The Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) has announced applications for its Postdoctoral Programme, offering early-career researchers an opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research, teaching, and applied practice while receiving extensive institutional support and mentorship. The programme, which has supported young scholars for more than a decade, is being repositioned to develop the next generation of faculty for the newly established IIHS University while strengthening interdisciplinary higher education in India. Successful candidates will receive a fellowship of INR 1,25,000 per month, along with research funding, conference support, teaching experience, and access to IIHS’s extensive academic and professional networks. About the IIHS Postdoctoral Programme The IIHS Postdoctoral Programme builds on the institution’s long-standing commitment to advancing research and scholarship on urbanisation, sustainability, governance, development, and social transformation. Over the past fifteen years, IIHS has emerged as a leading interdisciplinary institution in the Global South, focusing on challenges and opportunities across cities, towns, villages, and broader social-ecological systems. The programme combines three core institutional pillars: Research Applied Research and Practice Teaching and Pedagogy Participants will contribute to knowledge creation while gaining practical experience in academic instruction, policy engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. A Pathway to Future Faculty Positions One of the distinguishing features of the IIHS Postdoctoral Programme is its emphasis on faculty development. The programme is designed to: Build a new generation of interdisciplinary scholars. Prepare researchers for academic careers. Develop teaching and pedagogical skills. Create pathways into faculty positions at IIHS University. Strengthen India’s higher education ecosystem. Outstanding fellows may be encouraged to apply for faculty positions within IIHS upon successful completion of the programme. Eligibility Criteria Applications are currently open to Indian citizens only. Eligible applicants must: Hold a PhD completed within two years of the application date. Demonstrate strong academic and research credentials. Possess a proven publication record. Show interest in interdisciplinary and applied research. Demonstrate potential for teaching and academic leadership. Candidates who have submitted their doctoral thesis and are awaiting completion of degree requirements may also apply. Key Selection Criteria IIHS will assess applicants based on: Academic qualifications Research excellence Publication record Teaching experience Interdisciplinary research interests Alignment with IIHS Schools and thematic areas Commitment to applied and policy-relevant research Candidates with experience working across disciplinary boundaries are particularly encouraged to apply. Five Interdisciplinary Schools at IIHS Postdoctoral Fellows will be affiliated with one of IIHS’s five interdisciplinary Schools. School of Governance Research themes include: Urban Governance Public and Infrastructure Finance Infrastructure Regulation and Decarbonisation Materials Governance Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development School of Economic Development Areas of focus include: Urban and Regional Economic Development Land and Real Estate Employment and Livelihoods Housing Urban Infrastructure Finance School of Human Development Research priorities include: Social Inequality and Stratification Urban Culture and Everyday Life Urban Health Systems Social Protection Affordable Housing School of Systems and Infrastructure Key themes include: Infrastructure Governance Water Systems Energy Systems High-Performance Buildings Resilient Infrastructure and Services School of Environment and Sustainability Research areas include: Climate Change Adaptation Aquatic and Water Systems Food and Agricultural Systems Ecological Economics Climate and Environmental Governance The thematic areas continue to evolve as IIHS expands its academic and research portfolio. Roles and Responsibilities of Postdoctoral Fellows Postdoctoral Fellows will actively contribute to teaching, research, and institutional development activities. Teaching Responsibilities Fellows will receive structured training in interdisciplinary pedagogy and academic instruction. Responsibilities include: Teaching in Master’s programmes. Potentially contributing to undergraduate programmes. Co-teaching alongside faculty mentors. Assisting with doctoral seminars. Supporting summer and winter schools. Designing and delivering elective or methods courses during the second year. Research and Applied Research Fellows will be expected to: Conduct independent research aligned with IIHS themes. Participate in collaborative research projects. Contribute to applied research initiatives. Develop and submit external grant proposals. Engage with both research and practice programmes. At least 20% of a fellow’s time must be dedicated to applied research activities. Public Engagement Activities Participants will also contribute to broader knowledge dissemination through: Public lectures Academic presentations Policy engagement Community outreach initiatives Public scholarship activities Fellows are expected to deliver at least one public engagement activity annually. Institutional Support and Benefits IIHS offers comprehensive support to help fellows succeed academically and professionally. Benefits include: Financial Support Monthly fellowship of INR 1,25,000 Internal research funding Fieldwork support Equipment and project assistance Conference Funding Fellows receive support for: One international conference annually Academic dissemination activities Professional networking opportunities Mentorship and Professional Development Participants benefit from: Dedicated academic supervisors Assigned mentors from other IIHS units Pedagogical training Research development workshops Capacity-building programmes Access to World-Class Research Infrastructure Fellows will have access to several specialized IIHS facilities, including: Geospatial Lab Media Lab Urban Informatics Lab Word Lab Long-Term Urban Ecological Observatory IIHS Library Participants will also have access to campus recreation and sports facilities. Programme Duration The appointment is structured as: Initial one-year fellowship Possibility of extension for a second year based on performance and review Regular evaluations will include: Quarterly supervisor meetings Six-month reviews with mentors Annual programme assessments Career Opportunities After Completion Successful fellows may pursue a variety of academic and professional pathways. Potential outcomes include: Faculty positions at IIHS University Research appointments within IIHS Centres and Labs Academic careers at universities in India and abroad Leadership roles in research institutions Policy and development sector positions The programme seeks to create scholar-practitioners capable of addressing complex urban and developmental challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. Application Process Applications are accepted twice annually: March intake for September commencement October intake for January commencement For the current cycle, IIHS has adopted a rolling application process. Applicants must submit: Research statement Teaching statement Writing sample Sample course outline (if previously taught) The institution encourages applicants to align their proposed work with one of the five Schools while demonstrating openness to interdisciplinary collaboration. Why Scholars Should Apply The IIHS Postdoctoral Programme offers a unique opportunity for early-career researchers to combine teaching, research, and real-world impact within one of India’s leading interdisciplinary institutions. With generous financial support, world-class mentorship, access to advanced research infrastructure, and potential pathways into faculty positions, the programme provides a strong foundation for scholars seeking to build influential careers in academia, research, and public policy. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding. Communications & Media Studies JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW