Anna University Nagercoil JRF Recruitment 2026 – ISRO RESPOND Project
- Last Date
- 20 Sep 2026 (Expired)
- Total Posts
- 1
- Apply Mode
- By Post and Email
- Job Type
- Research Fellowship (Project-based)
Anna University Nagercoil JRF Recruitment 2026 – ISRO RESPOND Project
University College of Engineering (UCE) Nagercoil, a constituent college of Anna University Chennai, has invited applications for one Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position under an ISRO RESPOND-sponsored research project in the Department of Civil Engineering. This article covers the project details, eligibility criteria, emoluments, and how to apply.
Anna University Nagercoil JRF Recruitment 2026 – Overview
Vacancy Details
| Post | Number of Posts | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 1 | First year of a 3-year sanctioned project; continuation subject to performance and fund availability |
Eligibility Criteria
Emoluments
| Position | Period | Monthly Emoluments |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | First 2 years | Rs. 37,000 + 10% HRA (Rs. 3,700) |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | 3rd year (subject to performance, per DST norms) | Rs. 42,000 + 10% HRA |
About the Research Project
The project, titled “Exploring rivers & paleo-channels using Remote sensing: For understanding Martian rivers,” is sponsored by ISRO’s Department of Space under its RESPOND programme, which funds academic research relevant to India’s space applications. The project is led by Principal Investigator Dr. J. Colins Johnny of the Department of Civil Engineering, UCE Nagercoil, and applies remote sensing techniques developed for studying terrestrial rivers and paleo-channels to better understand ancient river systems on Mars. The selected JRF will work directly under Dr. Johnny’s guidance for the sanctioned duration of the project.
How to Apply
- Prepare a duly filled application in the Annexure-I format, along with an updated CV and self-attested photocopies of relevant certificates.
- Send the application by post to: Dr. J. Colins Johnny, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering Nagercoil, Konam, Nagercoil – 629004, with the subject line “Application for JRF under ISRO RESPOND project grant.”
- Also email a scanned copy of the complete application to colinsjohnny@ucen.ac.in with the same subject line.
- Ensure the application reaches the PI on or before 20 September 2026, 5:00 PM.
Note: The notification lists the pincode as 629004 in the general project details, while the postal address for application submission mentions 600004. Candidates are advised to use 629004 (Nagercoil), which appears consistently through the rest of the document, and to confirm the exact address by phone or email with the Department before dispatching physical applications.
Application Form Details (Annexure I)
The application form requires candidates to furnish: name, communication and permanent address, email, mobile number, nationality, community (OC/BC/MBC/SC/ST), gender, marital status, date of birth and age as on 31 August 2026, a detailed educational qualifications table (SSLC/HSC/UG/PG with specialization, school/board, year, percentage/CGPA, and class), additional qualifications such as GATE/CSIR/UGC-NET/SET details, a table of prior work experience, and additional information covering awards, patents, publications, or sponsored R&D projects, followed by a signed declaration.
Selection Process
- Only eligible candidates will be called for the selection process.
- Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the written test/personal interview date and time exclusively through email.
- No TA/DA will be paid for attending the written test or interview.
- Candidates must bring original certificates for verification at the time of the interview.
Important – Who Can Apply
Candidates are responsible for ensuring their own eligibility before applying. The University and the Principal Investigator will independently verify eligibility, and only genuinely eligible applicants will be considered for the selection process. The selection committee’s decision on eligibility and selection is final.
Terms and Conditions
- This is a temporary position; continuation beyond the first year depends on satisfactory performance, availability of funds, and continuation of the project grant.
- The selected JRF/SRF must report for duty immediately upon selection.
- Previous research experience is desirable for applicants.
- Based on performance, the JRF/SRF will be encouraged to register for a Ph.D. at Anna University.
- Selection will be carried out as per ISRO guidelines and the norms of Anna University/CSRC.
- Applicants are solely responsible for the authenticity of the information and documents submitted.
- The place of work will be the Department of Civil Engineering, UCE Nagercoil.
- The University and the Principal Investigator reserve the right to cancel the recruitment process at any stage without assigning any reason.
Why This Project Matters
Remote sensing-based study of paleo-channels, ancient, now-dry river beds identifiable through satellite and aerial imagery, has become an important tool for planetary science, since similar geomorphological signatures have been observed on the Martian surface. By first refining detection and analysis techniques on Earth’s own paleo-channel systems, this ISRO RESPOND project aims to build methodologies that can later be applied to interpret Martian river-like features, contributing indirectly to India’s growing planetary exploration research base alongside missions like Mangalyaan.
Why a Civil Engineering Background Suits This Role
Although the ultimate application relates to planetary science, the project is housed within a Civil Engineering department because river hydrology, channel morphology, and sediment transport are core civil/water-resources engineering subjects. Candidates from a Civil Engineering, Geoinformatics, or Remote Sensing background bring practical familiarity with how rivers behave and how their courses shift over time, which is directly transferable to identifying and classifying paleo-channel signatures in remote sensing datasets, whether on Earth or, eventually, from Martian orbital imagery.
Building a Strong Application for a Research Fellowship
Since this is a research-oriented JRF position tied to a specific ISRO-funded project, candidates should tailor their CV to highlight any prior coursework, projects, or dissertations involving GIS, remote sensing, digital image processing, or river/watershed studies, rather than submitting a generic academic CV. Demonstrating even basic familiarity with QGIS or ArcGIS through coursework or personal projects, mentioned as a desirable skill in the notification, can meaningfully strengthen an application, as can any exposure to Python-based geospatial data processing.
Understanding the JRF-to-SRF Progression
The emoluments structure, Rs. 37,000 plus HRA for the first two years as JRF, rising to Rs. 42,000 plus HRA in the third year upon promotion to Senior Research Fellow, follows the standard DST norms used across most ISRO and DST-funded research fellowships in India. This progression is contingent on satisfactory performance during the JRF period, so candidates should treat the initial two years as a probationary research phase where consistent contribution to the project’s milestones matters for the eventual SRF upgrade.
Considering a Ph.D. Pathway Alongside the Fellowship
The notification’s mention that well-performing JRFs/SRFs will be encouraged to register for a Ph.D. at Anna University makes this position attractive not just as a fixed-term research job, but as a potential entry point into a doctoral programme in a specialized, ISRO-linked research area. Candidates who are considering long-term academic or space-research careers should view this fellowship as an opportunity to build both a strong publication record and a formal research degree simultaneously, under the guidance of an active PI in a niche remote sensing application area.
Final Word
Eligible candidates interested in this ISRO RESPOND-sponsored JRF position should prepare their Annexure-I application, CV, and certificates, and ensure both the postal application and the emailed scanned copy reach the Principal Investigator on or before 20 September 2026, 5:00 PM.
A Note on Application Deadlines for Research Positions
Unlike large-scale government recruitment drives that often see deadline extensions due to high application volumes, project-specific research fellowships like this one are typically time-bound to the project’s own internal schedule and are far less likely to be extended. Candidates should treat 20 September 2026, 5:00 PM as a firm cut-off and avoid last-minute submission, particularly since both a postal application and an emailed scanned copy are required.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the post advertised at UCE Nagercoil?
One post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under an ISRO RESPOND-sponsored project.
2. What is the project about?
“Exploring rivers & paleo-channels using Remote sensing: For understanding Martian rivers,” Project ID RES-PRL-2025-002.
3. Who is the Principal Investigator?
Dr. J. Colins Johnny, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, UCE Nagercoil.
4. What is the last date to apply?
20 September 2026, 5:00 PM.
5. What is the essential qualification?
First Class M.E./M.Tech, or M.Sc. in Civil Engineering/Geoinformatics/Remote Sensing/Geomatics/Geology/Applied Geology/Geography/Computer Science Engineering, or a PG in Basic Science/Professional Course selected via CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, or an equivalent national-level exam.
6. What is the monthly emolument for the JRF?
Rs. 37,000 plus 10% HRA (Rs. 3,700) for the first two years.
7. What happens in the third year?
The JRF may be upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) at Rs. 42,000 plus 10% HRA, subject to performance, per DST norms.
8. How should I apply?
Submit the Annexure-I application, CV, and self-attested certificates by post to the PI’s address, and email a scanned copy to colinsjohnny@ucen.ac.in with the subject “Application for JRF under ISRO RESPOND project grant.”
9. Is there an application fee?
Not specified in this notification.
10. Is TA/DA paid for the interview?
No, TA/DA is not paid for the written test or interview.
11. What is the duration of the project?
3 years total, with this position pertaining to the first year of sanctioned manpower.
12. Can I pursue a Ph.D. while working as JRF?
Based on performance, the selected candidate will be encouraged to register for a Ph.D. at Anna University.
13. Are desirable skills mandatory?
No, QGIS/ArcGIS experience, GPS data processing, Python, and ML/DL knowledge are listed as desirable, not mandatory.
14. Where will the JRF be posted?
Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering Nagercoil, Konam, Nagercoil.
15. Is this position permanent?
No, it is a temporary, project-linked position, renewed subject to performance and continued project funding.
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