The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) invites applications for 2 full-time Research Assistants to work for the Chair on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Both positions are for a period of one-year and are extendable subject to performance. Both positions are contractual and will be based out of NLS campus in Bengaluru.

About the DPIIT Chair in IPR

The Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Chair established at NLSIU by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, under the Scheme for Pedagogy & Research in IPRs for Holistic Education & Academia (SPRIHA) seeks to promote the study of, education in, research on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) as well as outreach on Intellectual Property matters. The Chair supports specialised courses on IPR with the aim of inculcating a nuanced understanding of Intellectual Property among students. It holds seminars, workshops and special lectures with the aim of producing high quality research, strengthening pedagogy, engaging in public policy dialogue and attracting world class researchers and academicians to the University in the field of intellectual property rights. Read more.

About the Role

The Research Assistants (RA) will work on diverse kinds of research and dissemination  activities of the Chair, particularly the following project. The Chair proposes to undertake a study on “Patent Landscape of Cancer Drugs Relevant to India and the impact on Affordability and Accessibility”. The research will identify the cancers relevant to India, explore the treatment options, map the patents relating to the drugs, examine their affordability and accessibility. This requires one Research Assistant who has a biomedical background and another with patent specialisation.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the RAs include:

• Conduct literature review and prepare a research plan
• Carry out analysis of the cancers with high impact in India, associated therapy, and their accessibility and affordability from the Indian perspective
• Organise workshops/consultations/prepare case studies
• Conduct interviews and/ or surveys
• Map the patent landscape of the drugs that has relevance to India
• Prepare research outputs, including periodic reports and academic publications
• Assist with other research and dissemination activities of the Chair as required

The RAs are required to publish at least two short-form pieces that may include a blog, commentary, policy brief or a research paper for the NLS Scholarship Repository every year.

Duration

One year from the date of appointment order, extendable subject to performance.

Eligibility criteria:

• One RA position is for candidates with educational training in the biomedical field whereas the second RA position will be for candidates with educational training in law. The application form will require you to choose the position you wish to apply for.

Educational Qualifications

Essential

• Graduate degree in the biomedical field or an MBBS degree or graduate degree in law

Desirable

• Candidates with a MSc/LLM in relevant fields will be preferred
• Candidates with specialisation in patents as evidenced from published papers or with experience in patent search will be preferred
• Academic/research/ industry experience in the field of IP
• Interest in empirical investigations
• Fieldwork experience
• Quantitative data analysis skills

How to Apply

Please use the Google form, and include the following documents:

1. An updated CV
2. A statement of purpose (500 words) outlining your interest in the position, and suitability for the role
3. Details of two professional references
4. A writing sample, preferably a solo-authored published piece

Reporting

The RAs will work under the supervision of, and report to, the IPR Chair Professor.

Compensation

The RAs monthly compensation will be between Rs 47,000 and 67,000 commensurate with educational qualifications.

For any queries, please write to

Deadline

The last date for submission of applications is April 30, 2026 (5 PM IST).