Applications are invited for the Junior Research Fellowships at the Physical Research Laboratory, Dept. of Space, Govt. of India. The last date to apply is April 26, 2024.

About Physical Research Laboratory

The Laboratory was formally established on November 11, 1947, in the M. G. Science College, Ahmedabad, with support from the Karmkshetra Educational Foundation and the Ahmedabad Education Society. The initial focus was research on Cosmic Rays and the properties of the Upper Atmosphere. Research in Theoretical Physics and Radio Physics was added later with grants from the Atomic Energy Commission.

Junior Research Fellowships at Physical Research Laboratory

PRL is located in the western part of Ahmedabad, known as “Navrangpura”. Many other premier Academic Institutions, such as the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA), Space Applications Centre (SAC), Sardar Patel Institute of Administration (SPIPA), Ahmedabad Textile Industrial Research Association (ATIRA) and Gujarat University are also located in this region.

About Fellowship 2024

  • Applications for Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs) at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) are invited from highly motivated and dynamic candidates to pursue research in any of the following science domains:
    • JRFs at PRL will be encouraged to register for a PhD degree at an Institute/University with which PRL has an MoU. PRL’s research fellows will adhere to the norms of registering the institute/university as agreed upon in the MoU.
    • The candidates selected as JRFs will be joining PRL in July 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science or engineering with at least a first-class (60%) or equivalent grades at both Bachelor’s and master’s levels.
  • Candidates expecting their master’s degree by August 2024 are also eligible to apply, subject to having secured at least a first-class (60%) or equivalent grade(s) up to the last semester.
  • Candidates from disciplines of any branch of Physics, Chemistry, Engineering Physics, Photonics, Space Physics, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, Oceanography, Meteorology, Geology, Geophysics, Earth Science and Remote Sensing are eligible to apply.
  • As mentioned above, candidates should be interested in pursuing a research career in the current research areas at PRL.
  • Applicants must have qualified in any one of the following exams:
    • CSIR-UGC-NET JRF/AP not before 2022 in Physical Sciences/Chemical Sciences/Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences,
    • GATE not before 2022 in Physics/Geology and Geophysics/Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences/Chemistry,
    • JEST [2024] in Physics,
    • UGC-NET JRF/AP not before 2022 in Environmental Sciences (applicable for candidates applying in Geosciences, Space & Atmospheric Sciences, Planetary Sciences & space exploration. Physics at UG and PG level is mandatory for candidates applying for Space & Atmospheric Sciences research preference.
    • Applicants whose All-India ranks are in the range of 1-500 in any of the CSIR-UGC-NET/UGC-NET/GATE/JEST tests are likely, but not assured, to be called for an interview at PRL subject to their fulfilling other eligibility criteria mentioned above and online application through PRL’s website.
    • Prospective candidates are expected to be proficient in fundamental physics and mathematics.
    • PRL encourages gender diversity.
    • All candidates meeting the above minimum requirement are encouraged to apply.

Topic Details

Following are the details of the research topics in each research domain. Please visit the web pages of each discipline for more information on research topics before filling out the online application.

Astronomy & Astrophysics

Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics

Geosciences

Planetary Sciences and Space Exploration

Solar Physics

Space and Atmospheric Sciences

Theoretical Physics

Nationality

The candidate must be an Indian citizen and should have studied at recognized Universities/Institutes in India.

Age Limit

28 years as on 1st July 2024.

Important Dates

  • Online Application Starts: 15 March 2024
  • Last date for online Application: 26 April 2024 (till 23:59 hrs. IST) **
  • Interview dates at PRL, Ahmedabad: 27-31 May 2024.

The candidate’s sole responsibility is to ensure the fulfilment of the eligibility criteria as notified. The candidate should fully comply with the procedural requirements and time limits stipulated for submission of the online application. Any deviations from the above would cancel candidature, and any representation on such matters will not be entertained.

Important Note Points

  • Candidates interested in applying to the PRL’s JRF program must complete the submission of the online application form.
  • A valid e-mail ID and Mobile Number are mandatory for registration. E-mail ID should be kept active until the end of the admission process. The status of successful registration will be sent to the registered e-mail ID.
  • PRL will not be responsible for any consequences arising from incorrect/incomplete Information furnished and/or failure to provide the required information on time. Successful submission of the application form online does not guarantee a call for an interview.
  • The candidate’s interview will be based on the academic qualification(s) and basic knowledge in physics, mathematics, & chemistry and not on research interest opted to pursue research in PRL.
  • Candidates are advised to apply well before the closing date and not wait until the last date to avoid possible hindrances, such as internet connection issues, local server(s), and power failures.

How to Apply?

Interested candidates can directly apply through this link.

Deadline

The last date to apply is April 26, 2024.

Click here to view the official notification of the Junior Research Fellowships at Physical Research Laboratory, Dept. of Space, GoI.

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