Department-Wise Area of Specialization

The Department of Earth Sciences at IIT Kanpur (http://www.iitk.ac.in/es/) invites applications for faculty positions in specific fields of geosciences. The department is home to a vibrant group of faculty and researchers with expertise in areas such as exploration geophysics, earthquake physics, seismology, structural geology, sedimentology, geomorphology, hydrology, remote-sensing, planetary geology, glaciology, low- and high-temperature geochemistry, paleoseismology, and natural hazards. Our state-of-the-art laboratories support high-quality, interdisciplinary research in Earth Sciences. We currently offer academic programs including BS-MS in Earth Sciences, MTech in Geological Technology, and PhD degrees.

We are specifically seeking faculty with research expertise in:

Process-Based Geochemistry
This specialization will strengthen the Department’s geochemistry research by focusing on fluid–rock interaction, reaction pathways, and mass transfer, with emphasis on rare earth elements (REEs) and critical minerals. In the current national context, understanding how elements like REEs, lithium, cobalt, and nickel are mobilized and concentrated is essential for resource security and energy transition. A fundamental process-based approach to ore formation and fluid-driven systems, including hydrothermal processes, can provide meaningful contributions to the research on critical mineral exploration in India. This area can effectively utilize existing facilities while expanding research toward resource-focused and nationally relevant geoscience.

2. Experimental Solid Earth Processes
This area is proposed as it directly consolidates and strengthens the department’s existing high pressure temperature experimental capabilities. There is a need to integrate these efforts into a cohesive, process-oriented research program that addresses the coupled mechanical, thermal, and chemical behaviour of Earth materials – experimental petrology and mineral physics. A faculty member in this specialization will address the fundamental problems related to deep Earth and planetary processes. This hire is expected to significantly enhance the department’s national and international standing in experimental geosciences.

3. Energy Geoscience
Energy geoscience is identified as a strategic area of national importance, particularly in the context of energy security and transition toward low-carbon systems. It is proposed that this area be developed within the Department through a physics-based approach that builds on existing strengths. The focus would include petroleum geology, subsurface storage processes such as CO₂ sequestration and geothermal systems. This approach avoids the need for entirely new infrastructure as the department maintains working relationships with several industries had has some of the necessary facilities.

4. Natural Hazards
Given the increasing societal and economic impact of natural hazards in India, this specialization is proposed as an area for strengthening the Department’s research and outreach capabilities. The The ES DFAC and the faculty members discussed the letter and document circulated by the Dean, Faculty Affairs, dated 29.03.2026. Based on the current specializations of the existing faculty (Annexure 1, page 3), national interests, as well as the available laboratory infrastructure and facilities, the department proposes to recruit six faculty members under the UR category in the next 5 years (2026-2031). 2 focus would be on process-based understanding and prediction of hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods, integrating field observations, modelling, and data analysis. This area naturally complements existing strengths and can leverage current facilities with minimal additional investment. A dedicated faculty member in this domain will enhance the Department’s contribution to national risk mitigation efforts, disaster preparedness, and policy-relevant research.

5. Sedimentology and Palaeontology
This specialization is proposed to maintain and strengthen the Department’s capabilities in sedimentary geology, which are important for both teaching and research. Palaeontology, an essential component of Earth Science education, is currently absent in the curriculum, and a faculty member teaching sedimentology is expected to superannuate within the next five years. A new hire in this combined specialization will help address these gaps while bringing a modern perspective that includes quantitative basin analysis, stratigraphy, biogeology and paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and will also create natural links with energy geoscience and environmental studies.

6. AI/ML and Data Science for Earth Systems
This specialization is proposed to address the increasing role of data-driven approaches in geoscience. There is a clear and growing need for expertise in AI/ML, particularly for handling large datasets generated from satellites, geophysical networks, geochemical analysis, and climate models. Strengthening this area will enable more effective analysis and interpretation of complex Earth system data. It also offers strong potential for high-impact research and interdisciplinary funding, while creating natural links with IIT Kanpur’s strong computer science and AI ecosystem.

For more information about the department, please visit our website: https://www.iitk.ac.in/es/.

Professor Santanu Misra, HOD
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The Department of Intelligent Systems at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur invites bright, innovative, and dedicated scholars to join our newly established department to shape the future of Intelligent Systems. We are looking for talented faculty members across all relevant disciplines to help build a cutting-edge department focused on advancing intelligent systems and related fields.

DIS is a part of a School (WSAIS) which is designed as an interdisciplinary organization to sustain impactful research and development in IIT Kanpur. The 5 Centers that DIS faculty will interact with are:

Wadhwani Center for Advanced AI (CAA)
Wadhwani Center for Developing Intelligent Systems (CDIS)
Wadhwani Center for Cybersecurity and Cybersecurity of Cyber-physical Systems (C3i)
Wadhwani Center for Robotics (CR)
Wadhwani Center for AI Policy and Outreach (CAPO).

Research Areas of Interest
We welcome applications in a broad range of research areas, including but not limited to:

Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning and Algorithms
Data Science and Big Data Analytics
Natural Language Processing
Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
Embedded and Cyber-Physical Systems
Optimization and Control
Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Pervasive and Mobile Computing
Computer Security
Software Engineering
Human-Computer Interaction

Example: A candidate who has experience in publishing in the following venues would be a good fit: AAAI, IJCAI, AAMAS, ICAPS, ICML, NeurIPS, ICLR, SIGIR, WWW, KDD, ACL, ENMLP, NAACL, CVPR, ICCV, EMSOFT, RTSS, RTAS, ICCPS, HSCC, CDC, ACC, ICRA, IROS, RSS, MobiCom, MobiSys, SenSys, CCS, IEEE S&P, USENIX Security, FSE, ICSE, ASE, CHI, UBICOMP, and Marquee conferences or journals in CSE or EE.

R&D: DIS and WSAIS aim to hire researchers, who have demonstrated high calibre either in research published in the top-most venues, or in technology translation work done on a large-scale.

Job Description:
A faculty member is expected to conduct cutting-edge research in her/his area of expertise leading to high-quality publications and teach 2-3 courses per year. S/he is expected to attract funding for her/his research and development activities from government or private funding agencies. The department and the school requires, and supports, entrepreneurial or consultation activities that impact the local economy.

Application Process:

Application for the faculty position is accepted throughout the year. Interested candidates are requested to officially apply through the IITK website (https://pingala.iitk.ac.in/IITKFR-0/login), and email the following documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

“R&D vision” statement. Please elaborate on: Why WSAIS is a good fit for you in the long-term? How will you contribute to the development/translational focus of the School? E.g. the ability to raise funding and deliver on projects are key desirables: How do you see yourself in that role?
Teaching statement. Please elaborate on teaching students, as well as, large-scale training in the School Outreach activities.
CV.
Referees. List 3-5 known experts who are able to comment on the achievements and the future potential of the candidate. The department will contact the referees for their recommendation letters for the candidate.

Selected candidates will be invited for a seminar and an interaction with the existing faculty members and students. The institute will cover travel expenses for shortlisted candidates within India.

Why Join Us?
Our department offers a vibrant, collaborative, and flexible work environment with attractive support for research, teaching and professional growth.

Ours is a unique setup in the Indian academia wherein the opportunity of working on local problems, national projects, and industry collaborations is baked in its foundation. This is made possible by a generous grant pledge from the Wadhwani Charitable Foundation (WCF) and is implemented by its various innovation/entrepreneurial networks (e.g. WIN). You will be expected to lead a domain of this national SuperHub and mentor the other Hubs.

Professor Nitin Saxena, Dean
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Professor Indranil Saha, HOD
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Department-Wise Area of Specialization

Appointments in the relevant Departments to work jointly with the Interdisciplinary Programs (IDPs)