Job Description

Deadline for Full Application: 15th February, 2026

Application for the post of a JRF/SRF in a research project funded by the DBT, India

Title: Deciphering protein folding dynamics under oscillatory mechanical perturbations

This is a strongly interdisciplinary project, combining experimental biophysics, precision instrumentation, and molecular biology. For the past decade our group has been working to understand the biophysical principles underlying hearing, one of the most sophisticated active sensory systems in biology.

In our earlier work, we demonstrated how specific components of the auditory system selectively filter mechanical inputs from loud sound stimuli, thereby protecting the sensory apparatus from permanent damage caused by exposure to high-intensity sounds (for example, in theatres, gunshots, or fireworks). This work was published in Nature Communications in 2024 (Nisha et al.).

Building on this, we developed constant-force magnetic tweezers to study how prolonged exposure to loud sounds leads to mechanical failure of sensory elements, ultimately contributing to noise-induced and age-related hearing loss. This study was published in Nature Communications in 2025 (Saha et al.).

The current project aims to extend these efforts by developing oscillatory force probes to directly investigate how auditory systems sense and discriminate force frequency and amplitude, a fundamental open question in hearing research.

We are an interdisciplinary research group who use single molecule techniques to understand biology quantitatively. To know more about our research interests, please visit our web-page.

Positions: One

Duration: Two years and will be promoted to SRF (for PhD)

Emoluments (year wise): 

For JRF: INR 31000/ 31000/ 35000 + HRA (As per GBT, GoI norms)

Essential Qualifications: 

The applicants should hold a 5 yr master’s degree in Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Biological Sciences, or 4 yr-Engineering degree in Mechanical or Electronics. The candidate must have qualified GATE and/or NET to be considered for JRF.

 It is essential that the candidates have strong interests in learning some of the state-of-the art single molecule techniques we routinely perform in lab using AFM and fluorescence microscope. Interested applicants should fill up Google application form from the attached link and upload a 1-page cover letter or SoP(describing their past accomplishments, research interests and how can they fit to our research in three paragraphs) along with their brief CV here. Please mention at least one name of referee:

Link: https://forms.gle/gRrkANutMHLvASg48

Those who face problems with google forms, may directly email the SoP and CV to: srakshit[at]iisermohali[dot]ac[dot]in. Please state clearly in the email, why did you avoid google form.

Submission Deadline for Full Application: 15^th February, 2026

Interview (Online): 17^th – 18^th February, 2026

Exact time for Interview will be intimated to the shortlisted candidates by email.

Joining Date: Latest by 1^st week of March, 2026 or sooner

Contact person:

Sabyasachi Rakshit, PhD

Associate Professor

Department of Chemical Sciences

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Sector 81, SAS Nagar, Manauli, Punjab 140306, India

Web: https://sites.google.com/site/rakshitslab/home