IIT Patna Research Associate I Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline

Indian Institute of Technology Patna (IIT Patna), one of India's premier technical institutions, has announced recruitment for the position of Research Associate – I in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This is a purely temporary position under a sponsored research project focusing on advanced thermal engineering and heat transfer applications. The position offers an excellent opportunity for Ph.D. holders and experienced M.Tech graduates to engage in cutting-edge research in physical sciences and engineering. IIT Patna is committed to excellence in technical education and research. This Research Associate position provides researchers with access to world-class laboratory facilities, exposure to international research collaborations, and the opportunity to publish in high-impact journals while working alongside renowned faculty members.

About Indian Institute of Technology Patna

Indian Institute of Technology Patna was established in 2008 as one of the eight new IITs announced by the Government of India. Located in the historic city of Patna, Bihar, IIT Patna has rapidly grown into a center of academic excellence and cutting-edge research. The institute offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various engineering and science disciplines. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, highly qualified faculty, and strong industry linkages, IIT Patna has carved a niche in research and innovation. The permanent campus at Bihta provides modern laboratories and research facilities conducive to advanced research work.

Position Overview and Responsibilities

The Research Associate – I will work on a sponsored research project in the broad area of thermal sciences, heat transfer, and energy systems. This position involves both computational and experimental research work. Key Responsibilities: - Conduct advanced research in computational and experimental heat transfer - Design and fabricate experimental test rigs and setups for thermal studies - Perform numerical simulations using CFD tools and heat transfer software - Analyze experimental data and validate with computational models - Literature review and keeping updated with latest developments in the field - Prepare research reports and technical documentation - Assist in preparing research papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals - Present research findings at conferences and seminars - Collaborate with faculty members and other research staff - Mentor junior research scholars and project assistants - Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure safety protocols - Contribute to proposal writing for future research grants

Educational Qualification Requirements

Candidates must possess one of the following qualifications: Option 1 - Ph.D. Qualification: - Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent discipline from a recognized University/Institute - Must have prior research experience in the broad area of physical sciences - Research experience should be evidenced through: * Quality publications in SCI/Scopus indexed journals * Patents filed or granted * Technology development and innovations - First class or equivalent CGPA (minimum 6.5/10 or 60%) in preceding degree (B.Tech/M.Tech) Option 2 - M.Tech. with Experience: - M.Tech. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent discipline from a recognized University/Institute - Minimum 3 years of post-qualification work experience in an area relevant to the project requirements - Experience must be from reputed research organizations/PSUs/academic institutions - Must demonstrate research interest through: * Publications in peer-reviewed journals * Patents or technology development * Significant contributions to research projects Desirable Qualifications: - Relevant work experience in computational heat transfer and CFD - Prior research experience in experimental heat transfer and thermodynamics - Hands-on experience in designing and fabricating experimental setups - Knowledge of modern measurement techniques and instrumentation - Programming skills in MATLAB, Python, or similar platforms - Experience with commercial CFD software (ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL, OpenFOAM) - Publications in high impact factor journals (Impact Factor > 2) - Experience in handling sponsored research projects

Salary and Benefits Package

Monthly Remuneration: - Consolidated Salary: ₹58,000/- per month (fixed) - House Rent Allowance (HRA): As per Government of India rules applicable at Patna location (typically 16% to 24% of basic pay) Total monthly remuneration: Approximately ₹67,000/- to ₹72,000/- including HRA Additional Benefits: - Access to IIT Patna library and digital resources - Subsidized canteen facilities at campus - Medical facilities at IIT dispensary - Opportunity to attend national and international conferences (subject to fund availability) - Access to advanced computational and experimental facilities - Training in modern research methodologies - Publication support and guidance - Certificate of research contribution from IIT Patna Important Note: This is a purely temporary position co-terminus with the project duration or one year, whichever is earlier. Employment may be extended based on project requirements and performance.

Age Limit and Relaxation

- Maximum Age Limit: As per project norms and funding agency guidelines (typically 35-40 years for Research Associate-I) - Age Relaxation: As per Government of India norms * SC/ST candidates: 5 years * OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years * PwD candidates: 10 years * Women candidates: 5 years - Age will be calculated as on the last date of application submission

Selection Procedure

Selection will be based on a comprehensive evaluation process: Stage 1 - Screening of Applications: - All applications will be screened based on eligibility criteria - Candidates meeting the essential qualifications will be shortlisted - Preference will be given to candidates with strong publication record Stage 2 - Written Test/Presentation (if required): - Shortlisted candidates may be called for a technical presentation - Presentation on previous research work and proposed research plan - Written test on thermal sciences and heat transfer may be conducted Stage 3 - Personal Interview: - In-depth technical interview by expert panel - Assessment of subject knowledge in heat transfer and thermal engineering - Evaluation of research aptitude and analytical skills - Discussion on previous research work and publications - Assessment of experimental and computational skills - Evaluation of communication and presentation abilities Final Selection: Merit list will be prepared based on combined performance in all stages. The decision of the selection committee will be final and binding.

How to Apply - Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted via EMAIL only. Follow these steps: Step 1 - Prepare Application: Download the application format from the official notification or prepare as per prescribed format Step 2 - Fill Application Form: Provide complete details: - Personal information (Name, Father's name, DOB, Gender, Category) - Contact details (Email, Mobile, Present and Permanent address) - Educational qualifications with marks/CGPA, year, and institution - Work experience details with organization, designation, period, and duties - Research experience and achievements - List of publications with journal details and impact factor - Patents/Technology developed (if any) - Details of conferences attended/papers presented Step 3 - Collect Required Documents: Scan the following in PDF format: - Complete bio-data/CV (maximum 5 pages) - Passport size photograph - All educational certificates (10th onwards) - All mark sheets/grade cards - Ph.D. degree certificate and provisional certificate - M.Tech. degree and mark sheets - Experience certificates from previous employers - List of publications with first page of each paper - Patent documents (if any) - Caste certificate (if applicable) - PwD certificate (if applicable) - Any other relevant certificates Step 4 - Email Submission: - Compile all documents into a SINGLE PDF file (maximum size: 10 MB) - Subject line: "Application for Research Associate-I - R&D/1414/EIC/532" - Email to: The email address mentioned in the official notification - Keep a copy of sent email for reference Step 5 - Bring for Interview: If shortlisted, bring original documents for verification: - All educational certificates and mark sheets (originals) - Experience certificates (originals) - Published papers (reprints/copies) - Photo ID proof - Recent passport size photographs (3 copies) Important Instructions: - Incomplete applications will be rejected - Applications received after the deadline will not be considered - No application fee is required - Canvassing in any form will lead to disqualification - IIT Patna reserves the right to cancel the recruitment without assigning any reason

Important Dates and Timeline

- Notification Release: 02nd January 2026 - Application Start Date: 02nd January 2026 - Last Date for Email Submission: 16th January 2026 (by 5:00 PM) - Shortlisting of Candidates: Within 7 days after last date - Interview Date: Will be intimated to shortlisted candidates via email - Result Declaration: Within 15 days after interview - Joining: Immediately after selection or as per mutual convenience

Terms and Conditions

- This is a temporary position purely on contract basis - No claim for regularization or permanent absorption - Employment is co-terminus with the project or one year, whichever is earlier - May be extended based on project extension and performance - Working hours: Regular office hours as applicable at IIT Patna - Leave: As per IIT Patna norms for project staff - Selected candidate must join within the stipulated time - Posting location: IIT Patna Campus, Bihta, Patna - Candidate should not be pursuing any other degree program during the tenure - Publications arising from research work should acknowledge the project and IIT Patna - Any dispute will be subject to Patna jurisdiction only

Contact Information

For queries, contact: - Principal Investigator/Project Coordinator (as mentioned in notification) - Department of Mechanical Engineering - Indian Institute of Technology Patna - Bihta, Patna - 801106, Bihar - Official Website: www.iitp.ac.in - Email: As mentioned in official notification This position offers an excellent platform for young researchers to enhance their research credentials while working in a prestigious IIT environment. Candidates with genuine research interest and passion for experimental and computational thermal sciences are encouraged to apply.