Join us

We welcome applications from enthusiastic researchers at all stages. We encourage you to reach out to our director, Prof. G.S. Sailaja, for a preliminary discussion before applying — an informal conversation with the PI is the best first step.

Prospective Ph.D. students should also review the general admission information on the Cochin University of Science and Technology website and apply through the CUSAT admissions portal.

Doctoral Admissions

How do you assess Ph.D. applications?

Applications are assessed through an informal discussion with the principal investigator followed by the standard CUSAT admission process. We consider your academic record, research experience, and — above all — how closely your interests align with our ongoing research priorities.

What are your current research priority areas?

Our research is organised into four synergistic domains, broadly spanning biomaterials engineering and clinical translation:

1. Bone tissue engineering & smart biomimetic interfaces — bioinspired mineralization, natural–synthetic hybrid scaffolds, and osteoinductive green therapeutics for guided bone regeneration.
2. Magnetic nanomedicine & controlled theranostics — smart ferrogels, microspheres, and magnetically triggered hyperthermia for targeted drug delivery.
3. Intrinsically radiopaque & antimicrobial formulations — X-ray-visible polymeric implants and functionalized antimicrobial substrates for safe post-surgical monitoring.
4. Anion conducting membranes & graphitic electrocatalysts — electromechanical polymer frameworks and porous doped carbons for energy conversion.

Our list of projects and research areas provide a fuller picture of the topics we currently pursue.

Where can I find information regarding CUSAT’s academic requirements?

Admission to the Ph.D. programme in the Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology follows the university-wide CUSAT rules:

• A Master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks in the qualifying examination (50% for SC/ST candidates).
• Selection through the CUSAT Doctoral Admission Test (DAT) — a written test followed by an interview; candidates who qualify in national eligibility tests such as UGC–NET, CSIR–NET, GATE etc. are exempt from the written test.
• Applications are submitted to the Head of Department through the CUSAT admissions portal; see the department website for details.
• Two admission cycles per year (generally February/March and July).

Do you have any scholarships?

We have been able to offer a combination of national fellowships and project-funded positions. Available funding channels include:

• National fellowships: UGC–CSIR–NET JRF, DBT JRF, GATE, and INSPIRE fellowships.
• Project Junior Research Fellowships (JRF): paid positions attached to current funded projects, including under the AICTE (₹31 Lakhs) and RUSA (₹58 Lakhs) grants.

We are always happy to advise on the most suitable scheme for your profile during the preliminary discussion.

When should I submit my application?

Early submission is strongly advised. The number of project-funded positions is limited each year, and fellowship deadlines may fall well before the start of a cycle. Contact us as early as possible for a preliminary discussion.

How should I structure my research statement?

When applying, please include a statement (2–3 pages) that covers:

• A summary of the research topics that excite you, and why they fit our lab.
• Your thoughts on how you would address gaps in those areas.
• An overview of your academic background, including grades, awards, and rank.
• Any prior research outputs (dissertations, research placements).
• A brief literature survey of recent developments in your area of interest.

Postdoctoral Opportunities

We welcome post-doctoral researchers holding their own fellowship funding, as well as researchers who wish to apply to funded post-doctoral schemes. The lab is open to hosting researchers funded through the CUSAT Post-Doctoral Fellowship or national Post-Doctoral (PDF) schemes. If your research interests match our ongoing projects, simply email the director directly to propose a collaboration.

Some indicative fellowship schemes include:

• CUSAT Post-Doctoral Fellowship
• SERB National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF)

Internships

We welcome interns at all levels — undergraduate (B.Tech.), M.Tech., and postgraduate students — as well as summer research students. To apply, email the director with a short cover statement (outlining your background and what you would like to work on) together with your CV. We are glad to host motivated students who are available for the period of the internship (typically a summer term).

Unsure how to begin? Write to sailajags@cusat.ac.in — a short note is the best way to start a conversation.