IIT Madras Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

IIT Madras is hiring 1 Junior Research Fellow for the Department of Aerospace Engineering. If you have a Master's degree, Degree by Research, or PhD in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or Physics along with a valid GATE score, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 31 August 2026. Pay is Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA, or you can choose a consolidated Rs. 45,880 per month.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

The Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (IC&SR) at IIT Madras has released Advertisement No. ICSR/PR/Advt.149/2026, dated 11 August 2026, for one Junior Research Fellow post in the Department of Aerospace Engineering under project coordinator Prof. Pravendra Kumar. The project works on electrospray/FEEP propulsion technology for small satellite manoeuvring in low earth orbit (LEO) — you will help build analytical models, run numerical simulations in OpenFOAM, and set up experiments to study emitter performance. JRFs on this project can also register for a PhD if they find the research area interesting. This gives you hands-on exposure to both theoretical modelling and lab-based experimentation, which is valuable if you are considering a research career in aerospace propulsion. The post is purely on a contract basis, initially for six months and extendable based on your performance, but it does not carry any right to further extension, regularisation, or permanency at the Institute. A separate application is required if you wish to apply for any other post in the same advertisement cycle.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You need a Master's degree/Degree by Research, or a PhD, in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering/Technology or Physics with a good academic record, or a 5-Year Dual Degree in Engineering, with CGPA 7.5 or above and a valid GATE score.
• Preferred Background: Research experience in atmospheric plasma, non-thermal plasma, cold plasma, or dielectric barrier discharge is preferred.
• Desirable Skills: Working knowledge of Python or MATLAB, and SolidWorks, is an advantage.
• Citizenship: You must be a citizen of India. Migrants from Pakistan settling permanently in India, or subjects of Nepal, can also apply with an eligibility certificate from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Reservation: SC, ST, and OBC reservations apply as per government norms.
• Current IIT Madras Project Staff: If you are already working on a project at IIT Madras, you must apply through the proper channel or be ready to produce a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of document verification.
• Women Candidates: IIT Madras encourages women candidates to apply as part of its commitment to a gender-balanced workforce.
• Experience Relaxation: The experience requirement may be relaxed for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates at the Institute's discretion if sufficient qualified candidates from these categories are not available.
• Reference Date: All eligibility criteria — qualification, CGPA, and GATE score — will be assessed as of the closing date for online applications, 31 August 2026.

Salary

• You will get Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA, or you can opt for a consolidated pay of Rs. 45,880 per month instead.
• This is a contract research position — no allowances beyond HRA (if you choose that pay option) are mentioned in the notification.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

There is no written exam for this post. Selection is based on your online application and a test/interview:

1. Application Screening: IIT Madras checks your application against the eligibility criteria listed above.
2. Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted for a test or interview based on qualifications and relevant research experience. The Institute can restrict the number of candidates called based on higher qualifications and academic achievements.
3. Test/Interview: Shortlisted candidates appear for a written test and/or interview.
4. Document Verification: You must carry a printout of your submitted application when called for the test or interview.

Being called for a test or interview does not guarantee selection — admission to any stage is provisional until your eligibility is confirmed. Canvassing in any form will disqualify your candidature, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

The Institute decides the mode of screening and testing, and it reserves the right not to fill this position at all without giving any reason. Only your minimum qualifying degree and directly relevant experience gained after it will be counted during screening — extra qualifications above the minimum do not automatically get you called for interview.

How to Apply

1. Go to icandsr.iitm.ac.in/careers/current_openings.php.
2. Find the listing for Advertisement No. 149/2026 and open the Junior Research Fellow post.
3. Register with an active email ID — all further correspondence happens by email only, so use a correct one.
4. Fill in and submit the online application form. It cannot be edited or reverted once submitted, so apply carefully and only once for this post.
5. Take a printout of your submitted application. Do not post it to the Institute — keep it ready for document verification if you are shortlisted.
6. Keep your testimonials ready — if you are currently employed, you may need a reference from your most recent employer or immediate superior.

For technical issues only, email icsrrecruitment@icsrpis.iitm.ac.in or icsrrecruitment6@icsrpis.iitm.ac.in, or call 044-2257 9796 (Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM).

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 11 August 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 31 August 2026

• Design and develop electrospray/FEEP propulsion system components for small satellites
• Build analytical models to study and optimise emitter performance
• Run numerical simulations of spray characteristics using OpenFOAM
• Set up and operate lab experiments to measure electrospray emission performance
• Analyse test data and document findings in technical reports
• Collaborate with the project coordinator and research team on plasma propulsion studies
• Support preparation of research papers and project deliverables