IIT (ISM) Dhanbad is hiring for one Senior Research Scientist position under a sponsored project in the Department of Fuel, Minerals and Metallurgical Engineering. This is not a regular institute recruitment post. It is a project-based appointment linked to a research project on bio-based carbon materials and industrial energy systems, so applicants should read the eligibility conditions closely before applying.
The official notice gives two clear eligibility routes. One route is for candidates with a relevant Ph.D. background in areas connected to thermochemical conversion of biomass, biofuels, and biochar application in the iron and steel industry, along with the required M.E./M.Tech and BE/B.Tech background. The second route allows candidates with the required M.E./M.Tech and BE/B.Tech background plus five years of research and development experience after M.E./M.Tech, along with at least one SCI journal paper.
For most applicants, the main practical points are simple: the post count is one, the upper age limit is 35 years at the time of appointment, the fellowship is Rs 1,25,000 plus HRA for 15 months, and the application has to be emailed to the Principal Investigator before 5:00 PM on 23 April 2026. Shortlisting will be merit-based, and only shortlisted candidates will be informed about the interview schedule.
Recruitment Overview
This recruitment is for one Senior Research Scientist position at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad under a sponsored project. The official project title is "Bio-Based Carbon Materials for Industrial Energy Systems: Decarbonisation Pathways for India’s Energy Transition". The position is being handled through the Office of the Dean (Research & Development), and the Principal Investigator is Prof. Shalini Gautam from the Department of Fuel, Minerals and Metallurgical Engineering.
Applicants should treat this as a project staff appointment rather than a permanent institutional vacancy. That matters because the tenure, selection process, and continuation of the position are tied to the project terms rather than a regular cadre post.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification date on project document | 16 April 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 23 April 2026 |
| Last time to submit application | 5:00 PM |
| Interview schedule | Not announced in advance; shortlisted candidates will be informed separately |
The official notice is clear on the deadline. Applications sent after the stated time may not be considered, so applicants should avoid waiting until the last day.
Vacancy and Project Details
There is only one vacancy for the Senior Research Scientist post. The project focuses on bio-based carbon materials, industrial energy systems, and decarbonisation pathways relevant to India’s energy transition.
- Post: Senior Research Scientist
- Number of positions: 01
- Project area: Biomass conversion, biofuels, biochar, and industrial energy transition research
- Department: Fuel, Minerals and Metallurgical Engineering
- Location: IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Jharkhand
Because there is only one seat, the screening is likely to be strict and closely aligned with project-specific technical requirements.
Eligibility and Required Academic Background
The notice provides two eligibility pathways. Applicants should match their qualifications carefully with the wording used in the notification.
One route is a Ph.D. in an area related to thermochemical conversion of biomass, biofuels, or biochar application in the iron and steel industry, along with M.E./M.Tech in Fuel Engineering or Energy Engineering and BE/B.Tech in Mechanical, Chemical, Mineral, or Energy disciplines.
The second route is for candidates with M.E./M.Tech in Fuel Engineering along with BE/B.Tech in Mechanical, Chemical, Mineral, or Energy, plus five years of research and development experience after M.E./M.Tech and at least one research paper in an SCI journal.
This means applicants should not rely only on a broad engineering degree title. The relevance of specialization, research area, and post-M.Tech experience is central to eligibility.
Desirable Qualification and Age Limit
In addition to the essential qualification, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad has listed desirable qualifications that can strengthen an application. These include one year of postdoctoral experience and a minimum of five publications in Q1 or Q2 journals of international repute.
The upper age limit is 35 years at the time of appointment. The notice does not provide a separate relaxation table, so candidates should go by the age condition stated in the official PDF unless any later corrigendum is issued.
- Desirable: One year of postdoctoral experience
- Desirable: Minimum 5 Q1/Q2 publications
- Age limit: 35 years at the time of appointment
Fellowship, Tenure and Nature of Appointment
The fellowship mentioned in the official notice is Rs 1,25,000 plus HRA for 15 months. Applicants should note that this fellowship period is not the same thing as permanent service. The position is temporary and co-terminus with the project.
The project itself is sanctioned for a period of three years. In practical terms, that means the post exists only within the life and requirements of the project. Candidates looking for a regular institute appointment should keep this distinction in mind before applying.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Rs 1,25,000 + HRA |
| Fellowship period mentioned | 15 months |
| Project tenure | Three years |
| Nature of post | Temporary and co-terminus with the project |
Job Role and Expected Work
The official notification gives a short but useful description of the work. The selected candidate will handle routine jobs and research work related to the project. This includes report preparation as well as paper and patent writing.
That description suggests the post is meant for someone who can contribute both to hands-on research execution and to research output generation. Applicants with direct experience in scientific writing, documentation, and publication-oriented project work are likely to be better aligned with the role.
- Research work connected to the project
- Routine project tasks and coordination support
- Preparation of technical reports
- Paper writing and patent writing
How to Apply
The application process is by email. Interested and eligible candidates have to send their documents in a zipped file to the Principal Investigator before the deadline. The email address given in the notice is shalinigautam@iitism.ac.in.
- Prepare your updated CV.
- Collect all relevant mark sheets and certificates.
- Add experience certificates, wherever applicable.
- Put the required files into a single zipped folder.
- Email the zipped file to the Principal Investigator before 5:00 PM on 23 April 2026.
The official notice does not mention a separate online application portal or application fee. Candidates should therefore follow the email submission method exactly as stated in the notification.
Documents Required for Email Submission
The notification specifically asks candidates to email their CV, mark sheets, certificates, and experience certificates in a zipped file. Applicants should keep the file set complete and well-organized so that the screening process is straightforward.
- Updated CV
- Academic mark sheets
- Degree or qualification certificates
- Experience certificates
- Research publication details, if relevant to your eligibility or profile strength
Even where a document is not separately named, it is sensible to keep supporting records ready for qualification claims, research experience, and publications mentioned in the application.
Selection Process and Important Conditions
The official notice states that shortlisted candidates will be notified regarding the interview schedule. It also makes clear that merely having the minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview call. Shortlisting will be based on merit and on the requirements of the project.
Applicants should also note the practical conditions mentioned in the notice. Candidates will have to make their own arrangements for stay in Dhanbad if required, and no TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Minimum eligibility does not guarantee interview call
- Shortlisting will depend on merit and project requirements
- No TA/DA will be paid
- Stay arrangements, if needed, have to be managed by the candidate
Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions
There is 1 vacancy for the Senior Research Scientist post.
The last date to apply is 23 April 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
You have to email your CV, mark sheets, certificates, and experience certificates in a zipped file to the Principal Investigator.
The upper age limit is 35 years at the time of appointment.
The fellowship is Rs 1,25,000 plus HRA for 15 months.
No. The post is temporary and co-terminus with the sponsored project.
The post requires a relevant Ph.D. route or an M.E./M.Tech route with five years of R&D experience and at least one SCI journal paper, along with the specified BE/B.Tech background.