Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, presents a high-impact research opportunity for biomedical scientists specialising in exosome biology and molecular therapeutics. The School of Bio Sciences and Technology (SBST) invites applications for one JRF position under an ANRF Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant-funded project investigating miR146a-loaded exosomes for targeted diabetic wound healing. Candidates holding an M.Tech or M.Sc in Biotechnology or Biochemistry with GATE/NET qualification or two years of relevant research experience meet the eligibility criteria. The online application deadline is April 18, 2026.
Job Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Job Category | Research Fellowship — ANRF-PM-ECRG Funded (Temporary) |
| Application Mode | Online (careers.vit.ac.in) + Email PDF Application |
| Job Location | Vellore, Tamil Nadu – 632 014 |
Department & Job Title
| Department / School | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology (SBST) | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
Eligibility & Academic Criteria
Educational Qualification
- JRF (Essential): Candidates must hold an M.Tech or M.Sc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or an equivalent discipline.
- JRF (Preferred): Candidates must carry a currently valid GATE score or qualify CSIR-UGC NET including lectureship (Assistant Professorship); two years of project-relevant research experience serves as an accepted alternative.
- JRF (Mandatory Skills): Candidates must demonstrate knowledge in exosome extraction and purification, recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, and mammalian cell culture techniques.
Experience
- JRF: Candidates without GATE/NET must hold a minimum of 2 years of directly relevant research experience to qualify.
- JRF (Desirable): Prior hands-on work in exosome characterisation, microRNA biology, wound healing models, or IRAK1 signalling pathway research will considerably strengthen the candidate’s profile.
Salary & Pay
The selected fellow will receive a monthly stipend of ₹37,000 plus House Rent Allowance as per prevailing rules.
| Post | Stipend | HRA | Total Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | ₹37,000 | As per rule | ₹37,000 + HRA |
Selection Process
- The careers portal at careers.vit.ac.in receives and screens online applications alongside the emailed PDF application package
- The Principal Investigator shortlists eligible candidates based on academic qualifications, GATE/NET scores or research experience, and mandatory technical skills
- VIT Vellore campus hosts the offline personal interview — the PI communicates the date and venue to shortlisted candidates via email
- The selection panel conducts document verification at the time of interview
- The institute pays no Travel Allowance (TA) or Daily Allowance (DA) for candidates attending the interview
Application Procedure
- Visit careers.vit.ac.in and complete the online application form before April 18, 2026.
- Compile a single PDF containing: a detailed CV, attested copies of all academic certificates, a statement of purpose articulating your motivation for working on this specific research project, and one recent passport-size photograph.
- Email the compiled PDF to deepankumar.k@vit.ac.in with the subject line: “Application for the SERB project JRF” — any other subject line risks the application going unprocessed.
- Complete both steps — online application and email submission — as the PI will not consider partial applications.
- Confirm your age eligibility (18–27 years) and qualification before applying, since the selection committee will reject ineligible applications outright.
- Monitor your inbox regularly after submission, as the PI notifies shortlisted candidates of the offline interview date, time, and venue exclusively via email.
- Plan to join at the earliest possible date post-selection, as the institute expects immediate joining from the selected candidate.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Posted On | April 10, 2026 |
| Application Start Date | April 10, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online & Email | April 18, 2026 |
| Interview Date | PI intimates shortlisted candidates via email |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification / Job Posting | Click Here |
| Official Website | vit.ac.in |
Contact
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Principal Investigator | Dr. Kanagavel Deepankumar, Associate Professor – Grade I |
| Department | Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology (SBST) |
| Institution Address | Vellore Institute of Technology, Tiruvalam Road, Katpadi, Vellore, Tamil Nadu – 632 014 |
| Application Email | deepankumar.k@vit.ac.in |
| Interview Communication | PI contacts shortlisted candidates via email only |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 at VIT Vellore involve?
VIT Vellore’s Department of Biotechnology seeks one Junior Research Fellow to drive an ANRF Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant-funded project. Specifically, this Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 targets researchers in miR146a-loaded exosome biology, where the fellow will investigate a suckerin patch delivery system for targeted diabetic wound healing through IRAK1 suppression — a frontier area bridging RNA therapeutics, biomaterial engineering, and regenerative medicine.
2. What age limit does VIT Vellore set for this JRF post?
The institute requires candidates to fall strictly between 18 and 27 years of age at the time of application. Notably, candidates exceeding 27 years do not qualify regardless of their academic credentials or research depth, and the selection committee will not process their applications.
3. Does a candidate without GATE or NET qualify for this JRF position?
Yes – candidates who do not hold a valid GATE score or CSIR-UGC NET qualification can still qualify. Consequently, two years of directly relevant research experience serves as a valid alternative, provided the candidate meets all remaining eligibility criteria including the mandatory technical skills and the age limit.
4. What must the email application to the PI include?
The candidate must consolidate all documents into a single PDF – a detailed CV, attested academic and experience certificates, a statement of purpose addressing their motivation for contributing to this diabetic wound healing project, and a recent passport-size photograph. Furthermore, the subject line must read exactly: “Application for the SERB project JRF” – any deviation risks the PI overlooking the application entirely.
5. Does the JRF appointment at VIT guarantee extension beyond two years or lead to PhD enrolment?
The appointment runs for a fixed 24-month duration under SERB/ANRF terms and conditions, and VIT makes no automatic guarantee of extension or permanent employment beyond the project period. Nevertheless, earning JRF experience under an ANRF-PM-ECRG grant significantly elevates a researcher’s academic profile, and direct mentorship from a ranked institution’s PI builds a compelling foundation for candidates pursuing a PhD or postdoctoral career path.