NCBS Bengaluru · Simons Centre · Postdoctoral research
Simons-NCBS Postdoctoral Fellowship
Develop an independent research programme in collaboration with members of the Simons Centre.
Check dated information: A linked Simons Centre page still refers to an October 2023 deadline and January 2024 joining. This guide follows the main NCBS rolling notice and flags terms that need confirmation.
Research focus and applicant fit
The notice seeks theoretical physicists, chemists, mathematicians, engineers and computer scientists interested in biology.
CareerAidHub editorial guidance: Start with a biological question you want to answer. Explain how your modelling, analytical or computational expertise can contribute, and what you would need to learn from collaborators.
Identify a genuine connection with the Centre’s research rather than presenting interdisciplinary work as a label. A clear scientific question helps potential collaborators assess whether your proposed direction is feasible.
Support listed on the main NCBS page
| Monthly salary | ₹90,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual research stipend | $5,000 |
| Other listed benefits | On-campus housing, healthcare, relocation and childcare allowances |
Confirm current payment, deductions, housing and benefit conditions before accepting an offer. The page does not quantify the additional allowances.
Application checklist
- CV
- One-page summary of research accomplishments
- At least two recommendation letters
- Detailed research proposal of two to four pages, which may be developed with a Simons Centre member
Preparation advice: Keep your accomplishments summary focused on your own contributions. State the question, approach and significance of selected work without relying on unsupported claims of impact.
How to apply
Send the application materials to simonspostdoc@ncbs.res.in. Selection includes a research seminar and interview.
- Read the official rolling notice linked below.
- Explore potential scientific overlap with a Centre member and discuss your research direction.
- Prepare the requested documents and coordinate recommendation letters.
- Ask the programme office about letter submission, available hosts and intended start dates.
- Retain your application and correspondence.
The discussion and record-keeping steps above are editorial preparation guidance.
Duration, review and appointment expectations
NCBS’s general postdoctoral guidance describes fixed-term appointments, not continuing employment. It expects applicants to identify a host laboratory and develop a preliminary application with the host.
That guidance describes yearly renewal subject to continued host support and assessment of an annual work report, seminar and faculty evaluations. Confirm the Simons-specific maximum duration and review conditions in the offer.
Plan before joining: Discuss project resources, supervision, collaboration arrangements, authorship expectations and a realistic timeline. Keep relocation decisions dependent on written appointment terms.
Independent career preparation support
CareerAidHub’s Career Accelerator Program offers CV feedback, proposal clarity reviews and research-opportunity mapping. Follow NCBS rules on outside assistance and retain ownership of your work. Support does not guarantee selection or funding.
Mentoring enquiries: coaxialedu@gmail.com.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fixed closing date?
The main NCBS page says applications are accepted throughout the year.
Is the fellowship restricted to Indian citizens?
No. The notice describes the positions as open internationally.
Do I need a biology PhD?
The stated target backgrounds include physical, mathematical, engineering and computational disciplines with a strong interest in biology. Explain your biological research direction.
Can I assume a two-year appointment?
A linked historical notice mentions two years, but the main rolling notice does not confirm a duration. Ask the programme office.
Should recommendation letters be confidential?
Ask the programme office about the preferred submission arrangement; the main notice does not spell out the sender or file procedure.
Are allowance amounts in the old notice still valid?
Do not assume so. The linked 2023 call differs from the main page. Obtain current written benefit terms.
Is this the Campus Fellows Programme?
No. NCBS lists multiple postdoctoral funding routes. Use the Simons-NCBS instructions for this application.
Does rolling recruitment guarantee an immediate place?
No. Confirm host capacity, start dates and selection arrangements before making plans.
Official source and verification
Reviewed on 5 November 2026 against NCBS’s Simons fellowship and general postdoctoral pages. The linked Simons Centre notice contains historical dates and differing terms; it was not treated as a new dated competition.
NCBS — official Simons-NCBS Postdoctoral Fellowship rolling application notice
