Recruitment of Project Associate-I at IIT (BHU) Varanasi for DRDO-Sponsored Research Project (2026)

The Department of Ceramic Engineering at IIT (BHU), Varanasi, is inviting applications from eligible Indian nationals for one temporary Project Associate-I position under a DRDO-sponsored research project focused on developing mesoporous hybrid carbonaceous catalyst supports for high-performance electrocatalytic electrodes in PEM electrolyzers, a key technology for clean energy and defence applications.

The one-year (extendable) position, supervised by Dr. Santanu Das, offers a consolidated salary of ₹25,000 per month plus 18% HRA, and is open to candidates below 28 years of age with at least 55% marks in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, or any branch of Engineering. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in nanomaterials synthesis, materials characterization, electrochemical testing, and carbon nanostructures.

Interested candidates must submit both soft and hard copies of the prescribed application form along with documents and a recommendation letter by 04 February 2026, making this an excellent opportunity for young researchers aiming for PhD or R&D careers in advanced materials and energy technologies.

Recruitment of Project Associate‑I at IIT (BHU), Varanasi for DRDO‑Sponsored Project

The Department of Ceramic Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, has invited applications from eligible Indian nationals for the position of Project Associate‑I in a prestigious research project sponsored by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Government of India.

The project focuses on a cutting-edge area of energy materials and electrocatalysis, offering an excellent opportunity for young researchers interested in advanced materials, nanotechnology, and electrochemical energy devices.

Project Overview

The position is associated with the research project titled:

“Development of mesoporous hybrid carbonaceous support catalysts for high‑performance electrocatalytic electrodes for PEM Electrolyzers.”

This project aims to design and develop advanced mesoporous hybrid carbon-based catalyst supports to enhance the performance of electrocatalytic electrodes used in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. These systems are crucial for efficient hydrogen production and play a key role in clean energy and defence-related applications. The selected candidate will work on nanostructured materials, their synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical evaluation.

The work will be carried out under the supervision of Dr. Santanu Das, Associate Professor, Department of Ceramic Engineering, IIT (BHU), Varanasi.

Position Details

• Name of the Post: Project Associate‑I
• Number of Positions: 01
• Duration of Position: Initially one year, extendable as per DRDO instructions and project requirements.
• Nature of Appointment: Purely temporary and coterminous with the project. There is no claim for regular appointment at IIT (BHU).

Emoluments

• Salary: ₹ 25,000/- per month (consolidated)
• HRA: Additional 18% HRA, or as per norms of the funding agency.

This makes the position financially attractive for fresh postgraduates and engineering graduates seeking high‑quality research exposure in a premier institute.

Essential Educational Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:
  • Sciences: Physics or Chemistry,
  • Engineering: Any branch from a recognized university/institute.
• A minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA in the preceding qualifying degree.

These criteria ensure that candidates have a solid academic foundation for undertaking advanced experimental research.

Desirable Experience and Skills

Preference will be given to candidates having hands‑on experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Nanostructure synthesis through:
  • Wet‑chemical methods, and/or
  • Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD).
• Materials characterization techniques such as:
  • X‑ray Diffraction (XRD)
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
  • Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
  • Raman Spectroscopy
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy / High‑Resolution TEM (TEM/HRTEM)
  • Electrochemical characterization methods
• Prior work or exposure to:
  • Graphene and carbon nanostructures
  • Electrochemical devices
  • Catalysis and spectroscopic techniques

Candidates with such skills will be better positioned to contribute effectively to the project on mesoporous hybrid carbonaceous supports and electrocatalytic electrodes.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 28 years
• Age relaxation will be applicable as per Government of India (GoI) rules, making the position accessible to reserved category candidates as per norms.

Work Profile and Role

The selected Project Associate‑I will:

• Primarily work on the synthesis and optimization of mesoporous hybrid carbonaceous materials.
• Develop and study electrocatalytic electrodes tailored for PEM electrolyzers.
• Perform comprehensive materials characterization and electrochemical testing.
• Engage with state‑of‑the‑art research activities under the guidance of Dr. Santanu Das.
• Potentially contribute to research publications, conference presentations, and collaborative work within the group.

This role is particularly suitable for candidates aspiring to pursue PhD, R&D careers in energy materials, or positions in advanced research labs and industries.

General Terms and Conditions

1. The position is purely temporary and will automatically terminate with the completion of the project.
2. The Principal Investigator (PI) reserves the right to shortlist candidates based on qualifications and experience higher than the minimum prescribed.
3. Only shortlisted candidates will be informed about the date, time, and mode of interview. No further communication will be entertained for non‑shortlisted applicants.
4. The selected candidate is expected to join immediately after the offer.
5. No TA/DA will be provided for appearing in the interview.

Application Procedure

Interested and eligible candidates must apply in the prescribed application format.

The application should include:

• Duly filled Application Form (Project Associate‑I: Ref No. IIT(BHU)/CER/DRDO‑SD/2024/03A).
• Self‑attested copies of all relevant academic certificates and documents.
• At least one academic recommendation letter from a previous mentor, supervisor, or professor.

Candidates are required to send:

• Soft copy of the complete application with all documents via email, and
• Hard copy of the same by post to the PI.

Last Date for Application

Application deadline: 04 February 2026

Applications reaching after the deadline may not be considered. Candidates are therefore advised to submit their forms well in advance.

Address and Contact Details for Submission

Applications (soft and hard copies) should be sent to:

To,
Dr. Santanu Das
Associate Professor
Room No: CR‑215, Department of Ceramic Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology (BHU)
Varanasi – 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India

• Email: santanudas.cer@iitbhu.ac.in
• Mobile: +91‑9918910417

For any clarification regarding the application process, candidates may contact the PI via phone or email.

Important Application Instructions

• All original certificates must be produced at the time of interview for verification.
• Self‑attested photocopies of all relevant documents must accompany the application (both soft and hard copies).
• The subject line of the email should clearly mention: “Application for Project Associate‑I (Ref No: IIT(BHU)/CER/SD/DRDO/2024/01)”
• The venue of the interview (for shortlisted candidates) will be: Department of Ceramic Engineering, IIT (BHU), Varanasi – 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed by email after the deadline.

Conclusion

This is a high‑quality research opportunity at IIT (BHU) in a DRDO‑sponsored project at the intersection of nanostructured carbon materials, electrocatalysis, and PEM electrolyzers.

With a competitive fellowship, exposure to advanced experimental techniques, and the chance to work under an experienced faculty member, the position is ideal for motivated young researchers aiming to build a career in cutting‑edge materials and energy research.