Senior Research Officer at Prayas, TISS Mumbai (12-month contract, Rs 70k/month)

Prayas, a field action project of the Centre for Criminology and Justice, School of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, is hiring a Senior Research Officer on a contract basis. The position is based in Mumbai and offers a consolidated salary of Rs 70,000 per month for an initial period of 12 months, which can be extended based on performance.

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences is a Deemed-to-be University (under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956) and a grant-in-aid institute under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Prayas, initiated in 1990, is a field action project of the Centre for Criminology and Justice. It responds to the needs of disadvantaged groups being processed by the Criminal Justice System, working towards the socio-legal and economic rehabilitation of persons at risk of being criminalised, exploited for commercial sex, and those in destitute states.

As Senior Research Officer, you will be expected to conceptualise research, undertake data collection and analysis, and carry out report writing and publication. The role involves travel within and between states, and you should be comfortable working both in teams and independently while consistently meeting deadlines.

• Master's degree in Social Sciences. Candidates with a Master's in Social Work, Sociology, Social Sciences or Law.
• Candidates with a Ph.D. or near completion of their Ph.D. are preferred.
• Research skills: conceptualising research, undertaking data collection and analysis, report writing and publication.
• Good writing skills.
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research software.
• Good command over spoken Hindi and spoken and written English; knowledge of Marathi is an added advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in teams as well as independently.
• Willingness to travel within and between states.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

The post is unreserved, but candidates belonging to reserved categories can apply. The terms listed may be relaxed in exceptional circumstances.

• Salary: Rs 70,000 per month (consolidated).
• Number of positions: 1.
• Nature of appointment: Contract basis.
• Period of contract: 12 months (extendable based on performance).
• Location: Mumbai.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a written test and interview (offline or online). No TA/DA is payable for appearing at the interview. The selected candidate must join within 15 days of intimation of selection.

Fill in the official Google Form linked below. If you face any technical issue while filling the form, reach out to prayas@tiss.ac.in.

The last date for receipt of online applications is July 5, 2026. Candidates will be informed over email and/or phone to appear for the written test or interview.

• Confirm you hold a Master's in Social Work, Sociology, Social Sciences or Law.
• Prepare details of your research experience and any Ph.D. status.
• Have your updated CV and supporting documents ready.
• Submit the online Google Form before July 5, 2026.