IIT ISM Dhanbad JRF Recruitment 2026

About This Job

IIT (ISM) Dhanbad is hiring 1 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in Chemistry and Chemical Biology for an ANRF ARG project. If you have an M.Sc. in Chemistry, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Biology, or Biotechnology with first class or 60% marks and a valid CSIR-UGC NET or GATE, you can apply by email. The last date is 17 May 2026 by 6:00 PM. Fellowship is Rs. 37,000 per month plus admissible HRA.

IIT ISM Dhanbad JRF Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad has released a project opening dated 06 May 2026 through the Office of the Dean (Research and Development). The post is under ANRF ARG project number ANRF/ARG/2025/011912/LS and IIT (ISM) project number SRDP 1295 G. The project title is Improving the photostability and brightness of fluorogenic RNA aptamers for live cell imaging by understanding the photophysics of RNA-fluorophore interaction, led by Dr. Sourav Kumar Dey.

This is a research project post and not a regular permanent institute vacancy. The appointment is linked to the sanctioned ANRF project and can continue only up to the approved project period or earlier as per project rules. The work is suitable for candidates who want laboratory-based research experience in chemical biology, RNA-fluorophore systems, spectroscopy, probe development, and live cell imaging support.

Project Work and Role

The Junior Research Fellow will support methodology development and application work for target probe synthesis. The role includes characterizing probes and their interactions with RNA through spectroscopic techniques, and testing live cell imaging or tracking of RNA where required by the project. Prior comfort with organic synthesis, absorption spectrophotometer use, fluorimeter handling, data recording, and laboratory documentation will be useful for the work described in the PDF.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: M.Sc. in Chemistry, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Biology, or Biotechnology.
• Marks: First class or at least 60% marks / 6.0 CGPA if class is not awarded.
• Exam score: Valid CSIR-UGC NET including LS, or valid GATE qualification.
• Desirable experience: Organic synthesis and handling absorption spectrophotometer and fluorimeter instruments.

Applicants should check both the subject requirement and the national-level test requirement before applying. The PDF specifically asks for M.Sc. in the listed science streams with first class or the stated minimum marks or CGPA, along with valid CSIR-UGC NET, including lectureship, or valid GATE. If your degree title is closely related, explain the relevance clearly in your application and attach supporting marksheets or certificates.

Age Limit

• Age limit: As per ANRF norms.
• Age relaxation: SC, ST, OBC, and PH applicants get relaxation as per Government of India norms.

Salary

• Fellowship: Rs. 37,000 per month.
• HRA: Admissible HRA is available if you stay outside the IIT (ISM) campus.
• Project tenure: Up to 27 March 2029 or co-terminus with the project, whichever is earlier.

Application Fee

• No application fee is mentioned in the official project opening PDF.

Selection Process

The selection will be done through shortlisting and interview:

1. Merit Shortlisting: IIT (ISM) will shortlist applicants based on qualifications, project requirement, and supporting documents.
2. Interview: Shortlisted applicants will be informed about the interview date.
3. Document Verification: Qualification, NET/GATE, experience, and category documents may be checked before final selection.

No written exam is mentioned in the PDF. Having the minimum qualification alone does not guarantee an interview call, and no TA/DA will be paid.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your application and supporting documents for the ANRF/ARG/2025/011912/LS project.
2. Include proof of M.Sc. qualification, marks/CGPA, NET or GATE qualification, and relevant experience if any.
3. Email the application to the PI, Dr. Sourav Kumar Dey, at souravdey@iitism.ac.in.
4. Quote the project number ANRF/ARG/2025/011912/LS in your application.
5. Send the email before 17 May 2026, 6:00 PM.

There is no separate application portal mentioned in the PDF. Send the application by email to the Principal Investigator and quote the project number exactly so that the application can be mapped to the ANRF project. Keep your M.Sc. marksheets, degree certificate, NET or GATE proof, identity proof, category certificate if applicable, and any research or instrument-handling experience proof ready for verification. Shortlisted applicants will be told about the interview separately, and no TA/DA will be paid.

Important Dates

• Sanction Date: 27 March 2026
• Notification Date: 06 May 2026
• Last Date and Time: 17 May 2026, 6:00 PM
• Interview Date: To be informed to shortlisted applicants

Because the deadline is time-specific, applicants should send the email well before 6:00 PM on 17 May 2026 and keep a copy of the sent email for reference. Use a clear file name for the application and attachments, mention contact details in the CV, and make sure the NET or GATE proof is valid and readable. Candidates should also be ready to explain their M.Sc. project, laboratory exposure, and interest in RNA aptamer or probe-related research during the interview.

• Conduct methodology development work for target probe synthesis
• Prepare and study fluorogenic RNA aptamer-related probe systems
• Characterize synthesized probes using spectroscopic techniques
• Study probe interaction with RNA for live cell imaging work
• Handle absorption spectrophotometer and fluorimeter instruments when needed
• Maintain project records, experimental notes, and progress updates
• Work with the Principal Investigator to complete project milestones on time