DUK AI Engineer and Project Scientist CDTC Recruitment 2026

DUK AI Engineer and Project Scientist Recruitment 2026: Overview

Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology (Digital University Kerala, DUK) is hiring an AI Engineer and a Project Scientist for the Archives project of its Centre for Digital Transformation in Culture (CDTC). The work applies computer vision and natural language processing to the centre's archives work — the Project Scientist role specifically targets palm leaf transliteration.

Both are contract posts based in Thiruvananthapuram that start with a four-month term. They suit computer science postgraduates and researchers who want applied AI work with a research and publication angle.

Posts and Disciplines

• AI Engineer (Job Code AIE/102026/821): a computer vision focused role for M.Tech, ME, MCA, M.Sc or MPhil holders in Computer Science with good academics and some research experience. This is the entry-level post of the two.
• Project Scientist (Job Code PS/102026/821): an NLP-focused senior role for a Ph.D in Computer Science (AI or allied areas) or a master's holder with a strong research record and at least three years of NLP, AI or machine learning work. The pay is higher for candidates with a Ph.D.

Post-wise Duties

AI Engineer

You will design and build AI and computer vision solutions, taking them from prototypes and pilot systems to complete solutions. You will also review technical specifications, run data collection and labelling, publish research papers, write reports and draft project proposals.

Project Scientist

You will work on AI and NLP problems, especially palm leaf transliteration, and build prototypes into working systems. The role includes visits to partner organisations for data collection and annotation, plus research papers, study reports and project proposals.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• AI Engineer tenure: Four months at first, extendable up to one year on contract, depending on the results of the feasibility study.
• Project Scientist tenure: Four months at first, extendable based on your performance.
• Ph.D years count: For the Project Scientist post, research experience during your Ph.D is counted towards the experience requirement.
• Self-certification: DUK processes your form only on what you upload, and any selection stays provisional until your original documents are checked.
• No second chance: Forms without the supporting documents, or with blank fields, are rejected outright.
• Test centre: The test and interview are held only in Thiruvananthapuram district.
• Canvassing: Any canvassing cancels your candidature, and false information can end your service even after joining.

Application Submission Notes

Apply through the DUK recruitment portal at duk.ac.in/careers and pick the right job code for your post. Upload scanned proof of age, qualifications and experience with the form, and read the portal's own submission guidelines first.

The test and interview schedule is sent only to your registered email, so check that inbox regularly after the last date. DUK does not answer queries once you have applied.

• Design and develop AI, computer vision and NLP solutions for the CDTC Archives project
• Build prototypes and pilot systems and turn them into complete solutions
• Review technical and functional specifications
• Plan and run data collection, annotation and labelling activities
• Work on palm leaf transliteration problems (Project Scientist)
• Visit and work with partner organisations to collect data
• Publish research papers, prepare study reports and write project proposals