Chennai Mathematical Institute

Positions at CMI



Call for Applications and Nominations to the post of Director, CMI

Printable version of this call

The Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) is a centre of excellence for research and teaching in the Mathematical Sciences. The research focus so far has been on certain core areas of Mathematics, Computer Science and Theoretical Physics. CMI was founded in 1989 as part of the SPIC Science foundation, and has been an autonomous institution since 1996. Since December 2006, CMI has been recognised as a university (under Section 3 of the UGC Act 1956), and it now awards BSc, MSc and PhD degrees.

CMI is a rare example of public-private partnership in research and education in India. The Institute receives major funding from the Government of India as well as substantial financial support from private entities. In addition to a vibrant PhD programme, the Institute conducts BSc programmes in Mathematics and Computer Science as well as Mathematics and Physics, along with MSc programmes in Mathematics, Computer Science and Data Science. At CMI we believe that excellence in research and teaching go together: faculty who do research and also teach can get students involved in the process of scientific discovery and instil the joy of doing science in bright young minds.

The Institute invites applications from eminent academics/researchers with significant scientific achievements in Mathematics, Computer Science or Theoretical Physics, as well as experience in academic administration at a departmental or institutional level, for the position of Director. We also solicit nominations from senior academics of colleagues whom they believe can fill this role. The Director will have overall academic and administrative control of the Institute, and will play a pivotal role in raising the resources needed to achieve the goals of the Institute.

The appointment is for a fixed period of 5 years, starting 1 May, 2026. The compensation package will be generous and in line with the norm at other similar institutions.

A Committee has been appointed to take charge of the search. The same Committee will consider applications and nominations received in response to this Call.

The candidate should have a PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science or Theoretical Physics and be an outstanding researcher with high academic eminence, with at least 15 years experience in a recognized national/international university/research institute/R&D laboratory. In addition, the candidate should have extensive administrative experience. Given the special public-private nature of the Institute, proven ability to interact with the industry and raise funds is highly desirable.

Application/Nomination process

Applications/nominations can be sent by post to the Registrar, Chennai Mathematical Institute, H1, SIPCOT IT Park, Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103 or by email to registrar@cmi.ac.in. The last date for receipt of applications/nominations is 30 September, 2025.

Required information regarding the applicant/nominee

  1. Name, gender, date of birth, address for correspondence.
  2. Educational qualifications and career record.
  3. List of publications.
  4. Significant contributions to research and teaching.
  5. Experience as a leader. Highlight administrative roles, industry interactions and fund raising.
  6. Awards and recognition, membership in professional societies.
  7. Names of four eminent persons / academics / researchers who will write letters in support.

Tenured and Tenure-track positions at CMI

Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) is a centre of excellence for teaching and research in the mathematical sciences. Founded in 1989 as part of the SPIC Science Foundation, it has been an autonomous institute since 1996. CMI occupies a unique position in Indian academia, attracting substantial funding from both corporate and government sources. CMI operates from its campus at Siruseri, on the southern outskirts of Chennai. Siruseri is now the centre of a vibrant satellite town of Chennai, with excellent facilities including schools, hospitals, shopping and entertainment, as well as an abundant supply of modern and affordable housing. Siruseri is also home to the offices of a number of major companies specialising in information technology and data science.

The research groups in Mathematics, Computer Science and Theoretical Physics at CMI are very active, and count among them leaders in their fields. In 1998, CMI took the initiative to bridge the gap between teaching and research in India by starting BSc and MSc programmes in Mathematics and allied subjects. In December, 2006, CMI was recognized by the Government of India as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act (1956). Among other notable initiatives is the recently introduced M.Sc. in Data Science taught jointly by the Mathematics and Computer Science Faculties. CMI graduates have gone on to contribute to leading organisations throughout the world.

Our vision is to build on its early success and develop into a well-rounded academic institution in the tradition of the best universities around the world. We are also keen to expand into new areas—such as computational and mathematical biology, and data science.

Faculty positions in Mathematics and Computer Science

To this end, we invite applications for full-time and part-time positions at all levels and in all areas of Mathematics and Computer Science. We welcome applications in probability, statistics, artifificial intelligence and machine learning. Also, if you are part of a group of people with a strong record of common interests and collaborations, and you wish to move together to a strong institution which will welcome and encourage this interaction, please do contact us. We have excellent students, light teaching loads, good research facilities, access to grants, and a vibrant visitor’s programme.

Deadlines: Applications for faculty positions in Mathematics will be considered in three windows, with deadlines on March 31st, July 31st and November 30th.

Faculty positions in Physics

At present, in Physics, we have vibrant groups in Classical and Quantum Gravity, String Theory, Quantum Field Theory, and Mathematical Physics.

We invite applications for full-time faculty positions from people with expertise in Quantum Information Theory/Open Quantum Systems/ Statistical Mechanics/Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics/ Nonlinear Dynamics/Complex Systems, or any other area of Theoretical Physics that complements our strengths.

How to Apply

A formal application would require a CV, a statement of purpose, names and email addresses of possible referees. These should be uploaded to the CMI Academic Job Applications website. Informal enquiries are also very welcome, and will be promptly responded to. If you know someone who would be right for us, please encourage them to contact us.

Women candidates are especially encouraged to apply.


Postdoctoral Positions

Postdoctoral Positions in Mathematics

Applications for post-doctoral fellowships in mathematics at CMI will be considered twice each year.
   Primary window: for those who plan to join during July-August Deadline: January 31
   Secondary window: for those who plan to join during January-February Deadline: September 30

In either window, complete applications (CV, list of publications, preprints (if they are not available on arXiv), research statement, any other pertinent information) should be uploaded to the CMI Academic Job Applications website. Referees will receive an email with a link to which their letters can be uploaded. We welcome applications in probability and statistics.

Offers to successful candidates will go out within one month of the deadline.

Post-doctoral fellows in CMI are expected to teach one full course each year.

Holders of external post-doctoral fellowships (INSPIRE, NBHM etc.) and those planning to apply for such fellowships are welcome to apply to CMI, preferably during one of the above windows.

Postdoctoral Positions in Physics

Applications for post-doctoral fellowships in physics at CMI will be considered twice each year.
   For August-September openings: Deadline: January 31
   For January-February openings: Deadline: September 30

In either window, complete applications (CV, list of publications, preprints, research statement, any other pertinent information) should be uploaded to the CMI Academic Job Applications website. Referees will receive an email with a link to which their letters can be uploaded.

Post-doctoral fellows in CMI are expected to participate in the Institute's teaching activity.

Postdoctoral Positions in Computer Science

Applications for post-doctoral fellowships in computer science at CMI will be considered throughout the year.

Complete applications (CV, list of publications, preprints, research statement, any other pertinent information) should be uploaded to the CMI Academic Job Applications website. Referees will receive an email with a link to which their letters can be uploaded.

Post-doctoral fellows in CMI are expected to participate in the Institute's teaching activity.