Research Associate, Iconography & Scriptures

About NIRU India

NIRU India is the newest initiative under the globally respected NIRU Group, drawing upon ancient spiritual wisdom, cultural scholarship, and artistic mastery.

Role Overview

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, organize, and present authentic source material in a clear and usable format.

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.
• Find primary Sanskrit references relevant to assigned research topics.
• Provide the original Sanskrit text wherever available, ensuring authenticity.
• Provide accurate translations and explain the immediate textual context.
• 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, in consultation with the Research Project Manager.

Documentation & Knowledge Base

• Maintain well-organized research notes, source files, citations, and bibliographies.
• Present research in a structured format for easy interpretation.
• Contribute 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.
• Participate in peer reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions, offering and receiving constructive feedback.
• Work alongside the Creative and Design teams to translate source material into design and storytelling.
• Flag open questions, gaps, and conflicting sources early, keeping the Research Project Manager informed.

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 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.
• 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.