IISER Bhopal JRF/Project Associate Recruitment 2026

Introduction

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal has announced a recruitment drive for the positions of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Project Associate-I. This opportunity is for a project in Theoretical/Computational Biological Physics, funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), DST, Government of India. The project aims to explore fundamental physical principles governing complex biomolecular systems using physics-based models and simulations, employing advanced computational methods and machine learning. Applications are invited from eligible candidates who meet the specified educational qualifications. The last date to submit applications is October 14, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an online interview. For complete details, always refer to the official notification PDF provided.

Recruitment Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

A total of 1 vacancy is available for the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) or Project Associate-I.

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility

Candidates must possess a Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Science (MS), Bachelor of Science - Master of Science (BS-MS), Bachelor of Science (BS), or Bachelor of Technology (BTech) or an equivalent degree in Physics, Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Biophysics, or Physical Chemistry from a recognised university or institute. A minimum of 60% aggregate marks or a CGPA/CPI of 7.0 on a 10-point scale is required.

For the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position: Applicants must have a valid score or rank in the National Eligibility Test (NET), Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST), or an equivalent national eligibility test. However, students from national institutes such as IISERs, IITs, NITs, and IISc with a Cumulative Performance Index (CPI) above 8.0 out of 10.0 are exempt from this NET/GATE/JEST requirement.

Desirable Qualification: Proficiency in computer programming, such as Python or any other programming/scripting language, is desirable.

Age Limit and Relaxation

Age limit details are not specified in the supplied notification.

Application Fee

The application fee details are not specified in the supplied notification.

Salary and Emoluments

The project duration is for 6 months, or until the completion of the project, subject to satisfactory performance. There is a possibility of converting this project position into an institute-funded PhD in the future.

• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): INR 37,000 per month + House Rent Allowance (HRA) as applicable.
• Project Associate-I: INR 30,000 per month + House Rent Allowance (HRA) as applicable.

Selection Process

The selection process will involve an online interview conducted via Zoom or Google Meet for shortlisted candidates only. Only those applicants who are shortlisted will be contacted by email for the interview. No interim correspondence will be entertained.

Application Procedure

Interested and eligible candidates should submit their application as a single PDF file via email. The email must include the following:

• A cover letter.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• The names and email addresses of two referees.
• Copies of all academic credentials, including mark sheets from 10+2 onwards.
• Proof of NET/GATE/JEST or equivalent qualification, if applicable.

The application should be sent to Dr. Rajesh K. Murarka, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal. The specific email address for submission is not provided in the supplied notification.

Required Documents

Applicants must ensure their application PDF includes:

• A cover letter.
• A detailed CV.
• Names and email addresses of two referees.
• Copies of all academic credentials, including mark sheets from 10+2 onwards.
• Proof of NET/GATE/JEST or equivalent qualification, where applicable.

Important Instructions and Common Mistakes

Candidates should ensure that their application is submitted as a single PDF file. Failure to include all the required documents in the PDF may lead to the rejection of the application. It is crucial to double-check the eligibility criteria, especially the educational qualifications and the requirement for national eligibility tests for the JRF position, before applying. Ensure all academic credentials are clear and legible when scanned for the PDF. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview, so applicants should not expect further communication if they are not shortlisted.

Official Notification and Application Links

For detailed information and to download the official notification, please visit the following link:

Official Notification PDF

The official website for IISER Bhopal is: IISER Bhopal

The application link is not specified in the supplied notification; applications are to be submitted via email.

Relevant FAQs

Q1: What is the last date to apply for the JRF/Project Associate-I positions at IISER Bhopal?
A1: The last date for receipt of applications is 14 October 2026.

Q2: What are the minimum educational qualifications required?
A2: A Master's or Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Biophysics, or Physical Chemistry with at least 60% marks or 7.0 CGPA/CPI is required.

Q3: Is a NET/GATE/JEST score mandatory for all applicants?
A3: A NET/GATE/JEST score is mandatory for the JRF position, unless the candidate is from specific national institutes (IISERs/IITs/NITs/IISc) with a CPI above 8.0/10.0.

Q4: How should I submit my application?
A4: Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file via email to Dr. Rajesh K. Murarka.

Q5: What is the salary for these positions?
A5: For JRF, the salary is INR 37,000 + HRA. For Project Associate-I, it is INR 30,000 + HRA.