Advertisement for Research Faculty Recruitment (CEEMS): Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology

Introduction

If you are an early-career scientist looking to build a strong research profile in India, the Advertisement for Research Faculty Recruitment (CEEMS): Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology is an opportunity you should not ignore. The call focuses on Assistant Professor (Research) positions in the Center of Excellence in Emerging Materials (CEEMS) at Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET), Patiala.

This article explains what this research faculty recruitment drive is about, who should apply, and how you can prepare a competitive application. You will also find practical tips drawn from the experience of many Indian researchers who moved into similar research-only faculty tracks.

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Why the CEEMS Research Faculty Recruitment Matters

A focused research track in a leading private institute

TIET is one of India’s most established private universities in engineering and technology, with a growing emphasis on high-quality research and international collaboration. CEEMS, developed in collaboration with Virginia Tech, USA, is a Center of Excellence in Emerging Materials that supports advanced work in areas such as functional materials, energy materials, and nanostructures.

The research faculty recruitment in CEEMS is significant because it:

• • Creates dedicated research-track positions (Assistant Professor – Research) rather than purely teaching-centric roles.

  • Strengthens India’s capacity in emerging materials, energy storage, and related frontier areas.

  • Offers a platform for motivated PhD holders to build independent research groups while contributing to the centre’s projects.

For early-career researchers, this is a chance to combine the stability of a faculty post with the focus and flexibility of a postdoctoral fellowship.

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Eligibility: Who Should Consider Applying?

The exact, legally binding criteria are listed in the official advertisement PDF; always cross-check details there before applying. 

Typical academic background

While the full eligibility list is specified in the PDF, such Assistant Professor (Research) posts in CEEMS are generally aimed at:

• • Candidates with a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or closely related disciplines.

  • Researchers with a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, preferably in emerging materials, energy devices, or nanotechnology.

  • Applicants who can demonstrate the ability to lead or significantly contribute to externally funded research projects.

Ideal

profile for Indian and international applicants

The call is particularly suitable for:

• • Indian PhD graduates returning from postdoctoral positions abroad who want a research-intensive role in India.

  • Young faculty members currently in teaching-heavy environments who wish to shift to a centre with stronger research focus.

  • International researchers interested in collaborative work with Indian institutions in emerging materials.

If you have already worked with large-scale facilities, advanced characterization tools, or interdisciplinary consortia, you will be in a stronger position to align with CEEMS projects.

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Key Features and Highlights of the CEEMS Research Faculty Positions

Although salary and exact terms must be confirmed in the official advertisement and HR communication, the Research Faculty Recruitment (CEEMS) at TIET typically offers:

• • Designation: Assistant Professor (Research), focused primarily on research and project development.

  • Affiliation: CEEMS (TIET–Virginia Tech Center of Excellence in Emerging Materials), Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, Punjab.

  • Specializations: Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and allied areas with clear relevance to emerging materials and energy applications.

  • Role focus:

    • Conducting independent and collaborative research.

    • Publishing in high-impact journals and conferences.

    • Writing and managing externally funded projects (DST, SERB, DBT, industrial sponsors, etc.).

    • Mentoring PhD scholars, JRFs and

      project staff attached to CEEMS labs.

Because these are research-priority positions, teaching loads are generally lower than in traditional departmental roles, allowing you to pursue ambitious projects and build your group strategically.

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How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

The advertisement provides the final word on timelines, document formats and email addresses. The steps below summarise a typical process and offer practical advice.

1. Read the official advertisement carefully

Download the Advertisement for Research Faculty Recruitment (CEEMS) from the TIET website and read every section, including:

• • Minimum qualification requirements.

  • Experience expectations (post-PhD years, publications, project track record).

  • Application format, required annexures and email subject line.

2. Map your expertise to CEEMS research themes

Before you draft your application, identify how your current work connects to CEEMS priorities such as:

• • Emerging 2D and 3D materials.

  • Energy storage and conversion (batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen).

  • Functional and electronic materials for devices and sensors.

Make a short list of 3–5 clear linkages between your work and the centre’s existing strengths. Use these linkages to structure your research statement.

3. Prepare a focused research and teaching statement

Even though the role is research-centric, institutes usually expect some teaching

or supervision contribution. Therefore you should:

• • Draft a 2–3 page research plan with short-, medium- and long-term goals that fit CEEMS.

  • Highlight possible funding sources and collaborators in India and abroad.

  • Add a brief teaching philosophy that shows your ability to contribute to advanced MTech or PhD-level courses in materials and related fields.

4. Compile a strong application dossier

Your dossier will typically include:

• • Detailed CV with indexed publications, citation metrics, patents and major talks.

  • Research statement and, where required, a statement of alignment with CEEMS.

  • Copies of key publications (accepted/printed).

  • Contact details of referees who can comment on your research independence.

Follow the file-naming and email-subject instructions in the advertisement strictly; many applications are rejected on technical grounds such as missing information or incorrect subject lines.

5. Submit before the deadline and track updates

The submission deadline and interview schedule are mentioned in the official advertisement. If the PDF does not list a static date (for example, “open until filled”), you should still apply as early as possible, because screening is often done in phases.

Check the faculty openings page periodically for any corrigenda or extended deadlines. 

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Tips, Common Mistakes and Expert Advice

Practical tips to strengthen your application

• • Show evidence of funding potential. Even if you have not yet led a large grant, highlight roles as co-investigator, contributor to proposals, or experience with industry projects.

  • Emphasise methods and infrastructure experience. CEEMS works with advanced materials synthesis and characterization; mention your experience with relevant tools and techniques.

  • Align with institutional priorities. Refer explicitly to how your proposed work can support TIET’s broader vision in energy, sustainability and advanced materials.

Common mistakes to avoid

• • Generic cover letters. Sending a generic “application for faculty position” without tailoring it to CEEMS gives the impression of low interest.

  • Unstructured research plans. Overly broad plans that list many topics but few concrete objectives are less persuasive than focused, well-justified goals.

  • Ignoring the research-only nature of the role. These positions expect a high level of research output; if your CV emphasises only teaching, you must clearly demonstrate your future research agenda.

Strategic career positioning

If you join as an Assistant Professor (Research) in CEEMS, you can use the role as a springboard to:

• • Build a cluster of PhD and postdoctoral researchers around your theme.

  • Develop international joint projects with Virginia Tech and other partners.

  • Position yourself for future promotions or leadership roles within TIET or other high-end institutions.

Think of this recruitment call not just as a job opening, but as an opportunity to anchor your research programme in a well-resourced, internationalised centre.

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Conclusion

The Advertisement for Research Faculty Recruitment (CEEMS): Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology highlights a rare, research-intensive pathway for talented scientists in emerging materials and allied disciplines. By offering Assistant Professor (Research) roles within a well-equipped Center of Excellence, TIET provides a fertile ecosystem for high-impact publications, funded projects and international collaborations.

If you are serious about building a research-driven academic career in India, this recruitment call deserves your close attention. Start by reading the official advertisement carefully, mapping your expertise to CEEMS themes, and crafting a focused research plan that demonstrates both depth and ambition.

Finally, keep an eye on the faculty openings page and the official PDF for updates, and consider sharing this article with colleagues who may also benefit from the opportunity. Thoughtful preparation now can significantly improve your chances of securing a position in this competitive and rewarding environment.

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Summary Table

Feature	Details
Program	Advertisement for Research Faculty Recruitment (Assistant Professor – Research), CEEMS, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology
Host Country	India
Funded By	Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (with projects often supported by national and international funding agencies)
Duration	Not specified in advertisement; typically multi-year faculty contracts as per institute rules
Study Mode	Full-time, on-campus research faculty positions at CEEMS, TIET Patiala
Eligibility	PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or allied areas, with strong research record; exact criteria as per official advertisement
Financial	Faculty salary and benefits as per TIET norms; additional support expected through research grants and CEEMS projects (details not specified in PDF snippet)
Fields	Emerging materials, energy materials, nanomaterials, functional materials and related physics/chemistry disciplines connected to CEEMS themes
Deadline	Not clearly available from accessible snippets; applicants must refer to the official advertisement PDF and faculty openings page for current deadline
Official	Thapar Edu Faculty-openings

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