NIT Rourkela Project Fellow (JRF) Recruitment 2026

NIT Rourkela is hiring 1 Project Fellow (Junior Research Fellow) for a research project in the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering. If you have a B.Tech/B.E. or M.Tech/M.E. in a relevant engineering discipline with GATE/NET qualification, you can apply offline. The last date to apply is 24 July 2026. The monthly stipend ranges from Rs. 37,000 to Rs. 42,000 depending on your qualifying degree.

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

National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NITR), an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Education, has released Advertisement No. NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-26BM034/L/052 dated 1 July 2026 through its Sponsored Research, Industrial Consultancy and Continuing Education (SRICCE) office, inviting applications for 1 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position. The post is under an ANRF-funded research project titled "Design and development of synthesis approaches for lignin hydrogel-based triboelectric nanogenerators aimed at self-powered applications" (Project Code: SR-26-BM-034). ANRF (Anusandhan National Research Foundation) is the Government of India's apex research funding body, and this project focuses on developing hydrogel-based energy-harvesting devices that can power sensors without an external battery. This is a temporary, contractual engagement co-terminus with the project, which runs until 10 June 2029. The project is led by Prof. Lohit Kumar Srinivas Gujjala in the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, and is a good opportunity for engineering or science graduates who want hands-on research experience before pursuing a Ph.D.

Who Can Apply?

You can qualify for this JRF post through any one of the following three routes:

• Qualification (Route 1): You need a B.Tech/B.E. in Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering or an equivalent branch with a minimum CGPA of 6.5 (or 60%), along with a GATE/NET qualification (including lectureship) or another national-level fellowship test.
• Qualification (Route 2): An M.E./M.Tech in the same disciplines with the same minimum CGPA and GATE/NET qualification is also accepted.
• Qualification (Route 3): An M.Sc in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or Life Sciences (or equivalent) with the same minimum CGPA and GATE/NET qualification is accepted for candidates joining in Year 1 or Year 2 of the project.
• Desirable: Experience in polymer/hydrogel synthesis, hands-on knowledge of material characterization techniques, experience in electrochemical and electrical measurements, practical skills in laboratory fabrication and testing of functional materials or devices, and the ability to analyze and interpret experimental data.

Salary

• You will get a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 if you qualify with a Bachelor's degree (B.Tech/B.E.), or Rs. 42,000 if you qualify with a Master's degree (M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc), following standard project fellowship stipend norms.

Selection Process

The selection will be done in 1 stage:

1. Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online on 27 July 2026 at 10:00 AM by the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering.

There is no written exam for this post — shortlisting and final selection are both based on your academic record and the online interview.

How to Apply

1. Download the prescribed Project Fellow application form from the NITR SRICCE Career page (nitrkl.ac.in).
2. Fill in your personal, educational and research details in the form.
3. Attach your CV, mark sheets, GATE/NET scorecard and other qualifying certificates.
4. Mention the advertisement number (NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-26BM034/L/052) in your application or email subject line.
5. Send your completed application to the Principal Investigator, Prof. Lohit Kumar Srinivas Gujjala, at srinivasg@nitrkl.ac.in, before the last date.
6. If shortlisted, attend the online interview on the scheduled date.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 1 July 2026
• Application Start: 1 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 24 July 2026
• Online Interview Date: 27 July 2026, 10:00 AM

• Carry out research on lignin hydrogel-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) devices for self-powered applications
• Design and synthesize hydrogel-based materials for energy-harvesting applications
• Characterize material properties using standard laboratory techniques
• Conduct electrochemical and electrical measurements on prototype devices
• Draft periodic progress reports and research manuscripts
• Present research findings at seminars and conferences
• Maintain lab equipment and follow safety protocols during experiments
• Coordinate with the project team under the guidance of the Principal Investigator