Research Staff Opening: JRF / Project Associate-I at BITS Pilani (Pilani Campus)

Research Staff Opening: JRF / Project Associate-I at BITS Pilani (Pilani Campus)

Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani – Pilani Campus invites applications from interested and motivated candidates for one (01) position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) or Project Associate-I. This research project is sponsored by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and will be on a purely contractual basis.

Project Overview

• Project Title: Unfolding the Path to Aggregation: Multiscale Modeling of Protein Rigidity Loss, Misfolding Intermediates, and Oligomerization

• Funding Agency: Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

• Principal Investigator: Dr. Sandipan Dutta, Department of Physics, BITS Pilani (Pilani Campus)

• Project Tenure: 2 Years + Third year onwards as SRF after evaluation (Total duration: 3 years)

Project & Job Description

The selected fellow will carry out multiscale modeling and molecular dynamics simulations to understand the unfolding of proteins and their aggregation. Key responsibilities include:

• Characterizing the structural properties of misfolding intermediates and the transition states leading to protein aggregation.

• Examining the molecular mechanisms and kinetics governing the formation of oligomers (preferably utilizing AI-driven analysis to decode complex protein behavior).

• Working closely with the experimental group of Prof. Partha Sarathi Addy to compare results with existing models and propose new models based on findings.

Fellowship & Benefits

• Stipend: * INR 37,000/- per month for NET / GATE Qualified Candidates (as JRF)

  • INR 30,000/- per month for Non-NET / GATE Candidates (as Project Associate-I)

• PhD Registration: Selected candidates may be permitted to register for the regular PhD program of BITS Pilani, subject to fulfilling the requirements of the PhD qualification process as per institute norms.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Educational Qualifications

• Degree: M.S. / M.Sc. / M.Tech. or an equivalent degree in Physics or related disciplines.

• Marks: Minimum of 60% marks (or equivalent CGPA).

2. Qualifications & Experience

• National-Level Qualification: Preference will be given to candidates who have qualified NET/GATE or any other recognized national-level examination. (Desirable: NET/GATE)

• Research Experience: Candidates with prior experience in Computational Physics and Machine Learning will be given preference.

• Technical Skills: Basic knowledge of MATLAB or Python is desirable but not mandatory.

3. Age Limit

• Upper Age Limit: 28 years as of the date of the interview. Age relaxation is allowed as per government rules.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must email the following documents to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Sandipan Dutta, at sandipan.dutta@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Mentioning past education, technical skills, research experience, publications, etc.

2. Cover Letter: Including contact details of at least two academic referees.

3. Score Card: Copy of the NET / GATE / National-level exam score card (if applicable).

• Required Email Subject Line: Application for JRF-ANRF Project

• Application Deadline: 20 June, 2026

Selection Process

Candidates will be shortlisted based on merit, experience, and project requirements. Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email for an online interview. Only qualified and suitable candidates will be called.