatial economic theories, skills in quantitative and qualitative research skills as well as GIS research, and a track record of robust, evidence-driven research. The candidate must have proven track record of working independently as well as in a team. Publications in recognised urban studies journal is desired. The fellowship offers an opportunity to contribute to a pioneering knowledge hub and to shape policy debates on the future of urbanisation in Haryana and beyond.

Please visit https://jgu.edu.in/jihs/ for more information about the Institute and its work.

Qualifications:

1.    PhD in Urban studies, with a specific focus on urban dynamics in small and medium towns or urban /regional planning.

2.    A grounded understanding of urban theories and their relevance to Indian cities.

3.    Experience of interacting with government institutions such as local governments, town planning department, district planning boards and urban development authority.

4.    Training and experience of working with data and GIS. Knowledge of statistical software such as STATA or R is required. Familiarity with a programming language such as Python is a plus.

5.    Understanding of qualitative research and its underpinning epistemologies is desirable.

6.    Familiarity with urban spatial planning processes and norms is desired.

7.    Ability to work independently is essential.

8.    Prior experience of working in the field and/or with the government is desired.

9.    Publications on urbanisation, urban planning, or urban governance is desired.

Duration:

Application Process:

Please email us the following documents on jihs@jgu.edu.in and hr@jgu.edu.in with the subject line “Application for Post-doctoral Fellow – JIHS” :

·      Cover letter

·      Curriculum Vitae

·      A sample of research writing

·      Names of two referees

Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview.

Deadline:

31^st October 2025

Remuneration:

1 lakh per month