NIT Rourkela Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

NIT Rourkela is hiring 1 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for an ISRO-funded research project in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. If you have an M.Sc./M.Tech in Earth Sciences, Geophysics, Geodesy or Physics with a GATE or NET qualification, you can apply by email. The last date to apply is 9 July 2026, and the online interview is scheduled for 10 July 2026. The fellowship pays Rs. 37,000 per month in the first two years, rising to Rs. 42,000 per month in the third year, for an engagement lasting 3 years.

National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NITR) Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

The National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NITR), an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has released a notification for 1 Junior Research Fellow post under its Sponsored Research, Industrial Consultancy and Continuing Education (SRICCE) cell at its Sector 1 campus in Rourkela, Sundergarh district, Odisha. The position is attached to an ISRO-funded project under the Department of Space, titled "Deciphering Venus's Geodynamics: A Comprehensive Investigation of Corona-driven Geodynamics, Ongoing Plume-Tectonic Activity, and the Stagnant Lid Enigma", led by Prof. Bhaskar Kundu in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.

As a JRF on this project, you will work on understanding Venus's geodynamic processes by combining global data analysis, compositional mapping and numerical modeling of coronae — a chance to contribute to planetary science research funded directly by India's space agency. The engagement is purely temporary and contractual, co-terminus with the 3-year project duration — this is a research career opportunity rather than a permanent government job, and your selection or joining can be cancelled if any information or document you submit is found to be incorrect. Candidates with a strong background in remote sensing, planetary geophysics and programming should apply before the deadline.

Who Can Apply?

NIT Rourkela has listed both essential and desirable qualifications for this JRF post. You must meet all the essential criteria below to be considered; the desirable criteria will strengthen your application during shortlisting.

• Qualification: M.Sc./M.Tech. in Earth Sciences, Geophysics, Geodesy, Physics or a related field with 60% marks or 6.50 CGPA (10-point scale)
• Additional requirement: You must have qualified GATE or NET (UGC/CSIR), or any other national-level exam
• Experience: Experience in Remote Sensing and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) data analysis is required — this skill is central to analyzing Venus's surface data
• Technical skills: Understanding of planetary geology/geophysics and proficiency in Python, MATLAB or similar programming languages for data analysis and modeling

Desirable Qualifications (added advantage):

• Experience in handling SAR data
• Familiarity with geodetic software and tools for processing planetary data
• Experience in GIS software for mapping and spatial analysis
• Previous experience processing planetary datasets

Note: Your experience will only be counted from after you completed the minimum qualification required for this post, so make sure your certificates and experience letters clearly show these dates.

Age Limit

• The upper age limit for applying is 28 years, reckoned as on the last date of receipt of applications (9 July 2026).
• Age Relaxation: SC/ST, PwD and female candidates get 5 years relaxation. OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates get 3 years relaxation.

Salary

• You will get a fellowship of Rs. 37,000 per month in Year 1 and Year 2 of the project.
• The fellowship increases to Rs. 42,000 per month in Year 3.
• HRA is not applicable for this position — the fellowship amount is fixed as per ISRO project funding norms.
• This is a research fellowship, not a regular pay-scale post, so no separate DA/TA allowances are mentioned in the notification.

Selection Process

The selection will be done in the following stages:

1. Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on merit and the needs of the project. Meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview call — NIT Rourkela can set a higher bar if it receives a large number of applications.
2. Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online on 10 July 2026 at 10:00 AM by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Only shortlisted candidates will be informed about the interview.

Note: NIT Rourkela reserves the right to fix higher shortlisting criteria than the minimum advertised qualification. The terms of this temporary engagement will also follow guidelines issued by ISRO as the funding agency, as amended from time to time.

How to Apply

1. Download and fill the application form as per the format given in the official advertisement.
2. Sign the filled application form.
3. Attach your educational qualification documents (mark-sheets/certificates showing percentage or division), research papers (if any), and work experience certificate (if any).
4. Combine your signed application and all supporting documents into a single PDF file.
5. Email the PDF to kundub@nitrkl.ac.in (alternate contact: drilbhaskar@gmail.com), with the Advertisement Number (NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-26ER031) mentioned in the subject line.
6. No hard copies are required — the entire application process is by email, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the online interview.

For any clarification on eligibility, you can contact Prof. Bhaskar Kundu (Principal Investigator) at 0661-246 2936 or 7681812407.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 12 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 9 July 2026
• Online Interview Date: 10 July 2026

• Analyze global SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) data related to Venus's surface features
• Study coronae formation through compositional mapping and numerical modeling
• Process planetary datasets using Python, MATLAB and GIS tools
• Support numerical modeling of plume-tectonic activity and the stagnant lid enigma
• Prepare research reports, data summaries and technical documentation for the project
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and research team on data analysis
• Assist in drafting research papers and conference presentations
• Maintain proper records of research data and project milestones