What positions are available?
AIMS is keen on making about at least one new faculty appointment every year and more if there are right candidates. If you have 3 or more years of post doctoral experience, you shall normally be considered for a Research Scientist (Assistant Professor) level position. If you have more experience, you will be considered for senior positions. If you are a senior independent investigator, you may be considered for positions at the Associate Professor or Professor level. As this research institute is a new initiative, there are enough vacancies for at least 25 groups (maximum of 8 per group), with recruitment to be conducted in a phased manner. Each group will be provided with a purpose built modern laboratory.
Who should apply?
Scientists with a focus on areas of research with some close application to medical issues, but scientists working in basic science we equally welcomed. Research of the highest quality and that is competitive is the sole criterion. The institute will tap the large pool of nationally and internationally trained Indian scientists. Apply if your research will complement the prospective broad areas of research, or even if it does not if you feel capable of initiating a completely new research activity. Apply if you are extraordinary with an exceptional track record, and especially if you are at the beginning stage of your scientific career.
When to apply?
In general, the earlier the better. Apply when you have clear-cut plans for future research. When you have proven your productivity (quality, not just quantity is important; preferably both) in your current position. When your track record demonstrates that you possess the requisite intellect, technical capabilities, commitment and potential.
How to apply?
Send your CV with a list of all publications, and a 1-2 page summary of your research accomplishments so far. Send reprints of your papers, in hard copy or as PDF files electronically.
Most importantly, send a 3-5 page research proposal describing your plans for future research over a 5-10 year period. Ensure that you bring out the importance of your general area of research, and of your specific projects in this context. Remember that your application will be perused by biologists and clinical scientists trained in very different fields, so write accordingly. Take care in writing this well. Send the names and addresses (including e-mail) of three referees who can comment on your application and three who can comment on your abilities.
Submissions should be made to:
Chairman,
Institute of Molecular Medicine
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre
Elamakkara P.O.
Edapally, Cochin - 682 026
or by e-mail:tsganesan@aims.amrita.edu
Ph:- 91-484-4003009
Application Follow-up
Your application will undergo a preliminary screening along with others. If selected, you will be invited to visit AIMS, and your references will be contacted. You may prompt your referees to send in their letters, but only if your pass the initial screening. Your application will be considered further only after you visit. Your application will be kept "alive" for a year.
When you visit, you may not have to undergo a formal interview. You will give a research seminar and thereafter talk to all faculty members individually. Plan on spending at least 2 - 3 days at the AIMS campus at Kochi.
Application Seminar - Give this the importance it deserves. The most effective talks are given by those who have practised beforehand. Plan a good introduction, not too long, not too short. Target your audience well; remember that it will have widely varied backgrounds. If you feel your work is very different from what an audience at AIMS might be used to listening, have a slightly longer introduction. Remember that presenting too much data can be counterproductive if you lose the audience early on. Strike the right balance. Make it obvious that you have not only the ability to produce data, but also the capability to think wisely about it. You have one hour; make the best use of it.
Individual Interviews - These are informal. Different faculty members look for different things. How will your work complement theirs? What benefit will your recruitment have to them, to AIMS What new ideas, methodologies will you bring? Will you improve the critical mass at AIMS? How broad are your research interests? How focused are you? How keen are you to join AIMS? Are you in demand elsewhere? Are you serious in returning to India from abroad? Is the commitment there?
Faculty members will also describe their own work to you. If you have taken the trouble to find out what each one works on, so much the better. Come prepared with a list of all that you would need to get started, if you were to be selected. Don't be bashful about your requirements and budget estimates: there is see no point in your joining if you cannot do what you want to. The institute is committed to provide some start-up funds for new investigators to get them going and also to look at major equipment request sympathetically.
If you are selected and you accept the offer, some relocation assistance may be provided.
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