NIT Rourkela has released an official advertisement for the recruitment of one Junior Research Fellow under a sponsored research project in the Department of Chemical Engineering. This is a temporary contractual research position and it will continue only for the duration of the project. For candidates searching for NIT Rourkela JRF Recruitment 2026 apply online, the important point is that the institute has asked applicants to submit their signed application and supporting documents by email rather than through a separate online recruitment dashboard.
The project is focused on development of bio-based terminal cyclic carbonate through carbon dioxide capture and conversion in a semi-continuous process. Because of the project nature, the eligibility is specialized. The notice looks for candidates with a postgraduate background in Chemical Engineering, related engineering branches, or relevant science disciplines, along with required score qualifications such as GATE or UGC/CSIR-JRF depending on the degree route.
This recruitment is best suited to candidates who already have laboratory exposure in wet lab experimentation, analytical techniques and reactor handling. The institute has also clearly stated that candidates with research motivation and interest in pursuing a Ph.D. at NIT Rourkela will be preferred, so applicants should present their academic preparation and research intent carefully in the application.
Recruitment Overview
NIT Rourkela has invited applications for one Junior Research Fellow in the Department of Chemical Engineering under a sponsored project. The appointment is temporary, contractual and co-terminus with the completion of the project.
The institute has stated that only shortlisted candidates will be informed for the online interview. Mere possession of the minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview call.
Project and Vacancy Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Vacancy | 01 |
| Department | Chemical Engineering |
| Project Title | Development of bio-based terminal cyclic carbonate via CO2 capture and conversion in a semi-continuous process |
| Project Code | SR-25-CH-070 |
| Funding Agency | ANRF-ARG |
| Project Closing Date | 20 March 2029 |
This is a research-intensive opening linked to carbon capture, conversion and sustainable chemical synthesis. The subject alignment of the candidate matters directly for shortlisting.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Date | 15 April 2026 |
| Last Date for Submitting Application | 26 April 2026 |
| Interview Mode | Online |
| Interview Date | 27 April 2026 |
| Interview Time | 11:00 AM |
Candidates should complete the email submission before the closing date because the notice does not mention any late submission window.
Eligibility Criteria
The essential qualification is one of the following postgraduate routes with at least 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale:
- M.E./M.Tech./M.S. or equivalent degree in Chemical Engineering, Technology, Material Science and Engineering, Biotechnology, Environmental Science and Engineering, or a related branch.
- M.Sc. in Chemistry, Material Science, Environmental Science, or a related branch.
Candidates with M.E./M.Tech./M.S. should have a valid GATE score. Candidates with M.Sc. should have a valid GATE score, UGC/CSIR-JRF qualification, or an equivalent fellowship.
Desirable Skills and Research Fit
The official notice specifically asks for hands-on experience in wet lab experimentation and analysis. Sound knowledge of analytical methods such as GC, HPLC, FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy is necessary.
Candidates should also have experience in handling reactors and lab-scale synthesis. Knowledge of catalysis and reaction engineering at undergraduate level is expected, while familiarity with Python and MATLAB is treated as an added advantage rather than a strict requirement.
The institute has also stated that candidates with a clear interest in pursuing a Ph.D. at NIT Rourkela and a long-term research commitment will be given strong preference.
Fellowship, Tenure and Nature of Appointment
| Period | Fellowship |
|---|---|
| Year 1 and Year 2 | Rs 37,000 per month |
| Year 3 | Rs 42,000 per month |
The advertisement shows HRA as not applicable. The tenure of the post is 3 years, subject to project continuation and institute rules. Since the post is co-terminus with the project, the appointment does not create a claim for regular employment at the institute.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The upper age limit for this project position is 28 years as on the last date of application.
The notice also provides age relaxation of up to 5 years for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, PWD and female candidates, and up to 3 years for OBC non-creamy layer candidates.
How to Apply
- Download the official advertisement and the project fellowship application form.
- Fill and sign the application form carefully.
- Attach documents showing educational qualification, percentage or division, mark sheets, certificates, research papers if any, and work experience certificate if any.
- Merge the complete application and all supporting documents into a single PDF file.
- Send the PDF by email to the email IDs mentioned in the advertisement.
- Use the advertisement number in the subject line of the email.
- Do not send hard copies to the institute, because the notice says hard copies are not required.
The application process is email-based. Candidates should keep the file complete and clearly organized because shortlisting is done on merit and project need.
Email IDs and Documents Required
The advertisement shows the following contact emails for submission and communication related to the post:
- sensujit@nitrkl.ac.in
- vvgoud@iitg.ac.in
Candidates should generally keep these documents ready in the single PDF file:
- Filled and signed application form
- Postgraduate mark sheets and degree certificates
- GATE scorecard or UGC/CSIR-JRF or equivalent fellowship proof, as applicable
- Proof of marks percentage or CGPA
- Research papers, if any
- Experience certificates, if any
- Category certificate, where applicable
Selection Process and Key Conditions
The institute will shortlist candidates based on merit and the needs of the project. Only shortlisted applicants will be informed for the online interview.
NIT Rourkela has also reserved the right to apply higher criteria while shortlisting eligible candidates. If any information or document submitted by the candidate is found incorrect or suppressed, selection or joining can be cancelled.
The notice does not mention any written test, application fee, admit card, or separate result portal for this recruitment.
Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions
There is 1 post for Junior Research Fellow in the Department of Chemical Engineering.
The last date for submitting the application is 26 April 2026.
The interview is scheduled online on 27 April 2026 at 11:00 AM.
Candidates need a relevant postgraduate degree such as M.E., M.Tech., M.S. or M.Sc. with the required score qualifications and minimum marks or CGPA mentioned in the notice.
The fellowship is Rs 37,000 per month for Year 1 and Year 2, and Rs 42,000 per month for Year 3.
The upper age limit is 28 years, with relaxation for eligible reserved and specified categories as per the notice.
Candidates have to email the filled and signed application form with supporting documents in a single PDF file, using the advertisement number in the subject line.