NIT Rourkela Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

NIT Rourkela is hiring 1 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for a sponsored research project in the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering. If you have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Medicine, Dental or Pharmacy, or an MSc in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Physics, Chemistry or an allied subject with a valid GATE/NET/BET/GPAT score, you can apply. The last date to apply is 10 July 2026. The starting salary is Rs. 37,000 per month, rising to Rs. 42,000 per month in the third year.

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

NIT Rourkela, an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Education, has released a notification for 1 Junior Research Fellow post under a sponsored research project titled "A Translational 'Instruct and Recruit' Bioink Platform for Intraoperative Bone Regeneration", funded by ANRF (Others). The project is led by Prof. Devendra Verma in the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering and runs until 1 June 2029. The engagement is purely temporary/contractual and co-terminus with the project — this is a great opportunity for science and engineering graduates who want research experience with a possible pathway into a PhD.

This recruitment is handled by NIT Rourkela's SRICCE office (Sponsored Research, Industrial Consultancy and Continuing Education), which manages all sponsored project hiring for the institute. NIT Rourkela is one of the 31 National Institutes of Technology in the country and runs multiple such sponsored research projects across engineering and science departments every month, so this JRF post is part of a much larger research ecosystem at the campus in Sundergarh district, Odisha.

About the Research Project

The project aims to develop a "bioink" platform — a special material used in 3D bioprinting — that can help doctors regenerate bone tissue during surgery itself (intraoperative regeneration). As the JRF on this project, you will get hands-on exposure to cutting-edge biomedical engineering research that combines materials science, tissue engineering, and clinical application, which is a rare and valuable experience for early-career researchers in India.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (any branch) / Medicine / Dental / Pharmacy, OR Master's degree in Engineering (any branch) / Medicine / Dental / Pharmacy, OR MSc in Biotechnology / Life Sciences / Physics / Chemistry / Allied Sciences
• Academic Requirement: First class in both UG and PG degree along with a valid GATE / NET / BET / GPAT score, or any other national-level eligibility test
• Desirable: Experience in biomaterials, tissue engineering, cell culture, molecular biology, 3D bioprinting, and small animal handling will be preferred
• Desirable: Hands-on expertise in microscopy, material characterization, histology, data analysis, and scientific writing

The selected candidate will work on biomaterials development for bone tissue engineering, 3D bioprinting, cell culture, and preclinical evaluation of biomaterials for bone regeneration. There is also scope to enroll in the institute's PhD program in the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, subject to fulfilling eligibility criteria — so this JRF role can be a stepping stone to a full research career.

Age Limit

• The upper age limit for this post is 30 years.
• Age Relaxation: Will be given as per the norms and guidelines of the Institute.

Salary

• You will get Rs. 37,000 per month in Year 1 and Year 2 of the project.
• The salary increases to Rs. 42,000 per month in Year 3.
• This is a fixed fellowship amount for the duration of the project and is not linked to any pay commission scale, as is standard for sponsored research fellowships.

Selection Process

The selection will be done through:

1. Interview: Conducted by the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering. The interview date will be notified later to shortlisted candidates.

There is no written exam for this position — selection is purely interview-based. Since it is a research role tied to a specific project, the interview panel will likely focus on your academic background, your understanding of biomaterials and tissue engineering concepts, and your motivation for pursuing research in this area.

How to Apply

1. Read the official advertisement carefully at nitrkl.ac.in.
2. Prepare your application along with your CV and educational documents.
3. Send your application to the Project Investigator, Prof. Devendra Verma, at vermad@nitrkl.ac.in before the last date.
4. Keep your GATE/NET/BET/GPAT scorecard and academic mark sheets ready for verification at the interview stage.
5. Mention your relevant coursework or project experience in biomaterials, tissue engineering, or biomedical research clearly in your CV, as this will help you stand out among applicants.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 1 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 10 July 2026
• Interview Date: To be notified later

• Develop biomaterials for bone tissue engineering under the project's research plan
• Carry out 3D bioprinting and bioink formulation work in the laboratory
• Handle cell culture experiments and maintain lab protocols
• Support preclinical evaluation of biomaterials for bone regeneration
• Record and analyze experimental data accurately
• Assist in preparing research papers and project reports
• Coordinate with the Principal Investigator and project team on timelines