IIT Ropar Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

About This Job

IIT Ropar (Indian Institute of Technology Ropar) is hiring 1 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for an ANRF-funded research project on the aerodynamics of small insects. If you have a Master's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or Chemical Engineering with a good GATE or NET score, you can apply online through a Google Form. This is a rolling advertisement that stays open until the position is filled, so early applicants have the best chance. The role can also open a path to a PhD at IIT Ropar.

IIT Ropar Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Recruitment 2026

The Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT Ropar) is hiring one Junior Research Fellow for the project titled Investigations into moisture response and aerodynamics of small insects (Project No. ANRF/ARG/2025/010909/ENS). The project is funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and studies how fog and dew affect the flight of small insects. The findings will help build better flapping-wing drones for real-world uses like disaster relief, agriculture management and reconnaissance.

You would join a collaborative team led by Dr. Chander Shekhar Sharma along with Dr. Navaneeth K Marath and Dr. Manish Agrawal, working on an interdisciplinary problem with state-of-the-art lab facilities. This is a great fit if you enjoy both experimental and numerical research in fluid mechanics.

Who Can Apply?

You must meet at least one of the two criteria below:

• Master's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or Chemical Engineering with a minimum CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale (or 65% marks) plus a good GATE/NET score, OR
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or Chemical Engineering with a minimum CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale (or 65% marks) plus a good GATE/NET score.

Desirable skills: Strong knowledge of Fluid Mechanics fundamentals is a big plus. A background in numerical and experimental techniques in fluid mechanics, surface wettability, capillary phenomena, and micro/nano fabrication will help your application stand out.

Salary

• The fellowship stipend will be paid as per ANRF and IIT Ropar rules for the JRF position.
• The fellowship runs for 3 years or until the project ends, whichever is earlier.
• You are appointed for one year first, and extension depends on your performance. Selected candidates may also apply for the PhD programme as per institute rules.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

There is no written exam for this post. Selection is done in two steps:

1. Shortlisting: Applications are reviewed regularly and candidates are shortlisted based on qualification and research fit.
2. Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates are informed by email about the online interview date and time.

How to Apply

1. Fill out the official Google Form linked in the notification.
2. Enter your academic details, GATE/NET score and research background.
3. Submit the form. Since this is a rolling advertisement, apply as early as possible.
4. Wait for an email from the project team about your online interview.

Important Dates

• Application Mode: Rolling (online Google Form)
• Last Date to Apply: Open until the position is filled
• Interview: Shortlisted candidates informed by email

• Conduct experimental and numerical studies on how fog and dew affect insect flight
• Run fluid mechanics experiments on wing water repellence and flight dynamics
• Build and test numerical models of small insect aerodynamics
• Analyse research data and record clear, accurate results
• Work with the project team on flapping-wing drone (UAV) development
• Prepare research reports, presentations and publications
• Set up and maintain lab equipment and experimental facilities