IIT Palakkad JRF Recruitment 2026 - Mechanical Engg

IIT Palakkad is hiring 1 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for an ISRO RESPOND-funded project in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. If you have an M.Tech in fluid thermal or energy systems engineering with GATE, you can apply by email. The last date to apply is 27 May 2026 (Wednesday). The monthly salary is Rs. 37,000.

IIT Palakkad Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 (ISRO RESPOND Project)

Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad (IIT Palakkad) has released notification reference IITPKD/2026/20/ME/SAC for the recruitment of 1 Junior Research Fellow in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The position is funded by the ISRO RESPOND programme. The project deals with the identification and characterisation of thermal interface materials (TIMs) for cryogenic temperatures in the 4 to 100 K range to reduce thermal contact resistance between metal joints. Freshers with M.Tech in fluid thermal or energy systems engineering and a valid GATE score can apply.

Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification

• M.Tech in the area of fluid thermal or energy systems engineering
• GATE qualified (valid GATE score)

Required Skills

• Good background knowledge in heat transfer
• Experience working with thermo-vacuum systems and cryogenic systems
• Strong analytical, numerical and experimental skills in heat transfer problems
• Ability to independently develop heat transfer experimental setups
• Good knowledge of MATLAB, COMSOL Multiphysics, ABAQUS and LaTeX

Age Limit

• Preferably not exceeding 35 years as on the closing date of application
• Age Relaxation: Available for OBC, SC, ST, PwD candidates and women applicants as per Government of India norms

Salary

• Monthly remuneration: Rs. 37,000 per month
• Hostel accommodation may be provided at the Institute on a chargeable basis, subject to availability
• If institute hostel is not available, admissible HRA will be provided as per Government of India rules

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection is based on shortlisting and interview:

1. Shortlisting: Based on academic record, GATE score, M.Tech specialisation and required skills
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview at IIT Palakkad
3. Document Verification: Selected candidate must produce original certificates from Class 10 onwards

The candidate is expected to join immediately after receiving the offer letter. The appointment is initially for 1 year and can be extended based on performance in the project.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your resume and certificates pertaining to educational qualifications starting from Class 10 onwards in a single PDF
2. Send the application by email to samarjeet@iitpkd.ac.in
3. The subject line of the email must be "Application for Junior Research Fellow - IITPKD/2026/20/ME/SAC"
4. Make sure your application reaches by 27 May 2026 (Wednesday)

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 14 May 2026
• Last Date to Apply by Email: 27 May 2026 (Wednesday)
• Interview Date: To be announced (shortlisted candidates will be informed)

• Carry out research on thermal interface materials (TIMs) at cryogenic temperatures between 4 and 100 K
• Design and independently develop heat transfer experimental setups for the project
• Operate thermo-vacuum systems and cryogenic test rigs in the laboratory
• Perform numerical simulations using MATLAB, COMSOL Multiphysics and ABAQUS
• Analyse experimental data and characterise thermal contact resistance between metal joints
• Prepare project reports, technical documents and research papers using LaTeX
• Coordinate with ISRO RESPOND programme officers and project investigators
• Present findings at internal review meetings and academic conferences