Junior Research Fellow in Computer Vision: Low-Light Target Detection from UAVs, NITK Surathkal (ANRF)
Job Description
NITK Surathkal is hiring a JRF in computer vision for an ANRF project on real-time target detection in low-light video taken from UAVs. The project is for military surveillance.
At a glance
- Post: Junior Research Fellow, one post (Advt. NITK/MACS/PROJ/ANRF/PK/JRF/2026/01)
- Where: Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, NITK Surathkal
- Principal Investigator: Dr Pushpajit Khaire
- Fellowship: ₹37,000 + 20% HRA a month for the first 2 years; ₹42,000 + 20% HRA in year 3
- Duration: 1 year, extendable up to 3 years
- Apply by: 7 October 2026, 5:00 pm (by email)
The project is titled “Real-Time Target Detection in Low-Light Vision from UAV for Military Surveillance”. It is funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF, formerly SERB). The post is temporary and full-time.
About the JRF in computer vision
- Research on detecting targets in low-light images and video from drones
- Build computer vision and machine learning models that can run in real time
- Contribute to project reports and papers
The ad names the project and the skills wanted. It does not list duties; the points above follow the project title.
Why this role matters
Drone vision at night is hard and useful for security, search and rescue. The post pays for up to three years and does not require GATE, so strong computer-science Master’s graduates can start research straight away.
Eligibility
- B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc. in CSE, IT, AI/ML, Data Science or Mathematics, and M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc. in CSE, IT, AI, Data Science or Mathematics, or a suitable specialisation
- At least 60% or 6.5/10 CGPA in aggregate from a recognised institute or university
- GATE or NET (at least once) is preferred but not mandatory
- Desirable: computer vision and machine learning
- Age: preferably under 35 years; Indian nationals only
Selection is by qualifications, experience and an in-person interview at NITK Surathkal. Only shortlisted candidates get an email. No TA/DA is paid. The selected candidate is encouraged to register for a PhD at NITK.
Pay and duration
- ₹37,000 a month + 20% HRA for the first two years
- ₹42,000 a month + 20% HRA in the third year, while the project and funds last
- One year to start, extendable up to three years on good performance
How to apply
Email Dr Pushpajit Khaire at pushpjitkhaire@nitk.edu.in by 5:00 pm on 7 October 2026. Use the subject line “Application for the position of JRF (ANRF-RT-UAV)”. Merge everything into one PDF under 5 MB: the application form, a detailed CV, UG and PG certificates and mark sheets, GATE/NET score sheets, Aadhaar, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, experience letters and papers. The form is in the NITK advertisement (PDF).
Key dates
- Advertised: 22 September 2026
- Last date for email applications: 7 October 2026, 5:00 pm
- Interview: in person at NITK Surathkal, for shortlisted candidates
Please read the official NITK advertisement page before applying, and browse more Junior Research Fellow jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal
Official advertisement: www.nitk.ac.in
How to prepare for this application
- Know modern detectors: YOLO-style one-stage models, DETR, and how small-object detection differs from the usual.
- Read on low-light vision: image enhancement (Retinex ideas, learned enhancement), thermal imagery and noise.
- Think about real time on a drone: model size, quantisation, and running on an edge board such as a Jetson.
- Bring a project with numbers: mAP, FPS and the dataset you used, such as VisDrone or a low-light set.
- Mind the email format: one PDF under 5 MB with the exact subject line. See more JRF jobs.
About NITK Surathkal
The National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, is one of India's National Institutes of Technology. It began in 1960 as Karnataka Regional Engineering College and became an NIT in 2002. Its campus is on the coast at Surathkal, Mangaluru.
