Deepak Kumar

Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) is inviting applications for a PhD position in nanotribology of thin films for NEMS switches . The research is centered on improving device reliability, performance, and durability at the nanoscale, making it a strong fit for students interested in mechanical engineering , materials science , physics , and electrical engineering . The opportunity is associated with Deepak Kumar , Assistant Professor at IIPE, whose research interests include macro-, micro-, and nano-scale tribology, scanning probe microscopy, microstructure–tribology correlations, 2D materials, high entropy alloys, magnesium alloys, coatings/thin films, and MEMS/NEMS devices. Students interested in pursuing PhD in these areas in the Multi-scale Tribology of Advanced Materials (MSTAM) group are encouraged to contact him. Eligibility highlights: experience with thin films or nanoscale characterization is desirable. The broader IIPE PhD admission notice also lists admission routes such as Institute Research Assistantship, Individual Fellowship (CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICAR/INSPIRE etc.), PhD through Project, Sponsored candidates, and QIP. Funding notes: the notice mentions a contingency grant of Rs 30,000 per annum and accommodation provided based on availability. The post itself does not state a specific stipend amount for this opening. Application window: the IIPE admission notice gives an application form submission deadline of 15 April 2026 , with the last date for application submission on 13 June 2026 in the attached notice and a formal IIPE PhD application portal link provided. Interested candidates should email [email protected] with the subject line PhD positon in nanotribology to discuss the project and then complete the official application process through the portal.