IIT Palakkad Research Associate Mechanical Engineering 2026

IIT Palakkad Research Associate Recruitment 2026: Overview

Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad (IIT Palakkad) is hiring a Research Associate / Post-Doctoral Fellow for a Mechanical Engineering project funded by IPTIF IMPACT. The project, Sensor-Integrated AI Platform for Optimal Monitoring and Control of Energy Systems, combines connected sensing hardware with software for monitoring experiments. You will join a project appointment at the institute in Palakkad, Kerala.

The platform uses a central controller and wireless sensing nodes to bring measurements and controls together. Its software includes live dashboards, artificial intelligence for detecting unusual behaviour, and a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) assistant to support experiments. The notice sets out a move from a TRL 4 prototype to TRL 5, with applications in combustion, electrochemical energy and environmental monitoring.

A possible startup spin-off is part of the project's wider direction. The work connects prototype development and experimental validation with patents, publications and startup proposals, alongside coordination with IIT Madras and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. This gives you the context for a role that spans both physical equipment and the software that supports its use.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Appointment period: The engagement lasts six months. You should plan around this stated project term.
• Joining: The institute expects you to join immediately after receiving an offer letter.
• Accommodation: Hostel accommodation may be available at the institute. It depends on availability and is chargeable.

Application Submission Notes

Send your application by email to krishna.s@iitpkd.ac.in, with the requested material combined into a single PDF. Use the subject Application for Research Associate/ Post-Doctoral Fellow Sensor-Integrated AI Platform) - IITPKD/2026/052/ME/KSG so your email identifies the advertised project.

• Design modular sensor interface boards and scalable wireless sensing nodes.
• Develop real-time data acquisition and control firmware.
• Build anomaly detection models, cloud data pipelines and web dashboards.
• Develop a RAG assistant for experiments.
• Run extended validation campaigns on combustion and electrochemical setups.
• Prepare patents, publications and startup proposals.
• Mentor project interns and coordinate PCB and enclosure fabrication with partner institutes.