Our group thrives on curiosity, rigor, and collaboration. If you're passionate about understanding how light behaves at the nanoscale — and excited to engineer materials and devices that bend, focus, and shape it in new ways — we'd love to hear from you. Below you'll find the current openings and how to apply.
Current Openings
Openings last reviewed: [Month Year]
PhD Positions
● Actively RecruitingWe are accepting applications for fully-funded PhD positions through IIT Ropar's Department of Physics. Selected candidates will work on cutting-edge problems at the intersection of nanophotonics, plasmonics, and meta-optics. For the [Autumn 2026] cycle we expect to recruit [1–2] PhD students.
- Eligibility: MSc / MTech in Physics, Optics, Photonics, or closely related field
- Required: Valid score in GATE / JEST / CSIR-NET / equivalent national-level exam
- Funding: Institute fellowship as per Ministry of Education (MoE) norms — currently approximately ₹[xx,xxx]/month at JRF level, revised to the SRF rate after the comprehensive examination
- International applicants: Welcome with their own funding (e.g., country-specific scholarships, government fellowships)
MSc / MTech Project Students
● Rolling BasisMaster's students at IIT Ropar can join the lab for thesis projects, semester research, or year-long collaborations. Projects span computational electromagnetics, nanofabrication, and advanced optical characterization.
- Hands-on training in modern nanophotonics research
- Co-authorship opportunities on resulting publications
- Pathway to PhD admission for outstanding candidates
Summer Interns & Visiting Students
● Rolling BasisWe host motivated undergraduates and visiting students for short-term research stints (typically 2–3 months). Past interns have come from Indian and international institutions and contributed to ongoing projects in computational and experimental nanophotonics.
- Open to BSc / BTech students in physics, optics, or related fields
- Apply 3–4 months before your intended start date
- Possibility of extension based on progress and project fit
Postdocs & Research Associates
● Always Open to Strong CandidatesOutstanding postdoctoral candidates with a strong publication record in nanophotonics, plasmonics, or related areas are encouraged to reach out. Funding may be available through institute schemes or external fellowships such as DST INSPIRE Faculty, N-PDF, or the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.
What You'll Work With
Optical Characterization
A custom dual-channel optical microscope for simultaneous forward and backward imaging, white-light and Fourier (back-focal-plane) imaging, and angle-resolved measurements. [Add spectrometers, laser sources, polarization optics.]
Nanofabrication
Access to [institute Central Research Facility / cleanroom] for [e-beam lithography, thin-film deposition, sample preparation].
Computation
Dedicated workstations and [institute HPC access] for electromagnetic modelling with COMSOL, Lumerical, and in-house Python / MATLAB codes.
A Collaborative Setting
Weekly group meetings and journal clubs, active collaborations, and support to present work at national and international conferences.
What We Look For
Strong Foundations
Solid grasp of electromagnetics, classical optics, and condensed matter physics.
Curiosity
An itch to understand how things work, and the persistence to chase the answer.
Computational Skills
Comfort with Python, MATLAB, or COMSOL is a plus — but trainable for the right candidate.
Hands-on Mindset
Willingness to do experimental work — alignment, fabrication, microscopy, characterization.
Communication
Ability to read papers critically, explain ideas clearly, and write scientific text.
Team Spirit
Research is collaborative. We value people who help others succeed.
How to Apply
- Read about our work Spend some time on the Research and Publications pages. A thoughtful application that connects to specific projects gets noticed.
- Prepare your CV Include your educational background, courses, projects, technical skills (lab + computational), and any publications or conference presentations.
- Send an email Email danveer.singh@iitrpr.ac.in with your CV attached and a brief note about why you're interested. See the suggested template below.
- Wait for a response We review every application carefully. If there's a potential fit, we'll invite you for a conversation. Please allow 1–2 weeks before following up.
Suggested Email Template
A clear, specific email is far more likely to get a response than a generic one. Choose the subject line that matches the position you're applying for, then adapt the body below.
PhD Application — [Your Name] — Background in [Your Field]
MSc / MTech Project — [Your Name] — [Your Department]
Summer Internship — [Your Name] — [Your Institution]
Postdoc Enquiry — [Your Name] — [Your Research Area]
Dear Dr. Singh,
I am [Your Name], currently pursuing/completed [Degree] from [Institution]. I am writing to express my interest in joining your research group as a [PhD student / project student / summer intern / postdoctoral researcher].
I have been particularly interested in your work on [specific paper or topic, e.g., curved-space plasmonics or selenium Mie resonators]. My background in [your area] and experience with [specific skills/tools] aligns well with this direction.
[PhD / postdoc: mention your GATE / NET / JEST score or proposed funding source. Interns: mention your available dates and relevant coursework.]
I have attached my CV [and transcripts] for your review. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss potential research projects.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [Email]
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the application deadline for PhD admissions?
IIT Ropar typically holds PhD admissions twice a year — Spring (December–January call) and Autumn (May–June call). Check the institute website for current cycle dates. Reach out to me before applying so I can flag your application.
I don't have a GATE / NET score yet. Can I still apply?
For institute-funded PhD positions, a valid score in GATE, JEST, CSIR-NET, or equivalent is generally required. However, exceptional candidates with strong research backgrounds and publications may be considered through other routes (e.g., Prime Minister's Research Fellowship, project-based positions). Email me to discuss your specific situation.
I'm an international student. How do I apply?
International applicants are welcome, typically with their own funding (e.g., country-specific scholarships, government fellowships, or institutional sponsorships). Send me an email with your CV and proposed funding source so we can discuss feasibility.
Do you offer remote / part-time positions?
Most positions require on-site presence at IIT Ropar because experimental work requires lab access. Theoretical/computational projects may have some flexibility — please discuss with me directly.
What's the typical PhD duration?
Most PhD students complete the program in 4–5 years, including coursework, qualifying exams, research, and thesis writing.
I'm a BSc / BTech student. Can I do a summer internship?
Yes! We host 2–3 motivated undergraduate interns each summer. Apply 3–4 months in advance with your CV, transcripts, and a short statement of interest. We prioritize students who have completed at least one course in optics or electromagnetism.