About the Centre

NCAER is establishing the Centre for AI, Digital Public Infrastructure and Digital Futures (CADF) to undertake high-quality, policy-relevant research on the economic, social, and institutional implications of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Public Infrastructure, and digital transformation. The Centre will conduct interdisciplinary research on AI adoption, digital markets, innovation, digital governance, and the use of AI and DPI for evidence-based policymaking, leveraging large-scale digital datasets, advanced analytical tools, and collaborations with leading national and international institutions.

The Centre aims to emerge as a leading national and global platform for research and policy dialogue on AI, Digital Public Infrastructure, and the digital economy. NCAER offers unparalleled opportunities to work on frontier issues in AI and digital transformation, engage with policymakers, industry leaders, and global scholars, access unique datasets, and contribute to shaping India’s digital future through high-impact research and publications. 

Position Overview

NCAER is seeking a dynamic and motivated Fellow to play a key role in the establishment and development of the Centre. As one of the early members of the Centre, the Fellow will initially work closely with the Director General in developing the Centre’s research agenda, identifying projects and partnerships, supporting team building, and coordinating with key stakeholders.

During the initial phase, the role will involve a relatively greater focus on programme coordination, stakeholder engagement, team building, and other institutional and managerial responsibilities required to establish the Centre. As the Centre develops and its team is strengthened, the role will progressively transition towards a greater focus on research, policy analysis, publications, and other substantive research activities in the area of interest of the candidate.

Once the Centre is fully established and a Director is appointed, the Fellow will work under the overall guidance of the Director and contribute to the Centre’s research and institutional agenda.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Contribute to the conceptualisation and establishment of the Centre, including its initial research agenda, thematic priorities, work programme, and activities.
  • Identify emerging research and policy issues and develop research concepts, project proposals, policy studies, and collaborative initiatives.
  • Establish, partnerships with other institutions, government etc.
  • Support development of research proposals, funding opportunities, and partnerships with government, academia, industry, development organisations, and international institutions.
  • Support recruitment and team building for the Centre in coordination with HR and relevant stakeholders.
  • Coordinate seminars, workshops, conferences, consultations, and other Centre activities.
  • Undertake and contribute to high-quality research and policy analysis on AI, DPI, digital economy, digital transformation, technology policy, digital governance, innovation, and related areas.
  • Prepare research outputs, including working papers, research reports, policy briefs, journal articles, and presentations.
  • Contribute to research dissemination and policy engagement with policymakers, academics, industry, and other stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with researchers across NCAER and contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives.
  • Undertake other research, policy, coordination, and institutional responsibilities as assigned. 

Last Date: August 25, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Duration of Appointment: Initially for three years, with a provision for renewal.

Compensation: A salary that is commensurate with market and experience of the selected candidate.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

Educational Qualifications

  • Ph.D. preferred but not mandatory in Economics, Public Policy, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Management, Technology Policy, Statistics, Social Sciences, or a relevant discipline.
  • Candidates with a Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline and strong relevant experience may also be considered.

Professional Experience

  • Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in research, academia, public policy, technology, digital economy, government, consulting, development organisations, industry, or related fields.
  • Experience in AI, DPI, digital economy, digital governance, technology policy, data analytics, innovation, digital transformation, or related areas will be preferred.
  • Experience in research project development, stakeholder engagement, programme coordination, or building new initiatives will be an advantage.

Appointment Term

Applicants should send a letter describing their past experience and their interest, a detailed CV, and the names of three professional references. The appointment will be on a renewable, 5-year contract. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. For fullest consideration, please apply by August 25, 2026.  

Please send your application by email at hr@ncaer.org, noting “Fellow-CADF” in the subject line 

About NCAER

NCAER is India’s oldest and largest national, non-profit, independent economic research institute. Since 1956, NCAER has contributed high-quality research to shape policy decisions in India. It is among the few think tanks globally that have strong field data collection capabilities for national surveys; and its research covers a spectrum of policy-focused applied research in economics, from macroeconomics to poverty and infrastructure.

NCAER offers a vibrant, dynamic academic environment with both world-class faculty and physical infrastructure. If you’re stuck with a writer’s block, a stroll around our campus might be the antidote. If you want to unwind, there will always be someone willing to play a game of table tennis or badminton.

Join a visionary team that values research excellence, collaboration, and professional growth. NCAER offers a stimulating work environment where your research ideas can make a real difference.

NCAER is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.