The National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) has released an official recruitment notification for the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under a Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India funded research project. The recruitment is being conducted through the Sponsored Research, Industrial Consultancy and Continuing Education (SRICCE) division of the institute.
Candidates possessing an M.Tech degree in Food Engineering, Post-Harvest Engineering, or Food Technology can apply for this project position. The selected candidate will receive a fellowship of ₹37,000 per month and will work on a research project focused on sustainable food systems, aquatic biomass utilization, and advanced food processing technologies.
NIT Rourkela is one of India’s leading engineering institutions and is recognized as an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Education. Research positions at the institute attract applicants from across the country because of the opportunity to work with experienced faculty members, access advanced laboratory facilities, and pursue higher academic goals.
The engagement will be purely temporary and contractual. The appointment will remain valid until the completion of the project or the approved tenure of the fellowship.
For candidates planning careers in research, academia, food engineering, biotechnology, or doctoral studies, this recruitment provides an opportunity to gain research experience while working on a nationally funded project.
NIT Rourkela Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization Name | National Institute of Technology Rourkela |
| Department | Food Process Engineering |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Advertisement Number | NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-26FP032/L/043 |
| Recruitment Type | Project-Based Recruitment |
| Funding Agency | Department of Biotechnology (DBT) |
| Programme | BioE3 Futuristic Marine Research |
| Number of Vacancies | 1 |
| Fellowship Amount | ₹37,000 Per Month |
| Job Location | Rourkela, Odisha |
| Interview Mode | Online |
| Interview Date | 01 July 2026 |
| Interview Time | 11:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 June 2026 |
| Project Duration | Up to 08 June 2028 |
About NIT Rourkela
The National Institute of Technology Rourkela is among the premier technical institutes in India. Established to promote quality education, research, and technological advancement, the institute conducts research projects funded by national and international agencies.
NIT Rourkela houses several specialized departments, research centres, and laboratories. The Department of Food Process Engineering actively undertakes projects related to food technology, agricultural engineering, food preservation, sustainable nutrition, and post-harvest processing.
Research fellows working at the institute gain exposure to scientific experimentation, advanced instrumentation, data analysis, publication writing, and doctoral-level research activities.
Project Details
The recruitment is linked to a DBT-funded project in the Department of Food Process Engineering.
Project Information
| Particulars | Details |
| Project Code | SR/26/FP/032 |
| Funding Agency | Department of Biotechnology (DBT) |
| Research Programme | BioE3 Futuristic Marine Research |
| Department | Food Process Engineering |
| Project Closure Date | 08 June 2028 |
| Position | Junior Research Fellow |
Project Title
| Research Project |
| Design and Development of Laser Induced Shockwave Technology (LIST) System for its Application in Perishable Food Commodities: Low Cost, Energy Efficient and Non-Destructive Approach |
| BLUEZEN (Blue Bioresource Utilization for Zero-Waste and Enhanced Nutrition): Unlocking the Potential of Underutilized Aquatic Biomass for Sustainable Nutrition and Zero-Waste Food Systems |
The project combines food engineering, sustainability, biotechnology, and marine resource utilization. Researchers involved in the project will work on developing scientific solutions aimed at improving food processing efficiency and nutritional outcomes.
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Vacancy Details
The institute has announced a single vacancy for the Junior Research Fellow position.
| Post Name | Number of Posts |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 1 |
The selected candidate will become part of the project team and contribute to research activities under faculty supervision.
Fellowship and Financial Benefits
The selected applicant will receive financial support according to DBT guidelines.
Fellowship Details
| Year | Fellowship |
| Year 1 | ₹37,000 Per Month |
| Year 2 | ₹37,000 Per Month |
Salary Structure
| Component | Amount |
| Monthly Fellowship | ₹37,000 |
| HRA | As Per Applicable Rules |
| Total Duration | 2 Years |
The fellowship is intended to support research activities and doctoral-level work during the project tenure.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must satisfy the prescribed academic requirements.
Essential Qualification
| Qualification Requirement | Details |
| Degree Required | M.Tech |
| Specialization 1 | Food Engineering |
| Specialization 2 | Post-Harvest Engineering |
| Specialization 3 | Food Technology |
| Minimum CGPA | 6.5 on a 10-Point Scale |
| Minimum Marks | 60% Aggregate |
The educational qualification requirements are based on DBT norms and project requirements.
Desirable Qualification
Candidates possessing additional technical expertise may receive preference during shortlisting.
| Desirable Skill | Preference |
| GATE Qualification | Preferred |
| Prior Research Experience | Preferred |
| Machine Design Knowledge | Preferred |
| AutoCAD Knowledge | Preferred |
| CATIA Software Experience | Preferred |
| SOLIDWORK Experience | Preferred |
| SEM Handling | Advantage |
| TEM Handling | Advantage |
| XRD Analysis | Advantage |
| FTIR Analysis | Advantage |
Knowledge of scientific equipment and engineering software can be beneficial for project-related work.
Research Areas Covered Under the Project
The project focuses on several emerging areas of food engineering and sustainable technology.
Major Research Components
| Research Area | Description |
| Food Processing Technology | Development of advanced processing methods |
| Laser-Induced Shockwave Systems | Research on non-destructive food technologies |
| Sustainable Nutrition | Improving utilization of aquatic resources |
| Marine Biomass Research | Investigation of underutilized biological resources |
| Food Quality Assessment | Product evaluation and testing |
| Engineering Design | Development of processing systems |
| Scientific Instrumentation | Laboratory experimentation and analysis |
The selected fellow will actively participate in these research activities throughout the project duration.
Job Responsibilities
The Junior Research Fellow will assist in research and project implementation activities.
Expected Responsibilities
| Responsibility | Details |
| Research Work | Conduct project-related studies |
| Laboratory Experiments | Perform testing and analysis |
| Data Collection | Gather experimental results |
| Data Interpretation | Analyze scientific findings |
| Technical Documentation | Prepare reports and records |
| Publication Support | Assist in research papers |
| Presentation Preparation | Prepare project presentations |
| Ph.D. Research | Continue doctoral studies at NIT Rourkela |
The selected candidate will work under the supervision of faculty investigators and contribute to the overall objectives of the project.
Principal Investigator and Research Team
The project is being supervised by experienced faculty members of the Food Process Engineering Department.
| Position | Faculty Member |
| Principal Investigator | Prof. Madhuresh Dwivedi |
| Co-Principal Investigator | Prof. Rama Chandra Pradhan |
The selected fellow will collaborate with the investigators and departmental researchers throughout the project period.
Age Limit
The institute has prescribed age criteria for applicants.
| Category | Maximum Age |
| General Category | 32 Years |
| SC/ST/PwD/Female Candidates | Relaxation Up to 5 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | Relaxation Up to 3 Years |
The age calculation will be based on the closing date of applications.
Selection Process
NIT Rourkela will conduct the recruitment process through shortlisting and interview.
Selection Stages
| Stage | Description |
| Application Screening | Verification of eligibility |
| Merit-Based Shortlisting | Academic and research evaluation |
| Online Interview | Conducted by selection committee |
| Final Merit List | Based on interview performance |
The institute reserves the right to adopt stricter shortlisting criteria if a large number of applications are received.
Interview Schedule
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an online interview.
| Particulars | Details |
| Interview Date | 01 July 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 AM |
| Mode | Online |
| Department | Food Process Engineering |
Candidates should ensure that they have access to a reliable internet connection during the interview.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the following documents before submission.
| Required Documents |
| Recent Photograph |
| Educational Certificates |
| Mark Sheets |
| M.Tech Degree Certificate |
| GATE Scorecard (If Available) |
| Experience Certificates |
| Research Publications |
| Identity Proof |
| Category Certificate (If Applicable) |
All documents should be submit in the prescribed format.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates should complete the application process before the closing date.
Application Process
| Step | Action |
| Step 1 | Visit the NIT Rourkela website |
| Step 2 | Access the recruitment notification |
| Step 3 | Download the application form |
| Step 4 | Fill all required details |
| Step 5 | Attach supporting documents |
| Step 6 | Prepare PDF application file |
| Step 7 | Submit through the prescribed email process |
| Step 8 | Ensure submission before 27 June 2026 |
Applications submitted after the deadline may not be consider for shortlisting.
Note: Download the Official Notification PDF
Why This Research Position Is Important
Research fellowships at NIT Rourkela provide exposure to advanced scientific projects and academic research environments. The selected candidate will gain experience in food engineering, biotechnology, laboratory techniques, scientific writing, and project management.
The opportunity to continue Ph.D. studies while working on a funded project adds academic value to the position. Candidates interested in research careers, higher education, food technology, and biotechnology should consider applying for this recruitment.
The combination of funded research, faculty mentorship, laboratory access, and doctoral opportunities makes this Junior Research Fellow position a strong option for qualified postgraduate candidates seeking research-oriented careers.
FAQs
1. What is the last date to apply for NIT Rourkela Recruitment 2026?
The last date for submitting applications is 27 June 2026.
2. How many vacancies are available under this recruitment?
There is 1 Junior Research Fellow vacancy.
3. What is the monthly fellowship amount?
The selected candidate will receive ₹37,000 per month.
4. When will the interview be conducted?
The online interview is scheduled for 01 July 2026 at 11:00 AM.
5. What qualification is required for the JRF position?
Candidates must possess an M.Tech in Food Engineering, Post-Harvest Engineering, or Food Technology with a minimum CGPA of 6.5/10 or 60% marks.