Foreign Faculty and Postdoctoral Fellows: IIT Bombay

 

IIT Bombay’s Global Recruitment Initiative

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), a top-ranked public technical university located in Mumbai, India, is inviting applications from foreign nationals for faculty positions and postdoctoral fellowships. As part of its 2025–2026 recruitment cycle, IIT Bombay is launching a special international hiring program aimed at strengthening its global academic footprint. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s broader goal to internationalize Indian higher education institutions and promote cross-border research collaborations.

Join IIT Bombay, one of India’s premier Institutes of Eminence, through its exclusive recruitment drive for foreign faculty and international postdoctoral fellows. With world-class research, funding support, and a collaborative ecosystem, IIT Bombay invites global scholars to contribute to its academic and scientific excellence.


Academic Positions Open for International Applicants

IIT Bombay seeks foreign nationals to apply for the following academic ranks:

    • Assistant Professor: Open to recent PhD graduates with an exceptional academic record and demonstrable potential in teaching and research.

    • Associate Professor: Requires a minimum of six years of post-PhD academic or research experience, including at least three years at the level of Assistant Professor or equivalent.

    • Professor: Applicants should possess at least ten years of post-PhD experience, including a minimum of four years as an

      Associate Professor or equivalent role.

Eligibility Criteria

    • A doctoral degree (PhD) with a first-class or equivalent grade in the preceding academic qualifications.

    • Evidence of strong academic credentials, peer-reviewed publications, and a consistent track record in research and teaching appropriate to the level being applied for.

Terms of Appointment

    • All appointments will be offered on a contractual basis, typically up to five years, and are subject to prior approval from the Government of India.

Salary and Benefits

    • Salary is determined in accordance with Government of India norms and varies by position and experience.

    • Seed research grant of up to INR 20 lakh (approximately USD 25,000).

    • Reimbursement of economy-class airfare for the applicant and spouse once every two years to the home country.

    • Relocation allowance provided under institutional policy.

    • Medical insurance coverage for the faculty member and spouse.

    • Housing support: Rent allowance of up to INR 75,000 per month.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates must email their detailed CV to

rel="noopener">[email protected]. The subject line of the email should read: “Foreign Faculty Application”.


Postdoctoral Fellowships for Foreign Nationals

Overview

In addition to faculty positions, IIT Bombay offers International Postdoctoral Fellowships (IPDFs) to foreign nationals across its various academic departments and interdisciplinary centers.

Eligibility Requirements

    • Candidates who have recently completed their PhD, those with less than two years of postdoctoral experience, or those who have submitted their doctoral thesis and are awaiting defense.

    • Applicants who have earned their PhD from IIT Bombay are not eligible to apply for immediate postdoctoral positions at the institute.

Fellowship Structure

    • Monthly consolidated fellowship: INR 80,000.

    • House Rent Allowance (HRA): 30% of the fellowship amount.

    • Contingency grant: INR 50,000 per annum (non-lapsable).

    • Tenure: Initial appointment of one year, extendable to a second year based on satisfactory performance.

Academic Expectations and Institutional Support

    • Each postdoctoral fellow will be paired with a faculty mentor whose research aligns with

      the applicant’s interests.

    • Fellows may be required to contribute to limited academic or administrative tasks depending on departmental needs.

    • Support is available for attending one national and one international conference annually, contingent on the fellow’s research output at IIT Bombay.

    • Relocation assistance may be granted as per existing institutional norms.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit their CV to [email protected], using the subject line: “Foreign PDFs”.

Applications are considered on a rolling basis, with no fixed deadline. Selection committees periodically review applications and may invite candidates for virtual seminars and interviews.


Why Choose IIT Bombay for Academic and Research Careers?

International Reputation

Recognized as an Institute of Eminence, IIT Bombay ranks among India’s most prestigious higher education institutions. It is consistently listed in global university rankings for its research excellence and academic output.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities

With over 17 departments and 35 interdisciplinary centers and schools, IIT Bombay offers a wide spectrum of academic and research domains—including engineering, data science, climate studies, humanities, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies.

Comprehensive Support for International Academics

From visa facilitation to housing support and healthcare, IIT Bombay provides a robust support system for international faculty and postdoctoral scholars.

Growth-Oriented Academic Environment

Faculty and fellows benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratories, internal grant funding, and international research collaborations. This fosters a productive academic environment conducive to long-term professional development.

Pathway to Tenure and Further Opportunities

While faculty appointments are contractual, many postdoctoral fellows have successfully transitioned into full-time academic roles in India and abroad, reflecting IIT Bombay’s strong mentoring and research ecosystem.


Step-by-Step Application Guide

StepAction
1Identify whether you qualify for a faculty position or a postdoctoral fellowship.
2Prepare your application dossier, including CV, research statement, teaching statement (for faculty), and list of publications.
3Refer to the official 2025 advertisement for up-to-date salary and policy details.
4Submit your CV via email to [email protected] with the appropriate subject line.
5Be prepared to deliver a virtual seminar or attend an interview if shortlisted.
6Upon selection, coordinate with the mentor and initiate formal onboarding and Government of India clearance (for faculty).

 

Conclusion and Final Insights

IIT Bombay’s call for international faculty and postdoctoral fellows is a reflection of its evolving academic vision and global outreach. Through this initiative, the institute opens doors for distinguished scholars to contribute to India’s knowledge economy while advancing their own careers in a world-class research setting.

For international academics seeking meaningful engagement, long-term career potential, and access to India’s leading scientific infrastructure, this program presents a compelling opportunity. Applications are open year-round, but early submission is advised for timely consideration and visa processing.


Review & Update Timeline:

    • Next Review Due: July 2026

    • Suggested Update Cycle: Annually or when official advertisement is revised

Program Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Program NameForeign Faculty & Postdoctoral Fellowships at IIT Bombay
Host CountryIndia
Funded ByIndian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)
DurationUp to 5 years (faculty), 1–2 years (postdoctoral)
Study ModeFull-time, on-campus
EligibilityForeign nationals with a PhD
Financial SupportSalary, housing, relocation, airfare, contingency grants
Fields of StudyEngineering, Science, Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary programs
Next DeadlineRolling applications; next cycle: January 2026 (tentative, to update)
Official Websiteiitb.ac.in

References:

  1. For complete details and future updates, refer to the official IIT Bombay advertisement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for foreign faculty positions at IIT Bombay?

Foreign nationals with a PhD, strong research background, and teaching credentials can apply across Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor levels.

Is prior teaching experience required for IIT Bombay faculty roles?

Yes, depending on the level—Assistant Professors can be fresh PhDs, but senior roles require several years of post-PhD teaching or research experience.

What is the salary for foreign faculty at IIT Bombay?

Salaries follow Government of India norms and vary by rank and experience, with additional research and relocation benefits included.

How do I apply for a foreign faculty position at IIT Bombay?

Send your CV via email with the subject line “Foreign Faculty Application” to the official recruitment email provided on IIT Bombay’s website.

What is the stipend for foreign postdoctoral fellows at IIT Bombay?

The fellowship offers ₹80,000 per month, plus house rent allowance and an annual contingency grant to support research activities.

Can I apply for a postdoc at IIT Bombay if I just submitted my PhD thesis?

Yes, candidates who have submitted their thesis and await defense are eligible to apply for the postdoctoral fellowship.

Does IIT Bombay provide housing or rent support for international scholars?

Yes, foreign faculty receive housing support up to ₹75,000 per month, and postdocs get 30% house rent allowance on top of the stipend.

Is there a deadline to apply for IIT Bombay foreign faculty or postdoc positions?

No, applications are accepted year-round and reviewed periodically through rolling recruitment cycles.

Are foreign postdoctoral fellows at IIT Bombay assigned mentors?

Yes, each postdoc is paired with a faculty mentor whose research area aligns with the fellow’s interests and goals.

Can IIT Bombay postdoctoral fellows attend international conferences?

Yes, postdocs receive financial support to attend one national and one international conference annually, based on their research output.

Scroll to Top