NIT Silchar Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

NIT Silchar Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar, Office of the Dean (Research & Consultancy) has invited applications for engagement of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for a Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India sponsored project in the Department of Chemistry. This article covers the vacancy details, eligibility, remuneration and how to apply.

NIT Silchar Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 – Overview

About the Project

The project title is “Development of Genetically Engineered Microalgae, Membrane-Based Photobioreactors and Microalgal-Derived Acid-Base Bifunctional Activated Biochar for Enhanced CO2 Capture and Biofuel Generation: A Life Cycle Assessment.” It involves developing genetically engineered microalgae, membrane-based photobioreactors, and microalgal-derived activated biochar for enhanced CO2 capture and biofuel generation, including a life cycle assessment. The project is led by Dr. Samuel Lalthazuala Rokhum (Principal Investigator) and Dr. Shanti Gopal Patra (Co-Principal Investigator), Department of Chemistry, NIT Silchar.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: Maximum 28 years, as per DBT/NIT Silchar norms, with relaxation as per Government of India Rules.
• Essential Qualification: M.Sc. in Chemistry, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or a relevant/allied discipline, with a minimum of 60% marks, as per DBT and NIT Silchar norms.
• Desirable Experience: Research experience in microalgae, photobioreactors, CO2 capture, activated biochar, catalysis, or materials characterization, or related areas.

Application Fee

No application fee is mentioned in this notice.

Remuneration

Rs. 37,000/- per month, plus HRA as per DBT/Institute norms.

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How to Apply

1. Download and fill the prescribed Application Format for JRF given in the advertisement.
2. Send the duly filled application form along with your CV and supporting documents to the Principal Investigator, at rokhum@che.nits.ac.in.
3. Use the subject line: “Application for the post of JRF under the project BT/PR60588/CCU/173/38/2025”.
4. Ensure the application reaches the PI on or before 15 September 2026.

Selection Process

The interview date, time and mode (offline) will be notified through email to shortlisted candidates. The Institute has the discretion to restrict the number of candidates called for interview based on screening. No candidate may be recruited if suitable candidates are not found. No TA/DA will be paid for appearing in the interview or for joining the post.

Important Terms and Conditions

• Employed candidates must submit a No Objection Certificate from their employer at the time of interview.
• Selected candidates shall have to sign an agreement at the time of joining.
• The vacancy number and reservation status of the post may increase or decrease based on the requisition received from the funding department.
• All terms and conditions of this recruitment will be as per the guidelines of the sponsoring agency (DBT) and NIT Silchar.

About This Recruitment

NIT Silchar’s Department of Chemistry is recruiting a Junior Research Fellow for a DBT-sponsored, cutting-edge environmental research project combining genetically engineered microalgae, photobioreactor technology and activated biochar, all aimed at improving CO2 capture and biofuel generation. This project sits at the intersection of biotechnology, materials science and environmental sustainability, offering the selected JRF hands-on research exposure to some of the most relevant technologies in climate-focused science today.

Why This Role Suits Recent Chemistry and Life Sciences Postgraduates

Since the essential qualification is an M.Sc. in Chemistry, Biotechnology, Life Sciences or a related discipline with 60% marks, and the desirable experience spans microalgae research, photobioreactors, CO2 capture and biochar-related work, this JRF position is well suited to recent postgraduates looking to build a research career in environmental and green chemistry. Candidates without direct prior experience in these specific areas but with a strong academic record and general research aptitude should still consider applying, since the desirable criteria are preferences rather than mandatory requirements.

What to Prepare for a Strong Application

Since applications for this post go directly to the Principal Investigator by email rather than through an institutional portal, candidates should ensure their CV clearly highlights any coursework, projects or lab experience related to microalgae biology, membrane technology, catalysis or materials characterization, even if gained during their Master’s dissertation rather than formal employment. Given the explicit subject-line requirement mentioning the exact project sanction number, candidates should follow this instruction precisely, since applications not correctly labeled risk being overlooked amid the volume of academic project-based recruitment emails a PI typically receives.

How DBT-Sponsored JRF Positions Typically Work

Since this JRF position is funded through a specific Department of Biotechnology project sanction (BT/PR60588/CCU/173/38/2025) rather than through the institute’s regular budget, its continuation and eventual extension beyond the initial two-year period depends entirely on the project’s progress and DBT’s continued funding, reviewed on an annual basis. This is a standard structure for project-linked research positions at Indian technical institutes, and candidates should treat a JRF role primarily as a research training opportunity that can strengthen a future PhD or academic career, rather than as long-term stable employment.

Documents to Prepare Before Applying

Since the application must be sent directly by email along with a filled application form and CV, candidates should have scanned copies of their M.Sc. mark sheets and certificates, any NET/GATE scorecards (if held), and details of prior employment or research experience ready in advance, as these are all explicitly requested in the prescribed application format. Candidates should also prepare a brief cover note highlighting any specific alignment between their academic background and the project’s focus areas – genetically engineered microalgae, photobioreactors, CO2 capture or activated biochar – since this can help their application stand out even without direct prior research experience in these niche areas.

Important Links

• Notification PDF
• Official Website
• NaukriPatra App
• WhatsApp Channel
• Telegram Channel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many JRF posts are advertised at NIT Silchar?

1 post, in the Department of Chemistry, under a DBT-sponsored project.

2. What is the last date to apply?

15 September 2026.

3. What is the remuneration for this post?

Rs. 37,000/- per month, plus HRA as per DBT/Institute norms.

4. What is the age limit?

Maximum 28 years, as per DBT/NIT Silchar norms, with relaxation as per Government of India Rules.

5. Is there an application fee?

No fee is mentioned in this notice.

6. What qualification is required?

M.Sc. in Chemistry, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or a relevant/allied discipline, with minimum 60% marks.

7. How should candidates apply?

By emailing the filled application form and CV to rokhum@che.nits.ac.in, with the specified subject line.

8. What is the duration of this fellowship?

2 years, or till completion of the project, whichever is earlier, with annual performance-based extension.

9. Is TA/DA paid for the interview?

No, no TA/DA is admissible.

10. What is the project about?

Development of genetically engineered microalgae, photobioreactors and activated biochar for enhanced CO2 capture and biofuel generation.

11. Who is the Principal Investigator for this project?

Dr. Samuel Lalthazuala Rokhum, Department of Chemistry, NIT Silchar.

12. Is there a written test for selection?

No written test is mentioned; selection is through screening and an interview.

13. Can employed candidates apply?

Yes, but they must submit a No Objection Certificate from their employer at the time of interview.

14. Is prior research experience mandatory?

No, it is desirable but not stated as mandatory.

15. Who signs this recruitment notice?

The Associate Dean (Research & Consultancy), NIT Silchar.