Research Associate - History of Indian Space Programme

 

Research Associate - History of Indian Space Programme

MS-006-3-0-5-12, Judi-Dart rocket over Thumba, undated, TSG Sastry Papers, Archives at NCBS.

 

We are seeking a pre or postdoctoral researcher in the History of Science with a specialised focus on engineering, physics, or mathematics to join our team as a Research Associate. 

This position is funded through an external grant dedicated to promoting physical sciences.

Role: Research Associate 

When: Starting in the last quarter of 2025 

Duration: 6 months

Where: In-person at Archives at NCBS in Bangalore, India

Number of positions: 1

Application deadline: 5 September, 2025

Compensation: Rs 60,000 per month


About the Archives

Archives at NCBS is a public collecting centre for the history of science in India. The archiving team works towards the access, use, and care of archival materials through various activities including accessioning, cataloguing and processing, description, metadata creation, preservation, digitisation and conservation. We also prioritise our ongoing work to document the history and contributions of under-represented and minoritised groups in science in our collections.

Job Description

We are seeking a Research Associate on a temporary (6 month), full-time position. They will help us create datasets related to the early history of the Indian Space Programme using archival holdings at Archives at NCBS as well as from primary and secondary sources from other national repositories, archives and libraries in India. Reporting to the Principal Investigator and the Lead Archivist, they will collaborate with a team consisting of an archivist, historian and software developers to develop cataloguing and description standards for the space science collections. They will assist in the creation, updation, and management of metadata for space science collections.

Key responsibilities include analyzing existing metadata for collections, making edits and additions to existing metadata, and developing archival metadata descriptions in collaboration with colleagues using systems such as ArchivesSpace. They will be required to visit repositories, archives and libraries in India that have holdings related to space science. They will have to compile datasets by creating or using catalogues and library collections and develop standardised vocabulary using primary and secondary material.

Candidates who have doctoral level training in the history of science with specialisation in physics or mathematics  will be preferred. 

Due to restrictions at some of the repositories across India that we will be working with, this position is restricted to citizens of India who hold a valid Indian identification document.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Creation, clean-up, quality control, and updation of metadata for archival collections related to space science.

  • Travel to libraries, repositories to develop catalogues related to space science in India.

  • Apply best practices for inclusive and reparative description.

  • Strong ability to set priorities, manage and meet deadlines, and work collaboratively with colleagues.

  • Commitment to working in a diverse and inclusive workplace and ability to work with a diverse staff and campus demographic.

Accessibility and Physical Demands

  • Includes seated work with frequent use of a computer for extended periods. Required to handle delicate archival materials carefully and will have to lift and carry boxes up to 5 kilos.

  • Includes prolonged periods of examining documents and repetitive data entry tasks.

  • Work conditions involve a climate-controlled, indoor environment to preserve materials. They may encounter dust and mold, necessitating the use of personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. 

  • Will be required to travel to cities and towns in India to visit archives, libraries and repositories. Will need to stay temporarily in cities/towns in order to conduct archival research at  libraries and repositories.

Qualifications and skills

  • Doctoral level training or commiserate research experience in the history of science with specialisation in physics or mathematics 

  • Any archival processing experience or prior experience using archives.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as critical thinking abilities.

  • Reading knowledge of one or more Indian languages.

  • Demonstrated interest in history of science in India.

Application Process


(a) All interested applicants should apply by writing a statement of purpose and sending it to the archives email id with a copy of their CV.

(b) Shortlisted candidates will be required to fill a questionnaire. 

(c ) Those selected from this questionnaire will be asked to make time for a 45-minute interview slot (in person or online).


(d) Final short-listed candidates must provide names of two relevant referees who might be contacted as a final step in the process.

 

Contact: Anjali - anjalir@ncbs.res.in, Prashant - spkumar@sas.upenn.edu