JRF in Radiation-Hard Integrated Photonic Links for Space, IIT Delhi (ISRO SAC Project)
Job Description
This JRF in integrated photonics at IIT Delhi works on fast optical links for space communication. The Space Applications Centre of ISRO funds the project. It suits a graduate with strong electromagnetics. Email your form by 3 November 2026.
At a glance
- Post: Junior Research Fellow, 1 post
- Where: Optics and Photonics Centre, IIT Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
- Principal Investigator: Prof. Awanish Pandey
- Funded by: Space Applications Center, ISRO
- Pay: ₹37,000 a month + HRA at 27%
- Duration: Renewed yearly, up to the project end (31 December 2027)
- Open to: Indian nationals only
- Apply by: 3 November 2026, 5:00 pm, by email
The project is “Radiation hard high-speed integrated photonic links for space communication” (RM00025G). The advertisement is IITD/IRD/299/2026, dated 17 October 2026.
About the integrated photonics JRF on space links
- Work on photonic chips that carry high-speed data for space communication
- Study how radiation in space affects photonic devices, and how to make them robust
- Help with simulation and lab tests of integrated photonic links
- Keep records and help with project reports
The advertisement does not list duties. The points above follow the project title. Ask the PI for the exact tasks at interview.
Why this role matters
Satellites need light, fast data links that survive radiation. Photonic chips can do this, and ISRO wants them built in India. A JRF here learns chip design and testing on a real space project.
Eligibility
- First-class B.Tech, M.Tech or M.Sc in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Physics, Engineering Physics or another relevant field
- A strong knowledge of electromagnetics is necessary
- Prior photonics experience, in simulation or experiment, is preferred
- GATE or NET is required. The ad says this may be relaxed for graduates of centrally funded technical institutes (CFTIs) with a CGPA above 8.00 (80% aggregate)
- Indian nationals only. The ad gives no age limit
Only shortlisted candidates are called for an online interview. The shortlist goes up at ird.iitd.ac.in/shortlisted. IIT Delhi may set higher shortlisting criteria. SC/ST candidates may get a 5% relaxation in marks. The post is contractual, with consolidated pay. It is renewed yearly or up to the project end, whichever is earlier.
Pay and duration
- ₹37,000 a month (consolidated) plus HRA at 27%
- Renewed yearly after review, up to 31 December 2027 at most
How to apply
Download Form No. IRD/REC-4 from the IRD forms page. Fill in your marks or division for every degree and your work experience. Email the form to Prof. Awanish Pandey at opcawanish@iitd.ac.in. Put the advertisement number IITD/IRD/299/2026 in the subject line. The last date is 3 November 2026, 5:00 pm. The ad is listed on the IIT Delhi IRD project positions page.
Key dates
- Advertisement dated: 17 October 2026
- Last date to email the form: 3 November 2026, 5:00 pm
- Interview: online, for shortlisted candidates only
Please read the official IIT Delhi advertisement (IITD/IRD/299/2026) before applying, and browse more Junior Research Fellow jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
More optics and photonics jobs are listed on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
Official advertisement: ird.iitd.ac.in
How to prepare for this application
- Revise electromagnetics: Maxwell's equations, waveguide modes and boundary conditions. The ad calls this necessary.
- Learn the basics of a photonic link: laser, modulator, waveguide and photodetector, and what limits the data rate.
- Read about radiation effects: how total ionising dose and displacement damage change loss and detector dark current.
- Show one simulation: a waveguide or ring resonator in Lumerical, MEEP, Tidy3D or Python is a good talking point.
- Fill Form IRD/REC-4 with care: give marks for every degree, and state your GATE or NET score clearly.
About IIT Delhi
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi is in Hauz Khas, New Delhi. Its Industrial Research and Development (IRD) Unit runs sponsored projects and hires their project staff. The Optics and Photonics Centre teaches and does research in lasers, fibre optics, integrated optics and photonic devices.
