Junior Research Fellow in MXene Materials for Toxic Gas Degradation, IIT Indore (DRDE-DRDO Project)
Job Description
This JRF in materials science at IIT Indore works on MXenes that break down toxic chemicals and industrial gases. The project is funded by DRDE-DRDO and run in the Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science. Apply by email by 30 October 2026.
At a glance
- Post: Junior Research Fellow (JRF), one post
- Where: Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, IIT Indore
- Principal Investigator: Prof. Rupesh Devan
- Funded by: DRDE-DRDO
- Fellowship: ₹37,000 a month + 16% HRA (as per institute/government rules)
- Duration: 30 months
- Apply by: 30 October 2026, by email
The advertisement is Advt. No. IITI/RSD/PRJ/2026-27/001, dated 28 September 2026. The project is titled “MXene-based degradation of life-threatening chemicals and toxic industrial gases”.
About the MXene JRF at IIT Indore
- Make MXenes and their heterostructures with MOFs and metal oxides
- Build prototype fabrics with these materials
- Characterise materials with FESEM, XRD, XPS, XAS, TEM/HRTEM, BET, ICP-OES and Raman
- Run detoxification studies
- Travel to RRCAT Indore for synchrotron work at the Indus beamlines, and to DRDE Gwalior for detoxification tests
Why this role matters
Fabrics that neutralise toxic gas protect soldiers, first responders and industrial workers. The post combines materials synthesis with synchrotron and field testing, and it can lead straight into a funded PhD.
Eligibility
- M.Sc. in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or Nanoscience; or
- M.Tech in Materials Science and Engineering, Nanotechnology or an equivalent subject
- First division, as defined by your university
- GATE, NET-LS or NET-PhD qualified candidates are preferred
- Age: at most 28 years
The appointment ends with the project, or earlier if performance is poor. Only shortlisted candidates are emailed for an online interview. No TA/DA is paid. The selected candidate is encouraged to register for a PhD at IIT Indore; if selected for the PhD, the fellowship continues for the PhD period as per institute norms.
Pay and duration
- ₹37,000 a month plus 16% HRA, as per institute and government rules
- 30 months, ending with the project
How to apply
Email one PDF to rupesh@iiti.ac.in (Prof. Rupesh Devan) on or before 30 October 2026. Use the subject line “Application for JRF under DRDE-DRDO funded project”. Put in a detailed CV, degree certificates, mark sheets, GATE/NET-LS/NET-PhD certificates and proof of date of birth. Read the IIT Indore advertisement (PDF) first. It is also listed on the IIT Indore JRF/SRF page.
Key dates
- Advertisement dated: 28 September 2026
- Last date to apply: 30 October 2026
- Interview: online, for shortlisted candidates
Please read the official IIT Indore advertisement before applying, and browse more Junior Research Fellow jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Indian Institute of Technology Indore
Official advertisement: www.iiti.ac.in
How to prepare for this application
- Know MXene synthesis: etching MAX phases with HF or LiF/HCl, delamination, and why surface groups matter.
- Read on catalytic detoxification: how MOFs and metal oxides break down nerve-agent simulants and gases such as NO2 or H2S.
- Match each tool to a question: XPS for surface chemistry, BET for surface area, XRD for phase. Say what each tells you.
- Mention synchrotron interest: the post involves Indus beamline work at RRCAT. Read up on XAS basics.
- Plan for the PhD: the ad encourages PhD registration. Use our Find a supervisor page to look at materials faculty.
About IIT Indore
IIT Indore is one of the Indian Institutes of Technology. It was set up in 2009 and its campus is at Simrol, on Khandwa Road, Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Project JRFs are hired on research grants run by its faculty.
