Research Assistant, DPIIT IPR Chair (SPRIHA Scheme) at MNLU Nagpur (1 Post, Rs 47,000-67,000/month)

The Chair on Intellectual Property Rights is instituted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, with the vision to facilitate intellectual property education and research. DPIIT instituted the Chair at Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur in 2020. The present call is part of the Scheme for Pedagogy and Research in IPRs for Holistic Education and Academia (SPRIHA).

The University invites expressions of interest for one (1) full-time contractual post of Research Assistant under the DPIIT IPR Chair. The appointment is initially for one year on an annual contract with consolidated salary, extendable based on the performance of the candidate and the continuation of the DPIIT IPR Chair Scheme as per SPRIHA norms. The appointment is purely contractual and temporary and confers no right to permanent appointment.

Essential: Bachelor's Degree in Law (LL.B.) from a recognised University. Preference will be given to candidates possessing an LL.M. or Ph.D. in Intellectual Property Rights or allied disciplines.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated research and academic writing skills
• Knowledge of intellectual property laws and policies
• Experience with legal research databases including SCC Online, Manupatra, HeinOnline, LexisNexis and Westlaw
• Excellent drafting and communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Office, Google Workspace and online research tools
• Experience in organising conferences, workshops, seminars and academic events
• Knowledge of empirical and doctrinal legal research
• Publications in reputed journals will be preferred

• Assist the DPIIT IPR Chair in research projects relating to intellectual property rights
• Conduct doctrinal, empirical and policy research
• Assist in preparing research papers, reports, policy briefs and publications
• Assist in drafting project proposals and progress reports for DPIIT
• Organise conferences, seminars, FDPs, workshops and outreach programmes
• Help the Chair prepare a repertoire of resources, tool kits, guidance and instruction material for IPR courses, for direct teaching as well as distance and online modes
• Coordinate with government departments, universities and stakeholders
• Maintain research databases and project documentation
• Any other academic or administrative work assigned by the DPIIT IPR Chair

Salary is fixed and commensurate with qualifications and experience:

• LL.B. - Rs 47,000 per month
• LL.M. - Rs 57,000 per month
• Ph.D. - Rs 67,000 per month

The University notes that the salary remains fixed until amended in accordance with SPRIHA norms, and no increments will be granted before such revision.

Applicants must do both of the following on or before 26 August 2026, 5:00 pm.

• Email scanned copies of the required documents along with the CV to iprchair@nlunagpur.ac.in, with the subject line "Application for Position of Research Assistant - IPR Chair"
• Fill the online application form linked below - the University states it is important to fill the form along with the email

Documents to be emailed: CV; contact details of two referees; a Statement of Purpose for joining the IPR Chair (maximum 500 words); and a proposal for future activities to be conducted under the IPR Chair. The advertisement additionally asks candidates to send documents evidencing educational qualifications (degree/diploma certificates, statements of marks and other certificates), certificates of teaching or administrative experience issued by the competent authority, and a birth or SSC certificate or other government proof of date of birth.

• Appointments are subject to the rules and regulations of the University and Government, and to approval of the Executive Council and the DPIIT IPR Chair
• Candidates already employed must apply through proper channel or furnish a No Objection Certificate from the current employer, failing which the candidature will not be considered
• Applications received after the last date, incomplete applications and applications without the required documents will not be considered, and no communication will be made in this regard
• Mere fulfilment of eligibility does not entitle a candidate to be called for interview; the University reserves the right to shortlist
• Candidates must bring two sets of photocopies with original documents to the interview for verification, and no TA/DA is paid for attending
• Qualifications, relevant experience and age are considered as on the last date of receipt of applications
• Canvassing directly or indirectly is a disqualification, and the University reserves the right to fill or not to fill, or to withdraw, any advertised post
• Shortlisted candidates will be intimated about the interview schedule; candidates should check the University website for circulars

The same advertisement also invites applications for one (1) post of Secretarial Assistant under the DPIIT IPR Chair, open to graduates in any discipline, aged 21-40 years at the time of application, at Rs 15,000 per month as per the amended SPRIHA norms. That post is a non-legal office and administrative role, and the details above relate to the Research Assistant post.