Research Associate - Iconography & Scriptures

Job Title: Research Associate – Iconography & Scriptures

Location: Lower Parel, Mumbai

Employment Type: On-site,Full-time

About NIRU India

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 to 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 find, 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, Purāṇas, 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 colleagues across 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, flowers, 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.

Collaboration & Team Support

• Support fact-checking of presentations, stories, design concepts, and research documents produced 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 design and storytelling.
• Flag open questions, gaps, and conflicting sources early, keeping the Research Project Manager 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.

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 Purāṇic 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.

·       Strong organizational skills.

·       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.

How to Apply

Hit apply on this job post or email your resume and a brief cover letter to [Confidential Information] with the subject: Research Associate – Iconography & Scriptures – [Your Name]