
POSTDOCTORAL-RESEARCH-PROGRAM in Computational And Data Sciences at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata


Nadia, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Computational and Data Sciences at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata Nadia?
This Computational and Data Sciences program at IISER Kolkata focuses on cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. Leveraging advanced computational methods and data analytics, it addresses complex problems across science and engineering. The program is vital for India''''s growing R&D sector, fostering innovation and skilled expertise in high-demand areas.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for highly motivated PhD graduates with a strong research background in computational or data-intensive disciplines. It targets individuals aspiring to lead independent research, contribute to academic advancements, or transition into advanced R&D roles in technology and scientific industries in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure positions as research scientists, faculty members, or lead data scientists in top Indian research institutions and tech companies. Fellows contribute to high-impact publications, expand professional networks, and are well-positioned for career growth in India''''s evolving data science landscape.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Establish a Focused Research Agenda- (Months 1-6)
Work closely with your supervisor to define clear research questions, develop a robust methodology, and identify initial milestones. Regularly review literature and refine your project scope.
Tools & Resources
Research proposal templates, Literature databases (Scopus, Web of Science), Regular one-on-one meetings
Career Connection
Builds foundational skills in project design and independent research, crucial for future academic or industry R&D leadership roles.
Cultivate Strong Publication Habits- (Months 3-12)
Aim for early data analysis and start drafting preliminary findings. Attend departmental seminars to present work-in-progress and receive feedback. Actively seek collaboration opportunities within CCDS.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX/Overleaf, Zotero/Mendeley, Scopus/arXiv, CCDS seminar series
Career Connection
Essential for building a strong publication record, a key metric for academic hiring and grant applications in India and globally.
Enhance Core Computational Skills- (Ongoing throughout Year 1)
Continuously upgrade programming proficiency (Python/R/Julia), leverage high-performance computing resources, and master relevant data science libraries. Participate in advanced workshops offered by IISER Kolkata or external platforms.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, Coursera (for advanced topics), IISER-K HPC clusters, Relevant faculty members for guidance
Career Connection
Ensures technical readiness for demanding computational research and industrial data science roles.
Intermediate Stage
Proactive Grant Writing and Funding Exploration- (Months 12-18)
Identify relevant national and international funding opportunities (e.g., SERB, DBT, DST in India). Begin drafting grant proposals, working closely with your supervisor to refine ideas and secure institutional support.
Tools & Resources
SERB-NPDF guidelines, DST portals, Institutional research grants office, Successful grant examples
Career Connection
Crucial for establishing an independent research career and securing future faculty positions in India.
Expand Professional Network and Visibility- (Months 9-24)
Actively participate in national and international conferences (e.g., ICDLAI, ICONIP in India), present research, and engage with leading experts. Network with faculty from other IISERs and institutions for future collaborations.
Tools & Resources
Conference proceedings, LinkedIn, Academic social networks, IISER Kolkata outreach events
Career Connection
Opens doors to collaborations, faculty positions, and industry connections within the Indian scientific ecosystem.
Mentor Junior Researchers and Students- (Months 15-24)
Engage with PhD and Master''''s students, offering guidance on research methodologies, data analysis, and scientific writing. This strengthens your leadership and mentoring capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research meetings, Student project supervision opportunities
Career Connection
Develops supervisory skills essential for faculty roles and leadership positions in research teams.
Advanced Stage
Strategize Career Transition and Job Applications- (Months 20-36)
Prepare a strong academic CV and research statement. Actively search for faculty positions, research scientist roles, or advanced industry positions. Seek mock interviews and career counseling.
Tools & Resources
IISER Kolkata Career Development Cell (if available), Departmental faculty for mentorship, Job portals like AcademicJobs.com, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Directly leads to securing the next career step, whether in academia or industry in India.
Disseminate Research for Broader Impact- (Months 24-36)
Beyond publications, consider presenting research to non-specialist audiences, writing popular science articles, or contributing to open-source projects. Focus on the real-world impact of your computational science work.
Tools & Resources
Institutional outreach programs, Science communication workshops, Open-source platforms (GitHub)
Career Connection
Enhances visibility and demonstrates societal impact, beneficial for academic promotions and industry leadership.
Develop and Lead Independent Projects- (Months 24-36)
Propose and initiate new research directions, ideally leading to new funding applications. Demonstrate capability to conceptualize, secure resources for, and execute independent research projects.
Tools & Resources
Seed grants, Collaborative faculty networks, Institutional resources
Career Connection
Establishes a strong foundation for an independent research career, crucial for securing permanent academic or research leadership roles.



