NIT Andhra Pradesh RA-I Recruitment 2026: ₹58,000 Salary Govt Research Job for PhD in Chemical Engineering

NIT Andhra Pradesh has announced a Research Associate (RA-I) recruitment for 2026 in the Department of Chemical Engineering under a Ministry of Mines, Government of India–funded R&D project, offering a high consolidated salary of ₹58,000 per month plus HRA for one PhD-level vacancy.

The project focuses on recovery of rare earth elements from mining effluents using TiO₂-coated multichannel bentonite ceramic membranes, aligning with advanced research in membrane technology, wastewater treatment, and sustainable mining. Eligible candidates must hold B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, and PhD in Chemical Engineering (or relevant specializations) with at least one SCI journal publication, preferably with experience in membrane fabrication and environmental engineering.

The position is initially for one year, extendable by another year, with an upper age limit of 35 years (relaxations as per norms), and applications must be submitted via email by 18 January 2026, making it a strong opportunity for early-career PhD holders seeking high-paying, government-funded research roles in a premier national institute.

NIT Andhra Pradesh Research Associate (RA‑I) Recruitment 2026: High Salary Govt Job for PhD in Chemical Engineering

NIT Andhra Pradesh has announced a high‑paying Research Associate (RA‑I) recruitment for 2026 in the Department of Chemical Engineering. This is a premium Government of India–funded research job under the Ministry of Mines, ideal for candidates with a PhD in Chemical Engineering, strong research background, and SCI journal publications.

The position offers a consolidated monthly salary of ₹58,000 plus HRA, making it a lucrative option among high salary research jobs in India, PhD govt jobs, and chemical engineering vacancies.

About NIT Andhra Pradesh and the Sponsored Project

National Institute of Technology Andhra Pradesh (NIT Andhra Pradesh) is an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, located at Tadepalligudem in Andhra Pradesh.

The RA‑I position is linked to a prestigious R&D project funded by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. The project title is:

“Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Mining Effluents using Indigenously Developed TiO₂‑Coated Multichannel Bentonite Ceramic Membrane.”

This project lies at the intersection of:

• Rare earth element recovery
• Advanced membrane technology
• Wastewater treatment and environmental protection
• Ceramic membrane fabrication and characterization

The Principal Investigator (PI) is:

Dr. Vinoth Kumar Raja
Principal Investigator, Membrane Research Laboratory
Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Chemical Engineering, NIT Andhra Pradesh

This makes the role ideal for candidates targeting cutting‑edge research in membrane science, environmental engineering, and sustainable mining technologies.

Vacancy & Salary Details – High Paying Research Job

• Post Name: Research Associate (RA‑I)
• Number of Positions: 01
• Consolidated Salary:
  • ₹58,000 per month plus HRA as per applicable norms

With a competitive monthly salary plus HRA, this RA‑I position falls under high salary PhD jobs in India, especially attractive for those aiming for Govt‑funded research careers and post‑doctoral level opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria for NIT Andhra Pradesh RA‑I Recruitment 2026

1. Essential Educational Qualifications

The candidate must possess the following qualifications in Chemical Engineering or relevant/specialized areas of Chemical Engineering:

• B.E./B.Tech in relevant/specializations of Chemical Engineering
• M.E./M.Tech in relevant/specializations of Chemical Engineering
• Ph.D. in relevant/specializations of Chemical Engineering

Additionally, the candidate must have:

• At least one research paper published in a Science Citation Indexed (SCI) journal

This ensures that the selected RA has a strong research profile, good publication record, and familiarity with high‑impact SCI journals.

2. Desired Skills & Experience

The following skills and experience are desirable and will offer a competitive edge:

• Prior research experience in Membrane Technology
• Prior work in Wastewater Treatment
• Strong knowledge of ceramic membrane fabrication
• Hands‑on experience with analytical techniques used in wastewater treatment

These skills directly align with the project’s core areas, such as:

• TiO₂‑coated multichannel bentonite ceramic membranes
• Treatment of mining effluents
• Recovery of valuable rare earth elements

3. Age Limit

• Upper Age Limit: 35 years as on the closing date of application
• Relaxation: Age relaxation is applicable for OBC, SC, ST, PwD, and Women candidates as per governing norms

This makes the position suitable for early‑career researchers and fresh PhD holders looking for high‑impact, well‑funded research positions in India.

Tenure & Nature of Appointment

• Initial Tenure: 01 year
• Possible Extension: Up to one additional year, based on:
  • Satisfactory performance
  • Availability of funds
  • Institutional and funding‑agency norms

The RA‑I position is purely temporary and project-based. It does not guarantee:

• Regular faculty appointment
• Permanent staff position
• Automatic continuation beyond the project duration

The selected candidate will not have a claim to regular posts and will not automatically receive regular employee benefits like housing or medical facilities unless specified under project rules.

How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step Application Process

Eligible candidates must apply exclusively via email as per the official notification.

Step 1: Prepare Your Detailed CV

Include:

• Personal details
• Academic qualifications (with marks/CGPA, year, institute)
• Research experience and project work
• Publications (especially SCI journal papers)
• Technical skills (membrane technology, wastewater treatment, analytical tools, etc.)
• Awards, achievements, and relevant certifications

Step 2: Fill the Prescribed Application Form

Use the official application format provided with the notification. The form typically asks for:

• Name, date of birth, gender, marital status
• Category (General/OBC/SC/ST), nationality, Aadhar number
• Contact details: mobile number and email ID
• Correspondence and permanent address
• Academic details: PhD, M.Tech/M.E, B.Tech/B.E, 12th, 10th with:
  • Institute/University
  • Discipline/Field
  • Year of passing
  • Class/Division
  • Percentage of marks/CGPA
• GATE/NET qualification details (if applicable)
• Work experience details (attach experience certificates/NOC)
• Previous research work and publications (attach first page of publications)
• Awards and achievements
• Signed declaration affirming correctness of the provided information

Step 3: Attach Supporting Documents (Soft Copies)

It is recommended to keep the following ready in PDF format:

• Filled‑in application form
• Detailed CV
• Degree certificates and mark sheets
• PhD award certificate or provisional certificate (as applicable)
• Proof of SCI publications (first page of paper)
• Experience certificates / NOC for employed candidates
• Caste/Category/PwD certificate, if applicable

Step 4: Email Submission

Send the detailed CV and soft copy of the completed application form to:

• Primary Email (PI): vinoth@nitandhra.ac.in
• CC Email: research.recuritment@nitandhra.ac.in

Use a clear subject line such as:

“Application for Research Associate (RA‑I) – Chemical Engineering – [Your Name]”

Step 5: Note the Last Date

• Last Date for Receipt of Application: 18 January 2026

Applications sent after the deadline are likely to be rejected.

Selection Procedure – NIT Andhra Pradesh RA‑I

The selection will be based on:

• Academic qualifications
• Relevant research and technical experience
• Performance in the interview

Key points regarding the selection process:

• Shortlisted candidates will receive information about:
  • Interview date
  • Reporting time
  • Interview mode (online/offline, as decided by the institute)
• Communication will be sent via email only.
• No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
• The institute reserves the right to modify, withdraw, or cancel any communication or appointment at any stage in case of errors, discrepancies, or administrative reasons.
• After joining, the candidate must abide by all rules, regulations, ordinances, statutes, and acts of NIT Andhra Pradesh, and may be assigned duties within or outside the institute depending on project requirements.

For queries related to the selection process, candidates may contact the PI via email. Queries over phone or in person are normally not entertained.

General Instructions for Applicants

• Ensure that you meet all minimum essential qualifications and experience requirements before applying.
• All degrees must be from recognized universities/institutes.
• Eligibility with respect to age, qualifications, and experience is calculated as on the last date for receipt of applications.
• The position is purely temporary and does not confer any right to regular employment at NIT Andhra Pradesh.
• In case of any dispute or ambiguity, the decision of the Institute will be final and binding.
• Any false information or suppression of facts can lead to cancellation of candidature at any stage, including after joining.

Why This RA‑I Position Is a Strong Career Opportunity

This RA‑I opening at NIT Andhra Pradesh is a high‑value opportunity for candidates seeking:

• High salary PhD‑level research jobs in India
• Government‑funded research positions in Chemical Engineering
• Career in membrane technology, wastewater treatment, and rare earth metals recovery
• Strong research exposure in a premier national institute

Key advantages:

• Work on a cutting‑edge project involving TiO₂‑coated multichannel bentonite ceramic membranes
• Be part of a project funded by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India
• Enhance academic profile with high‑impact research and potential publications
• Build credentials for post‑doctoral fellowships, foreign universities, and industrial R&D roles

FAQs – NIT Andhra Pradesh RA‑I Recruitment 2026

What is the post advertised in NIT Andhra Pradesh Recruitment 2026?
The post advertised is Research Associate (RA-I) in the Department of Chemical Engineering.

How many vacancies are available for the RA-I position?
There is only one vacancy available.

Which institute is conducting this recruitment?
National Institute of Technology (NIT) Andhra Pradesh, Tadepalligudem.

Which department is offering the RA-I position?
The Department of Chemical Engineering.

What is the salary for the RA-I post?
The consolidated salary is ₹58,000 per month plus HRA as per norms.

Is HRA included in the salary?
Yes, HRA is provided in addition to the consolidated salary as per applicable rules.

Who is the funding agency for this project?
The Ministry of Mines, Government of India.

What is the title of the sponsored project?
Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Mining Effluents using Indigenously Developed TiO₂-Coated Multichannel Bentonite Ceramic Membrane.

What is the nature of the job?
The job is purely temporary and project-based.

Is this a permanent government job?
No, this is not a permanent position and does not lead to regular employment.

What is the initial tenure of the RA-I position?
The initial tenure is one year.

Can the RA-I tenure be extended?
Yes, it may be extended by one more year based on performance and availability of funds.

What is the maximum age limit to apply?
The upper age limit is 35 years.

Is age relaxation applicable?
Yes, age relaxation is applicable for OBC, SC, ST, PwD, and Women candidates as per government norms.

What educational qualifications are required?
Candidates must have B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, and PhD in Chemical Engineering or relevant specializations.

Is a PhD mandatory for this post?
Yes, a PhD is mandatory.

Are publications required for eligibility?
Yes, at least one research paper in an SCI-indexed journal is mandatory.

Is experience in membrane technology required?
It is desirable but not mandatory and gives candidates a competitive advantage.

Is wastewater treatment experience preferred?
Yes, prior experience in wastewater treatment is desirable.

Who is the Principal Investigator of the project?
Dr. Vinoth Kumar Raja, Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Chemical Engineering, NIT Andhra Pradesh.

Where is the job location?
NIT Andhra Pradesh, Tadepalligudem, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.

What is the mode of application?
Application must be submitted through email only.

Can I apply offline or by post?
No, offline or postal applications are not accepted.

What documents are required to apply?
A detailed CV, filled application form, degree certificates, publication proof, and relevant experience certificates.

Is there a prescribed application format?
Yes, candidates must use the application format provided in the official notification.

To whom should the application be sent?
Applications should be emailed to the Principal Investigator with a CC to the recruitment email ID.

What should be the email subject line?
“Application for Research Associate (RA-I) – Chemical Engineering – [Your Name]”.

What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the application is 18 January 2026.

Will late applications be accepted?
No, applications received after the deadline are likely to be rejected.

What is the selection procedure?
Selection is based on academic credentials, research experience, and interview performance.

Will there be an interview?
Yes, shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview.

Will the interview be online or offline?
The mode of interview will be decided by the institute and informed via email.

Will TA/DA be provided for the interview?
No, TA/DA will not be provided.

How will shortlisted candidates be informed?
All communication will be sent through email only.

Can employed candidates apply?
Yes, but they must submit a No Objection Certificate if selected.

Does this job include regular employee benefits?
No, regular benefits like permanent housing or medical facilities are not guaranteed.

Can this RA-I position lead to a faculty job at NIT Andhra Pradesh?
No, the position does not provide any claim to faculty or regular posts.

What kind of research exposure does this job offer?
It offers high-end research exposure in membrane science, rare earth recovery, and environmental engineering.

Is this position suitable for fresh PhD holders?
Yes, it is ideal for early-career researchers and fresh PhD graduates.

Can international candidates apply?
Only candidates meeting eligibility criteria as per institute norms can apply; nationality rules apply.

Is GATE or NET required?
GATE or NET is not mandatory for this position.

Can the institute cancel the recruitment process?
Yes, NIT Andhra Pradesh reserves the right to modify or cancel the recruitment at any stage.

What happens if incorrect information is provided?
The candidature can be cancelled at any stage, even after joining.

Why is this RA-I position considered a high-value opportunity?
Because it offers a high salary, government funding, cutting-edge research, and strong publication potential.