IIT Jammu JRF and RA-II Recruitment 2026

IIT Jammu JRF and RA-II Recruitment 2026: Overview

Indian Institute of Technology Jammu (IIT Jammu) is recruiting Junior Research Fellows and a Research Associate-II for a DRDO-sanctioned project in its Department of Chemical Engineering. The work centres on a non-invasive optical interferometer for studying how polymers and plasticizers behave together and how their interfaces change. This is hands-on defence materials research, not a general teaching fellowship, so your fit depends on an engineering or physical-science background that connects with polymers, optics, transport phenomena or materials.

The engagement is project-based and initially annual, with further continuation linked to performance and the project. The team will build and test an optical prototype while studying material behaviour relevant to composite propellants. You may also be considered for IIT Jammu's PhD programme if you separately meet the institute's admission rules, apply to the programme and receive the selection committee's recommendation; appointment to the project does not itself guarantee admission.

Posts and Disciplines

• Junior Research Fellow, polymer-plasticizer stream: focus on non-invasive optical imaging and experiments involving polymer-plasticizer or polymer-solvent systems.
• Junior Research Fellow, polymer-polymer stream: develop similar optical methods for polymer-polymer systems, giving the project a complementary experimental track.
• Research Associate-II: bring advanced research training to the prototype, experimental planning and interpretation of polymer-interface behaviour.

The notice accepts backgrounds spanning chemical, mechanical, materials, polymer, petroleum, energy, production, environmental and related engineering. Relevant physics, materials science, nanoscience, polymer science and chemistry routes also fit the fellowship where the specified national-level test condition is met. Optical interferometry, polymer diffusion, phase separation and transport phenomena are especially useful knowledge areas for this project.

Post-wise Duties

Junior Research Fellow

You will help design the non-invasive optical imaging setup, run controlled experiments and keep reliable observations for your assigned material system. Your work should connect the optical response with diffusion, compatibility, phase behaviour and interface movement. You may also use modelling or material-characterisation tools to compare experimental behaviour with expected trends.

Research Associate-II

You will take a more independent role in research planning, prototype development and data interpretation. The role is suited to someone who can connect the experiments with the wider chemical-engineering and materials literature, troubleshoot methods, guide day-to-day technical work and help turn results into clear reports and research outputs.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Tenure: each appointment starts for a limited project period and may be renewed annually after a performance review.
• Shortlisting: meeting the basic criteria does not guarantee a call; IIT Jammu may shortlist according to merit and the project's technical needs.
• Interview arrangements: the interaction may take place online or offline, and shortlisted applicants receive the schedule by email.
• Travel: IIT Jammu will not provide TA/DA for an offline interview or for joining after selection.
• Current employment: if you are already working, you must provide a relieving certificate from your employer when selected.
• Language: the notice is bilingual, but the English version controls if the English and Hindi text differ.

Application Submission Notes

Use the Contract/Project Staff/JRF/SRF tab on IIT Jammu's application portal for this advertisement and upload the supporting records requested there. Keep your email address and phone number active, because the institute will use them for shortlisting and interview communication. For a recruitment query, the notice names Dr. Yogesh M. Nimdeo of the Department of Chemical Engineering at yogesh.nimdeo@iitjammu.ac.in.

• Design non-invasive optical imaging methods for polymer systems
• Run interferometry experiments and record material-interface behaviour
• Study polymer diffusion, compatibility, phase separation and transport phenomena
• Develop and test the optical interferometer prototype
• Analyse experimental data using suitable modelling and characterisation tools
• Maintain clear laboratory records and research documentation
• Prepare technical reports, publications and project updates