Research Associate - Iconography & Scriptures (Sanskrit)

Niru (NY) Ltd.; Mumbai; On-site; INR 450,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

NIRU India in Mumbai seeks a Research Associate proficient in Sanskrit to conduct rigorous iconography and scripture research. You will partner with the Research Project Manager and design teams to verify, organize, and present authentic source material for a shared knowledge base.

This role emphasizes accuracy, cross-referencing sources, and clear translations to support storytelling and design. The position involves documenting sources, contributing to peer reviews, and collaborating closely

Qualifications

• Strong ability to read and work with Sanskrit texts.
• Excellent research and citation discipline.
• Ability to verify verses and textual references.
• Clear translations with contextual explanations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research on iconography and Sanskrit scriptures.
• Find primary Sanskrit references and provide original text when available.
• Provide accurate translations with context for cross-team use.
• Trace ideas across multiple sources and related texts as needed.
• Maintain organized notes, citations, and bibliographies for the team.

Skills

Sanskrit reading

Research and analysis

Attention to detail

English writing

Education

MA/MPhil/PhD in Sanskrit or Indology

Advanced study in Indian Philosophy or Classical Literature

Job description

Location: Lower Parel, Mumbai (On-Site, Full time)

Required Experience: 1+ year of work experience

About Us

NIRU India is the newest initiative under the globally respected NIRU Group. With a legacy of craftsmanship, culture, and excellence, NIRU is now laying the foundation for a new chapter that draws upon ancient spiritual wisdom, cultural scholarship, and artistic mastery.

We are looking for a Research Associate who is highly proficient in Sanskrit and can conduct rigorous research on Iconography and Scriptures.

Role Overview

As a Research Associate you will partner closely with the Research Project Manager, fellow researchers, Creative and Design teams to conduct rigorous research on iconography and scriptures. Your core contribution is to Oind, verify, organise, and present authentic source material in a clear and usable format.

The team builds on this research to create a knowledge base for ancient wisdom, which in turn translates into design and storytelling. Success in this role is shared: your findings become the foundation others interpret, extend, and bring to life.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Source Work

• Conduct in-depth research on iconography and Sanskrit scriptures, Purā ṇas, Upaniṣads,kāvya, stotras, śilpa texts, dharma texts, and related traditional literature, in line with the team's shared research priorities.
• Find primary Sanskrit references relevant to assigned research topics.
• Provide the original Sanskrit text wherever available, while ensuring authenticity.
• Provide accurate translations and explain the immediate textual context, so that colleague sacross research, design, and storytelling can use the material confidently.
• Trace the same idea across multiple Sanskrit sources when required. Research deities, iconography, stories, philosophical concepts, symbols, Olowers, colors, gemstones, sacred objects, rituals, and motifs.

Verification & Accuracy

• Record the exact source, text name, khaṇḍa, adhyāya, section, and śloka number.
• Verify quotations, references, translations, and online claims before submission. Clearly distinguish between direct textual statements traditional interpretations,commentarial interpretations and modern interpretations.
• Compare different textual versions of the same story or concept, and identify the strongest and most relevant references for each topic, in consultation with the Research Project Manager.

Documentation & Knowledge Base

• Maintain well-organized research notes, source files, citations, and bibliographies that any member of the team can pick up and use.
• Present research in a structured format so that the team can easily interpret and develop it further.
• Contribute your findings into the shared knowledge base, keeping it consistent, current, and easy to navigate.
• Support fact-checking of presentations, stories, design concepts, and research documentsproduced across the team.
• Participate in peer reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions with fellow researchers,offering and receiving constructive feedback.
• Work alongside the Creative and Design teams to help translate source material into designand storytelling.
• Flag open questions, gaps, and conflicting sources early, keeping the Research ProjectManager informed of progress.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Education & Background: MA, MPhil, PhD, or advanced academic training in one or more of the following: Sanskrit · Indology · Indian Philosophy · Ancient Indian History · Religious Studies · Hindu Studies · Indian Art History · Manuscript Studies · Classical Literature.
• Strong independent researchers with equivalent knowledge and experience may also be considered.
• 1+ year of work experience in similar profile

Required Skills

• Strong research ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to read and work with Sanskrit texts.
• Good understanding of Sanskrit literature and Indian knowledge traditions.
• Familiarity with Purā ṇic literature, philosophy, mythology, and iconography.
• Ability to locate reliable primary and secondary sources.
• Strong citation and reference discipline.
• Ability to verify Sanskrit verses and textual references.
• Ability to compare multiple sources carefully.
• Good written English for research summaries and translations.
• Patience and persistence in working through large texts.
• Intellectual honesty.
• Collaborative working style, with the ability to share sources, take feedback, and build on the work of colleagues.

Why Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to apply your scholarship in a hands‑on, creative, and mission‑driven environment, as part of a team that builds on each other's work.

Your research will directly shape a body of work that seeks to preserve and present spiritual authenticity to a global audience.