IIT Dharwad Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online

The Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad, has invited applications for one Junior Research Fellow (JRF) post in the CSIR-sponsored project "Unraveling the mechanistic underpinnings of arginomycin biosynthesis: A remarkable peptidyl-nucleoside natural product with potential therapeutic implications" [CSIR Sanction Reference No. 80 (0135)/26/EMR-II]. The project runs for 36 months (3 years), and the post is temporary and purely contractual. The fellowship is Rs. 37,000 per month for the first and second years and Rs. 42,000 in the 3rd year upon upgradation to SRF, plus 16% HRA. Applicants need a qualifying degree with a minimum of 55% marks and a pass in CSIR-UGC NET [JRF/Lectureship (LS)] or GATE. Apply through the online application form by 1 December 2026.

About IIT Dharwad

The notice describes the Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad as an Institution of National Importance established by an Act of Parliament in 2016. It is located at Chikkamalligawad, Dharwad, Karnataka – 580 011. This vacancy sits in the Department of Chemistry, and the Principal Investigator named in the notice is Dr. Nilkamal Mahanta.

Who Can Apply

The essential qualification for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) post is as printed in the notice:

• B.S. 4 years programme (Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biotechnology or relevant discipline)/ B. Pharm/MBBS/ Integrated B.S.-M.S., or M.Sc./BE/B.Tech (or equivalent degree) in Chemistry/ Biochemistry / Biotechnology / Microbiology / Life Sciences or a related discipline, with a minimum of 55% marks.
• Passing of CSIR-UGC NET [JRF/Lectureship (LS)] or GATE test, as per CSIR guidelines.
• The qualification must be from a recognized University/Institute.

The upper age limit is 28 years for JRF. It is relaxable up to 5 years for candidates belonging to scheduled castes/tribes/OBC, women, and physically handicapped candidates. Eligibility in terms of age, qualification and experience is considered as on the date of the Selection Process. The notice does not state a desirable qualification or any required experience. Candidates should check the official notification for the discipline-specific eligibility.

Pay and Tenure

The post is in a time-bound research project for a temporary period, purely on a contractual basis. The project tenure is 36 months (3 years). Selected candidates have no claim on any regular position. They are not given privileges such as Housing, Medical Facility and other benefits available to regular employees of the Institute.

IIT Dharwad Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Job Description

• Biochemical characterization of enzymes involved in natural product biosynthesis.
• Cloning, expression and purification of proteins.
• Enzyme assays.
• Isolation and characterization of compounds using chromatographic, spectroscopic, and mass spectrometric techniques.
• Data analysis and report preparation.
• Any other project related duties as assigned by the PI.

How to Apply for IIT Dharwad Junior Research Fellow (JRF)

Eligible and interested candidates should apply for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position through the online application link given in the notice, by 1 December 2026. The notice does not describe further form-filling steps.

Documents named in the notice:

• Online version of all original certificates, including mark sheets (matriculation onwards).
• Experience certificate(s).
• Monthly emoluments/salary drawn.
• Other relevant documents, including one set of self-attested certificate(s)/document(s).
• Updated Curriculum Vitae.

For queries, candidates may write to [email protected] or [email protected]. For a query related to the Selection Process, applicants may email [email protected]. Queries on eligibility for the post or interpretation of rules will not be entertained.

Selection and Interview

Applications are first screened for eligibility. Only the shortlisted applicants are called for an interview, which is held online. Mere fulfilment of minimum eligibility does not give the right to shortlisting, and IIT Dharwad reserves the right to screen and shortlist candidates by introducing higher benchmarks. Emails are sent to all shortlisted candidates. The date of the interview/selection process (tentative) will be intimated later through email, and any change in the schedule will be notified on the IIT Dharwad website.

Important Instructions

• The number of vacancies is tentative. IIT Dharwad reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of advertised posts at the time of selection, and to not fill any of the posts.
• No TA/DA will be paid for attending the Selection Process.
• The Institute may modify, withdraw or cancel any communication made to applicants if an inadvertent mistake in the selection process is detected at any stage, even after the appointment letter is issued.
• After joining, the person must abide by the Rules, Regulations, Ordinances, Statutes and Act of the Institute applicable from time to time. She/he may be assigned any duty within or outside the Institute depending on the exigency of the work.
• The Institute verifies antecedents or documents at the time of appointment or during service. If documents are fake, or antecedents are clandestine and the information was suppressed, services are terminated forthwith and legal action may be initiated.
• No interim correspondence from candidates will be entertained.
• Canvassing in any form, or bringing in any influence political or otherwise, is a disqualification for the post.
• In any dispute or ambiguity in the selection process, the decision of the Institute is final.

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