JRF / Project Associate-1 Recruitment – IISER Bhopal, Department of Chemical Engineering
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal is inviting applications from Indian nationals for the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) or Project Associate-1 (PA-1) to work on a multi-institutional research project funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
Job Overview
| Designation | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) or Project Associate-1 (PA-1) |
| Number of Positions | 1 (One) |
| Project Title | Development of Environmentally Friendly Controlled-release P-fertilizer and its Evaluation with Plant Growth Promoting Microbes on Soybean Productivity and Soil Microbial Health |
| Project No. | DBT/CHE/2022-2023/20 |
| Research Area | Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Hydrogel Synthesis, and Soil Property Testing |
| Location | IISER Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal 462066, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Duration | For 6 months or till the completion of the project (based on satisfactory performance). There is an opportunity to convert this project-JRF position into an institute-funded PhD for the 2026-27 December cycle. |
| Salary |
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| Last Date to Apply | October 5, 2026 |
Eligibility & Qualification
- Educational Background: B.Tech. and M.Tech. in Polymer Science and Engineering / Chemical Engineering / Materials Science and Engineering / Chemical Technology OR B.Sc. (Hons) and M.Sc. degree in Chemistry from a recognized University/Institute.
- Academic Marks: Minimum of 60% Marks or a CGPA of 7.5 and above on a 10-point scale.
- National Exams (Preferred): Having qualified for a national level examination like GATE/CSIR-JRF/NET(JRF)/UGC-JRF/Rajiv Gandhi Fellowship or any other equivalent fellowship in Engineering Sciences/Chemical Engineering/Chemistry/Chemical Sciences/allied areas.
- Desirable Experience: Prior knowledge in electrochemistry or work experience in hydrogels/microgel/nanogels is highly desirable.
- Age Limit: Candidates should be below 28 years old.
Job Description
The selected candidate will work in the research lab of Dr. Paramita Das at IISER Bhopal. The primary responsibilities include the development of controlled-release P-fertilizer. The candidate should have practical experience in materials science, hydrogel synthesis, and various characterization techniques including SEM, Mechanical testing, UV-Vis, rheological, fertiliser-release studies, and soil property testing. Strong analytical skills, experimental design capabilities, experience handling sophisticated equipment, and good English writing skills are required.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application via email. The application package should contain:
- A cover letter including a detailed CV with a photograph.
- Names of two referees.
- Copies of all credentials, including mark sheets starting from 12th standard, and NET/GATE qualification certificates.
Completed applications should be sent to paramita@iiserb.ac.in on or before October 5, 2026. The subject line of the email must be: “JRF Application for DBT project”. Emails without this exact subject line will not be considered. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and invited for an interview. No TA/DA will be provided for attending the interview. The selected candidate is expected to join the position on November 1, 2026.
Contact Details
Dr. Paramita Das
Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering
Office 406, Academic Building – 1
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal
Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal 462066
Email: paramita@iiserb.ac.in
Lab Website: Das Research Group