IIT ISM Dhanbad Project JRF (Petroleum) Recruitment 2026

IIT ISM Dhanbad Project JRF (Petroleum) Recruitment 2026: Overview

Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad (IIT ISM Dhanbad) is hiring a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for a DST-sponsored research project in the Department of Petroleum Engineering, led by Principal Investigator Dr. Tarun Kumar Naiya. The project, "Synthesis of Bio Based Zwitterionic Surfactant for Use in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) at High Reservoir Temperature Conditions," studies how surfactants made from natural, bio-based sources can improve oil recovery from reservoirs that run at high temperatures. You will synthesise the zwitterionic surfactant from natural resources and test how well it performs for enhanced oil recovery at different temperatures, so a background in chemical or petroleum process chemistry helps. This kind of applied EOR research feeds directly into getting more oil out of India's ageing fields using surfactants that are cheaper and more environment-friendly than conventional synthetic ones. M.E./M.Tech in Petroleum or Chemical Engineering, or M.Sc in Chemistry, with a GATE or NET qualification is required to apply.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Tenure: The position is sanctioned for one year or till the project ends, whichever is earlier — it may be converted into a regular Institute JRF position at any time as per IIT (ISM) rules.
• Interview: The tentative interview date is 28 August 2026 at 10:00 AM, conducted entirely online; only shortlisted candidates will be called.
• Fellowship revision: The higher fellowship in the possible third year is paid only after a satisfactory performance review.

Application Submission Notes

This position does not use an online form. You need to send a hard copy of your application by speed post, along with attested copies of all degree and experience certificates, to the Principal Investigator, and also email the same documents to tarunnaiya@iitism.ac.in. Mention the project number SERB(CRG)(420)/2023-2024/1089/PE in the subject line of your application and email.

• Synthesise bio-based zwitterionic surfactant from natural raw materials
• Run enhanced oil recovery (EOR) tests using the synthesised surfactant
• Test surfactant performance across a range of temperatures, including high-temperature reservoir conditions
• Record and analyse lab data from each synthesis and recovery trial
• Maintain lab equipment and follow standard chemical safety protocols
• Prepare progress reports and findings for the Principal Investigator
• Support publication of results in relevant academic journals