DUK JRF Space Physics Recruitment 2026

DUK JRF Space Physics Recruitment 2026: Overview

Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology (DUK) is recruiting a Junior Research Fellow for the ISRO-funded project titled Venusian Region Detection (VeReD) of the Plasma Regions Using a Hybrid Deep Learning Framework. The work connects space physics with artificial intelligence, using computational methods to recognise and study plasma regions around Venus. This makes the fellowship particularly relevant if you enjoy turning scientific data into models and visual explanations.

The role combines planetary-science questions, scientific computing and machine learning inside a university research setting. You would contribute to a project that needs careful data preparation, repeatable analysis and model evaluation rather than only software development. The notification highlights Python libraries, deep-learning tools and data visualisation, which points to a day-to-day workflow built around research code, experiments and interpretation.

The appointment begins at the Junior Research Fellow level and may move to Senior Research Fellow status in the third year if the review committee recommends the upgrade. The progression is performance-based, not automatic. The university also notes a possible route into its PhD programme, subject to your work and institutional norms, so the fellowship can support a longer research path for someone who wants to remain in space science or computational physics.

Thiruvananthapuram is the work and assessment location. You should be comfortable discussing your academic background, coding experience and interest in planetary research with an interdisciplinary team. The project setting will suit someone who can move between physical interpretation and practical modelling while keeping clear records of each research decision.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Initial tenure: The first appointment is for one year and may be extended on performance for a total project period of up to three years.
• SRF upgrade: Movement to Senior Research Fellow status in the third year depends on a favourable review committee recommendation.
• PhD possibility: Transition into a PhD programme is an opportunity, not a guaranteed outcome, and follows performance and university rules.
• Assessment venue: Any test or interview will be held only in Thiruvananthapuram district. The university will send the schedule to the registered email address.
• Complete claims: Information or credentials not claimed in the relevant application field will not be accepted later. Incomplete forms and missing uploads can be rejected.
• Accuracy of information: False details or hidden material facts can cancel your candidature and may end the appointment even after joining.
• University discretion: The university may cancel the advertisement or selection exercise at any stage, and its decision on ambiguity in the process is final.
• Communication: No interim queries are promised after you apply, so check the registered email regularly for assessment updates.

Application Submission Notes

Apply through the DUK recruitment portal and upload clear scanned proof of age, qualifications, test scores and any claimed experience. Originals must be available whenever the university asks for them. Complete every relevant field, because the portal record is what the university uses when checking your claims.

Use an active personal email address and review the form carefully before final submission. The application portal carries the detailed submission guidance, while the notification PDF provides the project and eligibility terms.

Corrigenda and Notices

• Deadline extension: A corrigendum shown on the university careers page extended the application window. The revised closing date in the structured details replaces the earlier date printed in the original notice.

• Prepare and clean scientific datasets related to Venusian plasma regions
• Build and test machine-learning and deep-learning models for region detection
• Write reproducible Python code using suitable scientific and data libraries
• Compare model outputs with space-physics evidence and research objectives
• Create clear data visualisations for analysis, meetings and reports
• Document methods, results and limitations for review by the project team
• Support research discussions, presentations and publication-related work