BITS Pilani JRF Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post, Fellowship, Eligibility, Last Date

Recruitment overview

BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus has invited applications for one Junior Research Fellow position under a sponsored research project in the Department of Pharmacy. The official advertisement is dated 1 April 2026 and clearly identifies the post as project based and temporary.

The position is linked to an ANRF-funded research grant and is meant for candidates interested in pharmacology and translational biomedical research. Since it is a project role, applicants should focus on subject fit, laboratory readiness and the specific skills stated in the notice.

Project details

The official project title is Preclinical validation of DPP-1 as a therapeutic target using novel inhibitors for the treatment of chronic kidney disease and associated neurocognitive impairment. The project is being carried out under ANRF, ARG grant number ANRF/ARG/2025/006328/LS.

The principal investigator named in the notice is Prof. Onkar Prakash Kulkarni, Department of Pharmacy, BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus. The professor's official faculty profile also matches the research area of chronic kidney disease and cognitive impairment, which aligns closely with the project theme.

Vacancy and fellowship details

The official notice states that HRA will be governed by applicable ANRF norms or institute norms. Candidates should therefore read the appointment terms carefully if selected.

Eligibility criteria

The official advertisement states that candidates should have first-class in M. Pharmacy with specialization in Pharmacology. It also states that valid GPAT qualified candidates are preferred.

This means the post is not meant for a broad, open qualification pool across all life science streams. Applicants should ensure that their degree title and specialization match the exact wording of the notice before applying.

Preferred knowledge and skills

The notice gives preference to candidates with good knowledge in in-vivo and in-vitro pharmacology, neuroscience, neuropharmacology and molecular biology. These are not generic preferences and directly reflect the experimental nature of the project.

Candidates should therefore highlight any hands-on laboratory exposure, pharmacology models, molecular techniques, neurobiology-related work and research publications in their application. A generic academic CV without research details is unlikely to be as effective as a well-targeted application.

Age limit and research environment

The upper age limit mentioned in the official notice is 27 years. Applicants should calculate their eligibility carefully before applying.

The position is based in the Department of Pharmacy at BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus, which officially highlights research facilities such as central animal facility, histology and imaging, molecular biology equipment and cell culture facilities. This gives candidates a practical idea of the research environment connected to the role.

Important dates

The official careers trail at BITS also reflects an apply-by date of 20 April 2026 for a current Junior Research Fellow opening in Hyderabad, which matches the date stated in the PDF notice.

Application mode explained

This recruitment is often described broadly as an online application, but the official notice does not use a portal-based form. Instead, it requires candidates to send their application materials by email to the principal investigator.

In practical terms, the application is digital but email-based. Candidates should therefore prepare a proper research application package rather than expecting a simple online registration form.

How to apply

1. Read the official BITS Pilani JRF advertisement carefully.
2. Prepare a detailed application including educational qualifications and research experience.
3. Add at least one letter of recommendation.
4. Attach published research papers, if any.
5. Email the complete application to Prof. Onkar Prakash Kulkarni at onkar@hyderabad.bits-pilani.ac.in.
6. Make sure the application is sent on or before 20 April 2026.

The notice is clear that only qualified and suitable candidates will be called for interview, so applicants should submit a focused and complete research profile.

Selection process

The official advertisement does not mention a written test. It states that only qualified and suitable candidates will be called for interview.

The interview is expected to be conducted online in the last week of April 2026. This means shortlisting is likely to be based on academic record, project fit, laboratory experience, recommendation strength and overall research potential.

PhD opportunity and what applicants should note

The official notice adds that the selected candidate may be permitted to register for the Ph.D. programme of BITS Pilani, subject to fulfillment of the required norms. This is not an automatic Ph.D. admission offer, but it is a meaningful academic opportunity for candidates planning longer-term research work.

Applicants should note that the core confirmed points in this vacancy are the post name, project title, project duration, fellowship, eligibility preference for GPAT-qualified candidates, age limit, last date and email application route. Since this is a one-page official project advertisement, candidates should rely on the original PDF and direct communication from the principal investigator for any further clarification.

Official Links

• BITS Pilani Official JRF Advertisement PDF
• BITS Pilani Hyderabad Department of Pharmacy Page
• Prof. Onkar Prakash Kulkarni Faculty Profile
• BITS Pilani Careers Page