BITS Pilani Goa Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

BITS Pilani's Goa Campus is hiring 2 Research Fellows for a DRDO-funded project on AI/ML hardware IP cores. If you have a postgraduate or graduate degree in Electronics, Communication, Instrumentation, Computer Science or EEE, and are planning to pursue a PhD, you can apply. The last date to apply is 5 September 2026. The fellowship pays Rs. 37,000 to Rs. 42,000 per month plus HRA, based on your year of PhD and performance.

Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) Goa Campus Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - 2 Posts

BITS Pilani, Goa Campus has invited applications for two Research Fellow positions under the project "Development of a Library of AI/ML IP Cores," funded by DRDO, under the supervision of Dr. Vipin Kizheppatt and Dr. Arun Raman in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. This position is open only to PhD aspirants — you must separately meet the eligibility criteria for the BITS Pilani doctoral (PhD) program (see bits-pilani.ac.in for the PhD admission process). The project aims to build a library of AI/ML algorithm IP cores in both hardware and software for defence applications. As a Research Fellow, you will get to join at the earliest and work at the BITS Pilani, Goa Campus location on cutting-edge FPGA and digital design platforms, with the added benefit of collaborating with overseas universities and industry partners on a live DRDO-funded research problem.

This is a good opportunity if you want to combine a paid research fellowship with your PhD journey — you earn a monthly stipend while building your research profile, working under experienced faculty supervisors, and gaining exposure that few standard PhD positions offer. The role also gives you the flexibility to align your PhD thesis work with a funded, real-world hardware and software project instead of a purely theoretical one.

Who Can Apply?

The scope of work involves developing a library of AI/ML algorithm IP cores, both in hardware and software. Here is what you need:

• Essential Qualification: Postgraduate or graduate degree in Electronics, Communication, Instrumentation, Computer Science, EEE, or an equivalent discipline from a recognized university.
• Desirable Qualification: A strong background in digital design and hardware description languages (HDL); knowledge of FPGA-based system design is an added advantage.
• This position is applicable only to PhD aspirants — check the eligibility and admission process for the BITS Pilani doctoral (PhD) program separately before applying.
• Both fresh postgraduates/graduates and those already pursuing research in Electronics/CS-related fields can apply, as long as you meet the PhD program eligibility.

Salary

• You will get a fellowship of Rs. 37,000 to Rs. 42,000 per month, based on your year of PhD and performance.
• HRA is paid in addition to the fellowship.
• A contingency fund is provided to support your research activities, on top of your monthly fellowship.
• Hostel or married scholar accommodation may be provided, subject to availability and as per institute rules.
• You will get to work on state-of-the-art hardware and software development platforms, with opportunities to collaborate with overseas universities and industry partners during your fellowship.
• Duration: As per BITS Pilani norms for the doctoral program. Place of work: BITS Pilani, Goa Campus.

Selection Process

Selection happens in 2 stages:

1. Resume Shortlisting: Preliminary shortlisting is done based on your CV and cover letter.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates go through a telephonic or audio-visual interview within a week of the last date. If you clear this round, you will be informed by email for a final interview. No TA/DA is provided for personal interviews.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your CV highlighting your academic background, projects and any hardware/software design experience.
2. Write a cover letter that clearly shows how your background aligns with the project's roles, responsibilities and requirements — this is used for shortlisting, so make it specific rather than generic.
3. Fill in the online Google Form at forms.gle/nZZ44n8nGvpyhsYk6.
4. Upload your CV and cover letter as requested in the form.
5. Submit the form before the deadline. Since joining is expected at the earliest, apply as soon as you are ready rather than waiting for the last date.

For queries, contact Dr. Vipin Kizheppatt, Department of EEE, Goa Campus, at kizheppattv@goa.bits-pilani.ac.in.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 21 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 5 September 2026
• Interview: Within a week of the last date (telephonic/audio-visual round first)
• Joining: At the earliest, after selection

• Design and develop AI/ML algorithm IP cores in hardware and software
• Build and test FPGA-based digital designs using hardware description languages
• Document research findings, technical reports and project deliverables
• Collaborate with faculty supervisors and project partners on the DRDO-funded project
• Support experiments, simulations and validation of AI/ML hardware modules
• Assist in academic writing and publication of research papers
• Coordinate with overseas university and industry collaborators as needed