NIT Rourkela Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

NIT Rourkela is hiring 2 Junior Research Fellows (JRF) for a Ministry of Earth Sciences funded research project in its Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. If you have an M.Sc. or M.Tech in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science or Oceanography with at least 60% marks and have cleared NET, GATE or any CFTI exam, you can apply. The last date to submit your application is 26 August 2026. You will get a fellowship starting at Rs. 37,000 per month.

National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - 2 Posts

National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela), an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Education, has released Advertisement No. 26ER010 for 2 Junior Research Fellow posts under the research project "Impact-based forecasting of lightning and hail in severe convection over the eastern parts of India". The project is funded by MoES-NCMRWF, Ministry of Earth Sciences and runs until 31 May 2029. This role is a great fit for candidates with strong skills in weather modelling and a background in Unix/Linux, Python and shell scripting. The project aims to build better early-warning systems for lightning and hailstorms over eastern India, which cause significant loss of life and crop damage every year, so your work will feed directly into disaster preparedness research.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: M.Sc. or M.Tech from a recognized university in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science or Oceanography with at least 60% marks.
• Mandatory Screening Test: You must have cleared NET, GATE, or any CFTI exam.
• Required Skills: Working experience with the WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) model, demonstrated skills in extreme weather analysis, and a strong background in Unix or Linux environments with Python and shell scripting.
• Desirable: Experience in lightning and hail analysis, thunderstorms, and AI/ML applications is a plus. Field data collection experience is also preferred.

Age Limit

• The maximum age limit for this JRF post is 28 years as per the notification.

Salary

• You will get a fellowship of Rs. 37,000 per month in Year 1 and Year 2 of the project.
• In Year 3, the fellowship increases to Rs. 42,000 per month.
• This is a project fellowship, and the engagement is co-terminus with the project.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Your selection will be based on:

1. Application Screening: Your application and qualifications will be reviewed by the project team.
2. Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online on 2 September 2026 at 10:00 AM by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your application with complete bio-data, along with copies of your educational certificates and NET/GATE/CFTI qualification proof.
2. Email your application to the Principal Investigator, Prof. Krishna Kishore Osuri, at osurik@nitrkl.ac.in.
3. Mention Advertisement No. 26ER010 and the post name (Junior Research Fellow) in your email subject line.
4. Submit your application before the last date: 26 August 2026.
5. If shortlisted, attend the online interview on 2 September 2026 at the scheduled time.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 22 July 2026
• Last Date for Submitting Application: 26 August 2026
• Online Interview Date: 2 September 2026

• Analyse lightning and hail events using observational data and regional weather analysis
• Run and interpret outputs from the high-resolution WRF mesoscale model
• Support research and development work on lightning and hail prediction methods
• Process and manage large meteorological datasets using Python and shell scripting
• Document research findings and assist in preparing reports and publications
• Coordinate with the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on project deliverables
• Prepare presentations and progress updates for project review meetings
• Maintain project data records and testing logs in the Unix/Linux environment