Contact: kocherlakota[AT]cmi.ac.inLocation: Chennai, India
The Astrophysics Group at the Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) invites applications for Institute Postdoctoral Fellowships starting in Fall 2026. These fellowships provide exceptional recent or soon-to-be Ph.D. graduates the opportunity to pursue independent research at CMI for two to three years.
The group’s research covers a broad spectrum of theoretical and computational astrophysics, including black hole physics, compact objects, gravitational-wave science, relativistic astrophysics, multimessenger astrophysics, and gravity beyond General Relativity. Research activities of the group combine analytical and numerical approaches and involve active collaborations with researchers in India and abroad, supported by a strong theoretical physics community at CMI. The group is a member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the LIGO-India Scientific Collaboration, and the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration.
Fellows will have the freedom to pursue independent research, with guidance and support from CMI faculty, and are expected to be involved in the research and teaching activities at CMI. Alongside your research, you are expected to present your work at national and international conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, initiate new research directions and projects, contribute to the preparation of research proposals, and engage with graduate and undergraduate students through supervision and collaboration. You are also strongly encouraged to participate in CMI’s weekly physics seminars and the astrophysics group’s regular meetings. The details can be found at the CMI website.
If you have any queries, please email
Ajit Kumar Mehta (ajitkm[AT]cmi.ac.in)
Prashant Kocherlakota (kocherlakota[AT]cmi.ac.in)
K. G. Arun (kgarun[AT]cmi.ac.in)
Application materials (via CMI Academic Job Applications):
Curriculum vitae
Research statement (max. 5 pages, excluding references)
Publication list (refereed papers first)
At least three letters of reference should be submitted on the applicant’s behalf.
Timeline:
Applications open: December 15, 2025
Deadline: January 31, 2026 (including reference letters)
Offers: End of February 2026
The Chennai Mathematical Institute is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to sex, caste, religion, age, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.