JRF Vacancy at BITS Pilani: Mechanical/Chemical Engg
Location: Pilani, Rajasthan
Job Summary
Explore a premier Junior Research Fellow (JRF) vacancy at BITS Pilani, one of India’s leading institutions. The Department of Mechanical Engineering invites applications for a challenging role within a project funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), DST. This temporary position is ideal for driven graduates with a background in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering who are passionate about renewable energy. The project focuses on developing an innovative solar receiver for high-temperature thermal energy storage, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research. Successful candidates will gain invaluable experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), experimental analysis, and academic research protocols. This role serves as a strong foundation for a Ph.D. or a specialized career in the energy sector. Discover more research-oriented roles and career paths on our jobs portal. This is your chance to work under expert guidance and advance your scientific career.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to support the project’s research objectives.
- Design and develop components for a novel high-temperature solar receiver.
- Perform numerical simulations using CFD software like ANSYS Fluent or COMSOL Multiphysics.
- Analyze complex heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics in thermal energy storage systems.
- Assist in setting up experimental facilities, acquiring data, and validating simulation results.
- Prepare detailed project reports, research manuscripts for publication, and technical presentations.
- Collaborate effectively with the Principal Investigator and other team members to meet project milestones.
Required Qualifications
- A Master’s degree (M.E./M.Tech.) in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering with at least 60% marks.
- OR a Bachelor’s degree (B.E./B.Tech.) in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering coupled with a valid GATE score.
- Age must be between 21 and 28 years.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong fundamental knowledge of Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and Fluid Mechanics.
- Prior research experience in Solar Energy, Thermal Energy Storage, or related domains.
- Hands-on proficiency with simulation software such as ANSYS Fluent or COMSOL.
- Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive fellowship package. For the first two years, Junior Research Fellows (JRF) will receive a monthly stipend of ₹37,000 plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per SERB norms. Based on a performance review, the candidate may be promoted to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) for the third year, with an increased fellowship of ₹42,000 per month plus HRA. The selected fellow may also be eligible to register for the Ph.D. program at BITS Pilani, subject to institutional rules.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates should prepare a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a cover letter. Combine these documents into a single file and email your application to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Prateek Kala, at prateek.kala@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in. Ensure the email subject line is “Application for JRF Position – SERB/DST Project”. For complete project details, please review the Official Notification. The last date to submit applications is July 15, 2024.
FAQs
Q1: Is a GATE score mandatory for all applicants?
A1: No. A valid GATE score is only required for candidates applying with a B.E./B.Tech. degree. Applicants with an M.E./M.Tech. degree are exempt from the GATE score requirement.
Q2: What is the total duration of this JRF project?
A2: The project has a total duration of three years. The initial appointment is for two years as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF), with a possible extension for a third year as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) based on performance.
About BITS Pilani
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani is a premier university in India, renowned for its excellence in technology and sciences. It offers a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation, research, and holistic development. Working at BITS Pilani provides an opportunity to be part of a community of distinguished scholars and researchers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge. To gain more insights into building a successful career in research and academia, explore our career development blog.
Last Updated: 2024-06-21

