IIT Gandhinagar Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

IIT Gandhinagar (IITGN) is hiring 1 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for a sponsored research project in its Biological Sciences and Engineering department. If you have a postgraduate degree in Basic Science (or a graduate/postgraduate professional degree) along with a GATE or CSIR-UGC NET qualification, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 30 August 2026. The monthly pay is Rs. 36,000 for GATE/NET-qualified candidates or Rs. 23,213 for other eligible candidates.

Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

IIT Gandhinagar's Research & Development Office has released Advertisement No. SPON/62031/Advt0304 dated 21 August 2026, inviting applications for one Junior Research Fellow (JRF) post in the Biological Sciences and Engineering department. The position is attached to a sponsored research project led by Prof. Dhiraj Bhatia, titled "Co-delivery of Methotrexate and RELA siRNA using Nanoscale DNA Tetrahedrons and Folate Liposomes to Synergistically Target Synovial Macrophages in Rheumatoid Arthritis." In simple terms, the project looks at how tiny DNA-based nanostructures and liposomes (fat-based capsules) can be used to carry medicines directly to the cells that damage joints in rheumatoid arthritis. The appointment is for 10 months and is purely project-based, with no claim to a permanent Institute position.

As a JRF on this project, you will work directly with Prof. Bhatia's research group in the Biological Sciences and Engineering department, gaining hands-on training in nanostructure synthesis, liposome preparation, and related lab techniques used in drug delivery research. This kind of applied, interdisciplinary research exposure is valuable if you are considering a career in academic research, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical R&D, and it can also strengthen your profile for future PhD applications. IIT Gandhinagar is known for encouraging early-career researchers to work on funded, application-oriented projects alongside experienced faculty, so this fellowship gives you real project ownership rather than routine assistance work. The Biological Sciences and Engineering department at IIT Gandhinagar regularly runs multiple externally funded research projects, and openings like this one are typically advertised on a rolling basis as new grants are sanctioned, so it's worth checking the department's recruitment page from time to time even after this window closes.

Who Can Apply?

IIT Gandhinagar has laid out clear eligibility norms for this post, based on national funding agency guidelines. Read them carefully before you apply.

• Qualification: You need a Post Graduate Degree in Basic Science (for example M.Sc. in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or Biology), OR a Graduate/Post Graduate Degree in a Professional Course.
• Qualifying Exam: You must have cleared a recognised national-level eligibility test — CSIR-UGC NET (including Lectureship/Assistant Professorship eligibility) or GATE. Candidates selected through national exams conducted by DST, DBT, DAE, DOS, DRDO, MoE, ICAR, ICMR, IIT, IISc, IISER, NISER and similar central government agencies are also eligible.
• Minimum Marks: General category candidates need 60% marks or above in all their qualifying degrees. Reserved category candidates need 55% marks or above.
• Desirable Qualification: None specified — the notification does not list any additional preferred qualification beyond the essential eligibility criteria above.
• Who Should Apply: Life science, biotechnology, pharmacy, and related engineering graduates who have already cleared GATE, CSIR-UGC NET, or an equivalent national exam, and who want hands-on research experience before pursuing a PhD or a career in biotech/pharma R&D.
• Meeting these minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee that you will be shortlisted or appointed — the Institute may apply a higher cutoff depending on the number of applications received, and reserves the right to not fill the position.

Salary

• If you hold a valid GATE or NET qualification (or equivalent), you will get a consolidated monthly remuneration of Rs. 36,000, which includes a House Rent Allowance (HRA) of Rs. 5,000 per month as applicable under Institute norms.
• If you do not hold a GATE/NET qualification, you will get a fixed consolidated monthly remuneration of Rs. 23,213, with no separate HRA admissible.
• This is a temporary, project-linked position for 10 months, funded through the sponsored research grant, and the remuneration is paid as per Institute norms for project staff.
• Your fellowship amount is subject to the funding norms of the sponsoring agency and the Institute rules in force at the time of joining.

How to Apply

Before you start, keep your GATE/NET (or equivalent) scorecard, degree certificates, and mark sheets ready, since you will need to reference these while filling in the online form.

1. Go to the IIT Gandhinagar project staff recruitment portal at recruitment.iitgn.ac.in/projectstaff.
2. Find the Junior Research Fellow post listed under Prof. Dhiraj Bhatia, Biological Sciences and Engineering.
3. Register on the portal and fill in your personal and academic details.
4. Enter your GATE/NET or equivalent qualifying exam details.
5. Upload the certificates and proof of your qualifying exam score as requested on the portal.
6. Submit your application online before 30 August 2026.

Important Dates

• Advertisement / Notification Date: 21 August 2026
• Application Start Date: 21 August 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 30 August 2026

• Carry out lab and computational work for the sponsored research project on DNA-nanostructure and liposome-based drug delivery
• Assist Prof. Dhiraj Bhatia and the research team in experiments related to methotrexate and RELA siRNA co-delivery
• Prepare and characterise DNA tetrahedron nanostructures and folate liposomes as directed
• Maintain accurate lab records, data logs, and experiment documentation
• Analyze experimental data and help prepare progress reports for the funding agency
• Collaborate with other project members and lab colleagues on shared experiments
• Follow lab safety protocols and Institute research guidelines at all times
• Support the Principal Investigator in manuscript and presentation preparation