Faculty

About GIFT IFI

GIFT International Fintech Institute (GIFT IFI) is a pioneering initiative established by Gujarat International Finance Tech City Company Limited (GIFTCL) in partnership with Ahmedabad University, the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, and the University of California San Diego.

Our mission is to drive India's financial services and fintech sector forward by providing cutting-edge education, research, and innovation for working professionals and young graduates, collaboratively with industry. We are committed to address the evolving needs of the fintech sector with innovative solutions through deep applied research and fostering a vibrant fintech ecosystem.

By leveraging the strengths of our partner institutions and the unique environment of GIFT City, we aim to position GIFT IFI as a global hub for fintech excellence.

Role Overview

GIFT IFI seeks to hire Assistant Professors with strong research interests in Finance, Technology, and Entrepreneurship, including domains such as FinTech, Climate/Green Finance, Sustainable Finance, Startups, and Innovation. These are two-year academic appointments designed for early-career scholars who want to work at the intersection of academia, industry, and policy.

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to conduct high-quality research, design innovative academic programs, and engage deeply with the financial services ecosystem within GIFT City.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Thought Leadership

• Conduct and publish high-quality deep applied research in Finance, Technology, Entrepreneurship, FinTech, Climate/Green Finance, or related fields.
• Collaborate with senior faculty, regulators, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners within GIFT City.
• Participate in conferences, roundtables, and policy dialogues relevant to financial markets, sustainability, and innovation.

Teaching & Program Development

• Develop, design, and deliver advanced courses, certification programs, and degree modules in collaboration with senior faculty and industry experts.
• Teach or co-teach content in areas such as:
  • FinTech and Digital Finance
  • Climate/Green Finance
  • Entrepreneurship and Startup Innovation
  • Financial Markets, Asset Management, Insurance, and Pension Systems
• Support curriculum development for new-age, industry-aligned programs.

Industry & Ecosystem Engagement

• Engage closely with financial institutions (banks, insurers, pension funds, asset managers), fintech companies, startups, and regulators operating in GIFT City.
• Contribute to applied research projects, consulting initiatives, and policy dialogues.
• Help build partnerships with global academic institutions, technology companies, and industry bodies.

Institution-Building

• Support development of new research centers, academic initiatives, and thought-leadership programs in key areas like Green Finance, Financial Inclusion, and Digital Innovation.
• Assist with conferences, workshops, industry summits, and executive education programs.

Qualifications

• PhD (completed or near completion) in Finance, Economics, Management, Entrepreneurship, Technology Management, or a related discipline from a leading business school or university in India or abroad
• At least one ABDC “A” or above publication (published or accepted).
• Demonstrated research interest and a developing publication record in:
  • Finance
  • FinTech / Digital Finance
  • Climate or Green Finance
  • Entrepreneurship / Innovation
  • Financial Services (banking, asset management, insurance, pensions, etc.)
• Strong analytical, quantitative, or policy-oriented research skills.
• Ability to work across industry, academia, and regulatory domains.
• Passion for institution building, interdisciplinary learning, and applied impact.

What We Offer

• Mentorship from distinguished senior academics and industry leaders.
• Access to a unique ecosystem of financial institutions, fintech innovators, and regulators within GIFT City.
• Opportunity to shape cutting-edge courses and national-impact programs in FinTech and Climate Finance.
• A platform to build a high-quality research profile and transition into long-term academic or industry roles.

How to Apply

Interested candidates may send the following to [email protected] with subject line “Application for Full-time Faculty”

• Cover Letter (Should have Statement of Purpose - Career Aspirations – Next 5 Years (Max 50 words) & Career Aspirations – Next 10 Years / Why GIFT IFI (Max 200 words)
• Curriculum Vitae (Should Include below Points)
  1. PhD Details – Area, Year (awarded/expected), Supervisor and Affiliation, TAC Members
  2. Course taught in last 5 years at UG/PG/Executive
  3. Industry/ Research/ Consulting Experience
  4. Teaching & research interest
  5. At least one ABDC “A” or above publication (published or accepted)
  6. Sponsored research/ grants
  7. Cases/ Books/ Patents
  8. References (Two)