Phutung Research Institute

Careers

We have open research positions in the following areas. Each position follows our common description format below; the subject-specific headers are written for each area.

Water Sensing and Disinfection

Full-time · Kathmandu

Develop reagent-free optical sensors and disinfection approaches for water quality — extending our award-winning realtimeWAS platform towards field-deployable, low-cost water safety for developing societies.

About Phutung Research Institute. PRI is a non-profit, charitable and tax-exempt science and technology research institute in Kathmandu, Nepal — active since 2016 and focused on bold science, frugal innovation and community transformation.

About the role. We are looking for a researcher to join our team in Kathmandu. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on real problems, with access to our optics, electronics and fabrication labs, and be supported to publish, patent and prototype.

Responsibilities.

  • Design, build and run experiments related to the subject area.
  • Analyse data, document methods and contribute to publications and patent filings.
  • Mentor interns and collaborate across disciplines within the institute.
  • Help maintain lab instruments and a safe, tidy working environment.

Requirements.

  • A relevant degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Hands-on lab or engineering skills in the subject area.
  • Comfort with scientific Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English; Nepali language skills welcome.

What we offer. A full-time position in central Kathmandu, a collaborative research environment, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to shape Nepal’s science and technology ecosystem. Compensation is competitive for the Nepali sector; international candidates are welcome through our Homalaya programme.

How to apply. Send your CV and a motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org with the position title in the subject line.

Apply for Water Sensing and Disinfection →

Cell Biology

Full-time · Kathmandu

Apply fluorescence and label-free optical techniques to living cells, pathogens and their interactions — building diagnostic and sensing tools that work where laboratories are scarce.

About Phutung Research Institute. PRI is a non-profit, charitable and tax-exempt science and technology research institute in Kathmandu, Nepal — active since 2016 and focused on bold science, frugal innovation and community transformation.

About the role. We are looking for a researcher to join our team in Kathmandu. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on real problems, with access to our optics, electronics and fabrication labs, and be supported to publish, patent and prototype.

Responsibilities.

  • Design, build and run experiments related to the subject area.
  • Analyse data, document methods and contribute to publications and patent filings.
  • Mentor interns and collaborate across disciplines within the institute.
  • Help maintain lab instruments and a safe, tidy working environment.

Requirements.

  • A relevant degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Hands-on lab or engineering skills in the subject area.
  • Comfort with scientific Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English; Nepali language skills welcome.

What we offer. A full-time position in central Kathmandu, a collaborative research environment, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to shape Nepal’s science and technology ecosystem. Compensation is competitive for the Nepali sector; international candidates are welcome through our Homalaya programme.

How to apply. Send your CV and a motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org with the position title in the subject line.

Apply for Cell Biology →

Integrated Photonics

Full-time · Kathmandu

Design and characterise photonic integrated circuits for sensing, spectroscopy and communication — from silicon photonics to lab-on-chip devices built with frugal fabrication.

About Phutung Research Institute. PRI is a non-profit, charitable and tax-exempt science and technology research institute in Kathmandu, Nepal — active since 2016 and focused on bold science, frugal innovation and community transformation.

About the role. We are looking for a researcher to join our team in Kathmandu. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on real problems, with access to our optics, electronics and fabrication labs, and be supported to publish, patent and prototype.

Responsibilities.

  • Design, build and run experiments related to the subject area.
  • Analyse data, document methods and contribute to publications and patent filings.
  • Mentor interns and collaborate across disciplines within the institute.
  • Help maintain lab instruments and a safe, tidy working environment.

Requirements.

  • A relevant degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Hands-on lab or engineering skills in the subject area.
  • Comfort with scientific Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English; Nepali language skills welcome.

What we offer. A full-time position in central Kathmandu, a collaborative research environment, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to shape Nepal’s science and technology ecosystem. Compensation is competitive for the Nepali sector; international candidates are welcome through our Homalaya programme.

How to apply. Send your CV and a motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org with the position title in the subject line.

Apply for Integrated Photonics →

Ultrafast Optics

Full-time · Kathmandu

Build and operate femtosecond laser systems for pump–probe spectroscopy, nonlinear optics and time-resolved studies of molecules, materials and biological systems.

About Phutung Research Institute. PRI is a non-profit, charitable and tax-exempt science and technology research institute in Kathmandu, Nepal — active since 2016 and focused on bold science, frugal innovation and community transformation.

About the role. We are looking for a researcher to join our team in Kathmandu. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on real problems, with access to our optics, electronics and fabrication labs, and be supported to publish, patent and prototype.

Responsibilities.

  • Design, build and run experiments related to the subject area.
  • Analyse data, document methods and contribute to publications and patent filings.
  • Mentor interns and collaborate across disciplines within the institute.
  • Help maintain lab instruments and a safe, tidy working environment.

Requirements.

  • A relevant degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Hands-on lab or engineering skills in the subject area.
  • Comfort with scientific Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English; Nepali language skills welcome.

What we offer. A full-time position in central Kathmandu, a collaborative research environment, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to shape Nepal’s science and technology ecosystem. Compensation is competitive for the Nepali sector; international candidates are welcome through our Homalaya programme.

How to apply. Send your CV and a motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org with the position title in the subject line.

Apply for Ultrafast Optics →

3D Imaging

Full-time · Kathmandu

Develop 3D imaging and fabrication capabilities — from sub-micron 3D printing of optical components to structured-light and computational imaging systems.

About Phutung Research Institute. PRI is a non-profit, charitable and tax-exempt science and technology research institute in Kathmandu, Nepal — active since 2016 and focused on bold science, frugal innovation and community transformation.

About the role. We are looking for a researcher to join our team in Kathmandu. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on real problems, with access to our optics, electronics and fabrication labs, and be supported to publish, patent and prototype.

Responsibilities.

  • Design, build and run experiments related to the subject area.
  • Analyse data, document methods and contribute to publications and patent filings.
  • Mentor interns and collaborate across disciplines within the institute.
  • Help maintain lab instruments and a safe, tidy working environment.

Requirements.

  • A relevant degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Hands-on lab or engineering skills in the subject area.
  • Comfort with scientific Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English; Nepali language skills welcome.

What we offer. A full-time position in central Kathmandu, a collaborative research environment, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to shape Nepal’s science and technology ecosystem. Compensation is competitive for the Nepali sector; international candidates are welcome through our Homalaya programme.

How to apply. Send your CV and a motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org with the position title in the subject line.

Apply for 3D Imaging →

Electronics Engineering

Full-time · Kathmandu

Design embedded systems, analogue/digital electronics and IoT instrumentation that turn our optical research into robust, field-ready devices.

About Phutung Research Institute. PRI is a non-profit, charitable and tax-exempt science and technology research institute in Kathmandu, Nepal — active since 2016 and focused on bold science, frugal innovation and community transformation.

About the role. We are looking for a researcher to join our team in Kathmandu. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on real problems, with access to our optics, electronics and fabrication labs, and be supported to publish, patent and prototype.

Responsibilities.

  • Design, build and run experiments related to the subject area.
  • Analyse data, document methods and contribute to publications and patent filings.
  • Mentor interns and collaborate across disciplines within the institute.
  • Help maintain lab instruments and a safe, tidy working environment.

Requirements.

  • A relevant degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Hands-on lab or engineering skills in the subject area.
  • Comfort with scientific Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English; Nepali language skills welcome.

What we offer. A full-time position in central Kathmandu, a collaborative research environment, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to shape Nepal’s science and technology ecosystem. Compensation is competitive for the Nepali sector; international candidates are welcome through our Homalaya programme.

How to apply. Send your CV and a motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org with the position title in the subject line.

Apply for Electronics Engineering →

Machine Learning Applications in Optics

Full-time · Kathmandu

Apply machine learning to optical and spectral data — improving the sensitivity and specificity of fluorescence sensing, imaging and diagnostics.

About Phutung Research Institute. PRI is a non-profit, charitable and tax-exempt science and technology research institute in Kathmandu, Nepal — active since 2016 and focused on bold science, frugal innovation and community transformation.

About the role. We are looking for a researcher to join our team in Kathmandu. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on real problems, with access to our optics, electronics and fabrication labs, and be supported to publish, patent and prototype.

Responsibilities.

  • Design, build and run experiments related to the subject area.
  • Analyse data, document methods and contribute to publications and patent filings.
  • Mentor interns and collaborate across disciplines within the institute.
  • Help maintain lab instruments and a safe, tidy working environment.

Requirements.

  • A relevant degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Hands-on lab or engineering skills in the subject area.
  • Comfort with scientific Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English; Nepali language skills welcome.

What we offer. A full-time position in central Kathmandu, a collaborative research environment, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to shape Nepal’s science and technology ecosystem. Compensation is competitive for the Nepali sector; international candidates are welcome through our Homalaya programme.

How to apply. Send your CV and a motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org with the position title in the subject line.

Apply for Machine Learning Applications in Optics →

Raman and Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Full-time · Kathmandu

Build and apply Raman and fluorescence spectrometers for label-free analysis of biological and environmental samples — including optical-trapping Raman microscopy.

About Phutung Research Institute. PRI is a non-profit, charitable and tax-exempt science and technology research institute in Kathmandu, Nepal — active since 2016 and focused on bold science, frugal innovation and community transformation.

About the role. We are looking for a researcher to join our team in Kathmandu. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on real problems, with access to our optics, electronics and fabrication labs, and be supported to publish, patent and prototype.

Responsibilities.

  • Design, build and run experiments related to the subject area.
  • Analyse data, document methods and contribute to publications and patent filings.
  • Mentor interns and collaborate across disciplines within the institute.
  • Help maintain lab instruments and a safe, tidy working environment.

Requirements.

  • A relevant degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Hands-on lab or engineering skills in the subject area.
  • Comfort with scientific Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English; Nepali language skills welcome.

What we offer. A full-time position in central Kathmandu, a collaborative research environment, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to shape Nepal’s science and technology ecosystem. Compensation is competitive for the Nepali sector; international candidates are welcome through our Homalaya programme.

How to apply. Send your CV and a motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org with the position title in the subject line.

Apply for Raman and Fluorescence Spectroscopy →

General Science, Technology and Innovation

Full-time · Kathmandu

Contribute broadly across PRI’s research portfolio — from experimental physics and chemistry to prototyping, policy analysis and innovation management.

About Phutung Research Institute. PRI is a non-profit, charitable and tax-exempt science and technology research institute in Kathmandu, Nepal — active since 2016 and focused on bold science, frugal innovation and community transformation.

About the role. We are looking for a researcher to join our team in Kathmandu. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on real problems, with access to our optics, electronics and fabrication labs, and be supported to publish, patent and prototype.

Responsibilities.

  • Design, build and run experiments related to the subject area.
  • Analyse data, document methods and contribute to publications and patent filings.
  • Mentor interns and collaborate across disciplines within the institute.
  • Help maintain lab instruments and a safe, tidy working environment.

Requirements.

  • A relevant degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Hands-on lab or engineering skills in the subject area.
  • Comfort with scientific Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English; Nepali language skills welcome.

What we offer. A full-time position in central Kathmandu, a collaborative research environment, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to shape Nepal’s science and technology ecosystem. Compensation is competitive for the Nepali sector; international candidates are welcome through our Homalaya programme.

How to apply. Send your CV and a motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org with the position title in the subject line.

Apply for General Science, Technology and Innovation →

Optical Physics/Engineering

Full-time · Kathmandu

Design optical systems end-to-end — sources, lenses, detectors and alignment — for spectroscopy, microscopy and field instruments built on limited budgets.

About Phutung Research Institute. PRI is a non-profit, charitable and tax-exempt science and technology research institute in Kathmandu, Nepal — active since 2016 and focused on bold science, frugal innovation and community transformation.

About the role. We are looking for a researcher to join our team in Kathmandu. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on real problems, with access to our optics, electronics and fabrication labs, and be supported to publish, patent and prototype.

Responsibilities.

  • Design, build and run experiments related to the subject area.
  • Analyse data, document methods and contribute to publications and patent filings.
  • Mentor interns and collaborate across disciplines within the institute.
  • Help maintain lab instruments and a safe, tidy working environment.

Requirements.

  • A relevant degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Hands-on lab or engineering skills in the subject area.
  • Comfort with scientific Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English; Nepali language skills welcome.

What we offer. A full-time position in central Kathmandu, a collaborative research environment, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to shape Nepal’s science and technology ecosystem. Compensation is competitive for the Nepali sector; international candidates are welcome through our Homalaya programme.

How to apply. Send your CV and a motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org with the position title in the subject line.

Apply for Optical Physics/Engineering →

Sensors and Systems

Full-time · Kathmandu

Integrate optical, electronic and software components into complete sensing systems ready for field deployment and, where possible, manufacturing.

About Phutung Research Institute. PRI is a non-profit, charitable and tax-exempt science and technology research institute in Kathmandu, Nepal — active since 2016 and focused on bold science, frugal innovation and community transformation.

About the role. We are looking for a researcher to join our team in Kathmandu. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on real problems, with access to our optics, electronics and fabrication labs, and be supported to publish, patent and prototype.

Responsibilities.

  • Design, build and run experiments related to the subject area.
  • Analyse data, document methods and contribute to publications and patent filings.
  • Mentor interns and collaborate across disciplines within the institute.
  • Help maintain lab instruments and a safe, tidy working environment.

Requirements.

  • A relevant degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Hands-on lab or engineering skills in the subject area.
  • Comfort with scientific Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English; Nepali language skills welcome.

What we offer. A full-time position in central Kathmandu, a collaborative research environment, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to shape Nepal’s science and technology ecosystem. Compensation is competitive for the Nepali sector; international candidates are welcome through our Homalaya programme.

How to apply. Send your CV and a motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org with the position title in the subject line.

Apply for Sensors and Systems →

Biomedical Engineering

Full-time · Kathmandu

Develop affordable biomedical instrumentation and diagnostics — from fluorescence-based assays to point-of-care devices for Nepal and beyond.

About Phutung Research Institute. PRI is a non-profit, charitable and tax-exempt science and technology research institute in Kathmandu, Nepal — active since 2016 and focused on bold science, frugal innovation and community transformation.

About the role. We are looking for a researcher to join our team in Kathmandu. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on real problems, with access to our optics, electronics and fabrication labs, and be supported to publish, patent and prototype.

Responsibilities.

  • Design, build and run experiments related to the subject area.
  • Analyse data, document methods and contribute to publications and patent filings.
  • Mentor interns and collaborate across disciplines within the institute.
  • Help maintain lab instruments and a safe, tidy working environment.

Requirements.

  • A relevant degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Hands-on lab or engineering skills in the subject area.
  • Comfort with scientific Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English; Nepali language skills welcome.

What we offer. A full-time position in central Kathmandu, a collaborative research environment, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to shape Nepal’s science and technology ecosystem. Compensation is competitive for the Nepali sector; international candidates are welcome through our Homalaya programme.

How to apply. Send your CV and a motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org with the position title in the subject line.

Apply for Biomedical Engineering →

New Business Development

Full-time · Kathmandu

Commercialise PRI’s innovations — market research, partnerships, fundraising and spin-off ventures such as our water assessment system.

About Phutung Research Institute. PRI is a non-profit, charitable and tax-exempt science and technology research institute in Kathmandu, Nepal — active since 2016 and focused on bold science, frugal innovation and community transformation.

About the role. We are looking for a researcher to join our team in Kathmandu. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on real problems, with access to our optics, electronics and fabrication labs, and be supported to publish, patent and prototype.

Responsibilities.

  • Design, build and run experiments related to the subject area.
  • Analyse data, document methods and contribute to publications and patent filings.
  • Mentor interns and collaborate across disciplines within the institute.
  • Help maintain lab instruments and a safe, tidy working environment.

Requirements.

  • A relevant degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Hands-on lab or engineering skills in the subject area.
  • Comfort with scientific Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English; Nepali language skills welcome.

What we offer. A full-time position in central Kathmandu, a collaborative research environment, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to shape Nepal’s science and technology ecosystem. Compensation is competitive for the Nepali sector; international candidates are welcome through our Homalaya programme.

How to apply. Send your CV and a motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org with the position title in the subject line.

Apply for New Business Development →

Product Design

Full-time · Kathmandu

Take working prototypes to manufacturable products — industrial design, design-for-manufacture, packaging and user-centred design for frugal devices.

About Phutung Research Institute. PRI is a non-profit, charitable and tax-exempt science and technology research institute in Kathmandu, Nepal — active since 2016 and focused on bold science, frugal innovation and community transformation.

About the role. We are looking for a researcher to join our team in Kathmandu. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on real problems, with access to our optics, electronics and fabrication labs, and be supported to publish, patent and prototype.

Responsibilities.

  • Design, build and run experiments related to the subject area.
  • Analyse data, document methods and contribute to publications and patent filings.
  • Mentor interns and collaborate across disciplines within the institute.
  • Help maintain lab instruments and a safe, tidy working environment.

Requirements.

  • A relevant degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Hands-on lab or engineering skills in the subject area.
  • Comfort with scientific Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English; Nepali language skills welcome.

What we offer. A full-time position in central Kathmandu, a collaborative research environment, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to shape Nepal’s science and technology ecosystem. Compensation is competitive for the Nepali sector; international candidates are welcome through our Homalaya programme.

How to apply. Send your CV and a motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org with the position title in the subject line.

Apply for Product Design →

Bacteriophage and Virology

Full-time · Kathmandu

Research bacteriophages and viruses — isolation, characterisation and applications in disinfection, diagnostics and antimicrobial strategies.

About Phutung Research Institute. PRI is a non-profit, charitable and tax-exempt science and technology research institute in Kathmandu, Nepal — active since 2016 and focused on bold science, frugal innovation and community transformation.

About the role. We are looking for a researcher to join our team in Kathmandu. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on real problems, with access to our optics, electronics and fabrication labs, and be supported to publish, patent and prototype.

Responsibilities.

  • Design, build and run experiments related to the subject area.
  • Analyse data, document methods and contribute to publications and patent filings.
  • Mentor interns and collaborate across disciplines within the institute.
  • Help maintain lab instruments and a safe, tidy working environment.

Requirements.

  • A relevant degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Hands-on lab or engineering skills in the subject area.
  • Comfort with scientific Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
  • Good written and spoken English; Nepali language skills welcome.

What we offer. A full-time position in central Kathmandu, a collaborative research environment, mentorship from senior scientists, and the opportunity to shape Nepal’s science and technology ecosystem. Compensation is competitive for the Nepali sector; international candidates are welcome through our Homalaya programme.

How to apply. Send your CV and a motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org with the position title in the subject line.

Apply for Bacteriophage and Virology →

If you believe your skills can contribute to our team as a scientist, please send your CV and motivation letter to jobs@phutung.org, or submit through the contact form.