The Space Situational Awareness (SSA) programme at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) aims to develop and utilize ground-based optical facilities for the detection, tracking, and characterization of Resident Space Objects (RSOs), including operational satellites and orbital debris. To support the ongoing IRDE-DRDO funded project titled "Evaluation of Ground Based Astronomical Telescopes and Instruments at ARIES for Observation of Space Debris", applications are invited from motivated and talented candidates for the following project position on contract.

Vacancy Details

Job Profile: Project Associate-I

Number of Posts: One

Essential Qualification:

M.Sc. in Physics with specialization in Astronomy/Astrophysics OR Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Technology in Computer Science, with demonstrated experience in AI/ML based image processing for both fields.

Desirable Qualification / Experience:

• Proficient in Python programming.
• Knowledge of astronomical image processing, astrometry, and data analysis.
• Prior experience in data processing for astronomy, astrophysics, or Space Situational Awareness.
• Hand on experience in machine learning/deep learning for image analysis.
• Hands on experience through research projects, internships, or industrial assignments.

Job Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will be involved in:

• Participating in night-time telescope observations for monitoring and tracking Resident Space Objects (RSOs).
• Assessing observational data quality and applying appropriate image calibration and enhancement techniques.
• Performing astronomical image reduction, astrometric and photometric analysis.
• Developing AI/ML based algorithms for automated detection and classification of satellite streaks.
• Characterizing detected streaks and estimating orbital parameters.
• Developing and maintaining software tools, databases, and automated processing pipelines.
• Assisting in project documentation and technical reporting.

Terms and Conditions:

1. Tenure: The appointment is purely temporary for 4–5 months and is co-terminus with the project.

2. Monthly Emoluments:

Age relaxation shall be applicable as per Government of India/DST rules.

3. Other Conditions:

• Service conditions shall be governed by ARIES rules and DST guidelines, as amended from time to time.
• The appointment is purely temporary and does not confer any right to permanent employment at ARIES.
• The Director, ARIES reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process or terminate the appointment at any stage without assigning any reason.
• The selected candidate will be stationed at the ARIES campus, Nainital, and will be required to travel to the Devasthal Observatory for observational work.
• Candidates must be willing to work during night-time observing runs whenever required.

Documents to be Produced at the Interview:

Candidates should bring the following original documents along with one set of self-attested photocopies:

1. Duly filled application form.
2. Valid Government issued Photo Identity Card.
3. Valid Address Proof.
4. Class X (Matriculation) Certificate/Marksheet (Proof of Date of Birth).
5. Degree Certificates and Mark Sheets.
6. Experience Certificates (if applicable).
7. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
8. Recent passport size photograph.

Mode of Selection: Walk-in Interview

A Walk-in Interview will be conducted in the Council Room of ARIES Guest House on 17 July 2026, 10:00 AM onwards. Kindly report at 9:00 AM at ARIES, Manora Peak, Nainital.

Contact:

For any queries related to this position, please contact:
T. S. Kumar
Engineer, ARIES
Email: kumar@aries.res.in
Alternate Email: rso@aries-ssa.com