PU Chandigarh JRF Physics Recruitment 2026

Panjab University Chandigarh is hiring 2 Junior Research Fellows (JRF) for a DST-sponsored research project in the Department of Physics. If you hold an M.Sc in Physics with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates), you can apply offline by sending your CV and application on plain paper. The last date to apply is 25 August 2026. The fellowship pays a fixed Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA for NET/GATE qualified candidates.

Panjab University (PU) Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - 2 Posts

Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh has released a notification inviting applications for 2 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) posts in its Department of Physics. These posts are funded under a DST-sponsored research project titled "India's Participation in the ALICE Experiment at CERN". ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) is one of the major detector experiments at CERN's Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, studying how matter behaved in the earliest moments after the Big Bang. Your tenure as JRF will run co-terminus with the project — that is, for as long as the project is active, subject to satisfactory performance. This is a strong opportunity for Physics postgraduates who want hands-on exposure to a globally recognised particle physics collaboration while working from Panjab University.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: M.Sc in Physics with at least 55% marks from a recognized University or Institution.
• Relaxed Qualification: 50% marks are accepted for SC/ST/PH (Persons with Disability) candidates.
• Fellowship Eligibility: You should be NET or GATE qualified (as per DST guidelines) to draw the fixed fellowship rate mentioned in this notification.
• Desirable Skills: Good working knowledge of Linux, C++, Python, and Machine Learning (ML) techniques will strengthen your candidature, since the project involves large-scale data analysis from particle physics detectors.

If you enjoy computational physics, scientific coding, and want early exposure to CERN-level research infrastructure, this JRF role gives you that platform while you earn a monthly stipend and build a strong research profile for future PhD applications.

Salary

• Selected candidates will get a fixed fellowship of Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA (House Rent Allowance), applicable for NET/GATE qualified candidates as per DST guidelines.
• The fellowship amount and HRA are paid as per standard Department of Science and Technology (DST) norms for sponsored research projects, for as long as you continue on the project.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

There is no written exam for this JRF position. Your selection will happen in two simple steps:

1. Application Screening: The Principal Investigator, Prof. Lokesh Kumar, will screen every application and CV received before the last date to shortlist eligible candidates.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview. You will be informed of the exact date and time only by email after the application deadline closes.

No TA/DA (travel allowance/daily allowance) will be paid for attending the interview, so budget your own travel if you are shortlisted.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your application together with your CV on plain paper — there is no prescribed online form for this particular post.
2. Address your application to Prof. Lokesh Kumar, Principal Investigator, DST Research Project, Department of Physics, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
3. Send your application either by post to the department address, or by email directly to lokesh@pu.ac.in.
4. Keep checking your email regularly after the deadline for interview call updates.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 14 August 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 25 August 2026
• Interview Date: To be announced (intimated by email to shortlisted candidates)

• Support data collection and analysis for the ALICE Experiment at CERN research project
• Run simulations and computational analysis using Linux, C++, and Python tools
• Apply Machine Learning (ML) techniques to physics datasets where required
• Assist the Principal Investigator with day-to-day project research tasks
• Prepare progress reports, presentations, and research documentation
• Collaborate with fellow researchers and coordinate with the wider ALICE collaboration when needed
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, data, and project milestones