NIT Rourkela Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Recruitment 2026

National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) is hiring 1 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for a Mechanical Engineering research project on 3D-printed piezoelectric sensors. If you have a B.Tech/B.E. in Mechanical, Production, Industrial, or Biomedical Engineering (or an M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc in a related field) with a valid GATE/NET qualification, you can apply by email. The last date to apply is 15 July 2026. This is a contract position for up to 3 years, co-terminus with the project, with a starting salary of Rs. 37,000 per month.

National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

NIT Rourkela is an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Its Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy office (SRICCE) has invited applications for 1 Junior Research Fellow to work on an ANRF-funded project (Project Code: SR-25-ME-069) titled "Design, development and characterizations of 3D-Printed piezoelectric sensor for non-invasive biomedical Monitoring" under the Department of Mechanical Engineering, led by Principal Investigator Prof. Rudranarayan Kandi. This position is purely temporary and contractual, running for the duration of the project (3 years, 0 months) up to 18 March 2029, the project's closing date. Engineering graduates and postgraduates with a background in CAD, 3D printing, or biomedical sensing should apply before the deadline — this position has already been extended twice via corrigendum, so don't miss the final date.

As a JRF on this project, you will work on research related to design, development and characterization of piezoelectric flexible sensors made using 3D printing. The work also covers statistical modelling, optimization, and machine learning assisted prediction of outputs for biomedical monitoring, along with preparing reports and manuscripts and presenting your findings at project meetings, workshops, and conferences.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification (Option 1): B.Tech/B.E. in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, or an equivalent branch, with a minimum CGPA of 6.5 (or 60% marks), along with a valid GATE/NET qualification (including lectureship) or another national-level fellowship test.
• Qualification (Option 2): M.E./M.Tech in Production Engineering, Design, Industrial Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, or an equivalent specialization, with the same CGPA and GATE/NET requirement.
• Qualification (Option 3): M.Sc in Physics with a minimum CGPA of 6.50 (or 60% marks), along with NET (including lectureship) or GATE qualification.
• Desirable Skills: Good knowledge of CAD, 3D printing, statistical modelling, and material characterization. Experience with rheological investigations, optimization, and design software (plus MS Office) is an added advantage.
• Important: Simply meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee that you will be called for an interview — your period of relevant experience is counted only after you acquired the minimum qualification, and shortlisting depends on merit and the actual need of the project.

Age Limit

• The upper age limit for this project position is 28 years, counted as on the last date for receipt of applications.
• Age Relaxation: SC, ST, PwD, and female candidates get a relaxation of up to 5 years. OBC (non-creamy layer) candidates get a relaxation of up to 3 years.

Salary

• You will get Rs. 37,000 per month in Year 1 and Year 2 of the project.
• Your salary increases to Rs. 42,000 per month in Year 3.
• HRA will be added on top of this as applicable, as per institute norms.
• Any other terms and conditions for this fellowship will follow the guidelines issued by the funding agency (ANRF), as amended from time to time.

Selection Process

Your selection will be done in one stage:

1. Online Interview: Only shortlisted candidates will be informed and called for an online interview. NIT Rourkela reserves the right to set a higher shortlisting criterion if there are more eligible applicants than seats, and to cancel your selection or joining if you suppress any information or document at the time of application.

Simply meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview call — you will be shortlisted based on merit and the requirement of the project. If you need any clarification on your eligibility, you can contact the Principal Investigator directly using the details in the notification.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your filled and signed application along with documents for your educational qualification (mark sheets/certificates showing percentage or division), research papers (if any), and work experience certificates (if any).
2. Combine all documents into a single PDF file.
3. Send this PDF by email to the Principal Investigator, Prof. Rudranarayan Kandi, at kandir@nitrkl.ac.in (alternate contact: rudranarayan07@gmail.com).
4. Mention the Advertisement Number (NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-25ME069/L/005(ii)) in your email subject line.
5. Do not send hard copies — only the emailed soft copy application is accepted; no physical copies are required at the Institute.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 22 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 15 July 2026 (extended via corrigendum)
• Online Interview Date: 17 July 2026

• Conduct research on the design, development, and characterization of 3D-printed piezoelectric sensors
• Perform statistical modelling and optimization of sensor performance data
• Apply machine learning techniques to predict sensor outputs for biomedical monitoring
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and research papers for the project
• Present research findings at project meetings, workshops, and conferences
• Maintain lab equipment, experiment records, and project documentation
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and project team on research milestones