Research Assistant NRPU Project at National Skills University Islamabad 2026

About the Job

National Skills University (NSU) Islamabad is a public sector university established to address Pakistan's technical and vocational education and training needs. NSU is implementing a HEC approved NRPU research project (Project No. 165444-43) titled "Bridging TVET to IT Employment: An ANN Guided Skills Mapping, Shortage Forecasting, and Placement Pilot for Pakistan", with Prof. Dr. Saud Altaf as Principal Investigator.

NSU is hiring a Research Assistant (S. No. 01) for this project-based position. This is a contract role with a lump-sum remuneration of Rs. 80,000 to 1,00,000 per month for a maximum duration of 18 months. The position is purely project based and confers no rights for permanent appointment at the University. Applications must be submitted on or before 30 June 2026.

Job Details

Eligibility Criteria and Required Skills

• MS in Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a relevant field from an HEC recognised university
• Strong skills in Python, machine learning, ANN, NLP, data analysis, survey design, and report writing will be preferred
• Some experience in TVET, skills mapping, employability, or placement related projects will be an advantage

Instructions for Applicants

• Submit an updated CV, copy of CNIC, educational documents, and relevant experience certificates (if any)
• Mention position title and project number in the email subject or application (e.g. Application for Research Assistant, NRPU Project No. 165444-43)
• Submit on or before 30 June 2026. Applications received after this date will not be entertained
• Selection will be made according to HEC NRPU rules, approved budget, project needs, satisfactory performance, and availability of funds
• The contract may be terminated at any time on the basis of unsatisfactory performance and/or non-availability of funds
• Only shortlisted candidates whose experience and skills are relevant to the project requirements will be called for a test and/or interview. No TA/DA will be admissible
• These positions are purely project based and confer no rights for permanent appointments at the University
• The University reserves the right to accept, reject, or cancel the hiring process without assigning any reason

How to Apply

• Send application to: Prof. Dr. Saud Altaf, Principal Investigator, HEC NRPU Project No. 165444-43
• Address: National Skills University, 1 Faiz Ahmed Faiz Rd, H-8/1, 44000 Islamabad
• Email: saud.nrpu@nsu.edu.pk
• Last Date: 30 June 2026

How to Prepare for This Role

1. Research Assistant under NRPU Project No. 165444-43 requires an MS degree from an HEC recognised university in Computer Science, IT, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field. Before applying, confirm that your university and degree are HEC recognised, as this is a non-negotiable eligibility condition. Include your degree certificate or transcript in your application package.
2. Python is the primary technical skill listed. Prepare to demonstrate hands-on proficiency in Python for data analysis, machine learning, and NLP tasks. Review your experience with ANN (Artificial Neural Networks) specifically, as the project title directly references ANN-based skills mapping and shortage forecasting. Be ready to discuss Python projects or thesis work where you applied these skills at the interview or test stage.
3. Machine learning, NLP, data analysis, and survey design are all listed as preferred skills. Structure your CV to reflect each of these areas with specific tools, libraries, or frameworks used (such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, NLTK, pandas, or similar). If you have completed any thesis, research project, or coursework involving these areas, describe the scope and methodology clearly.
4. Report writing is explicitly mentioned as a preferred skill. Prepare samples of research reports, thesis chapters, or technical documents you have authored. The role involves a research project with deliverables to HEC, so demonstrated ability to write clear and structured research outputs will be assessed at the shortlisting stage.
5. Experience in TVET, skills mapping, employability, or placement related projects is listed as an advantage. If you have any background in technical and vocational education research, labor market analysis, or placement data work, even through internships or thesis projects, describe this specifically in your CV. It directly aligns with the project scope and will strengthen your candidacy.
6. The application must include CNIC copy, educational documents, and experience certificates. The email subject line must follow the format: Application for Research Assistant, NRPU Project No. 165444-43. Applications that do not include this project number in the subject or that are missing supporting documents may be filtered out before shortlisting. Email your complete application to saud.nrpu@nsu.edu.pk before 30 June 2026.