Applications for Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs) at Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) are invited from highly motivated and dynamic candidates to pursue research in the science domains of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, Geosciences and Theoretical Physics. JRFs at PRL will be encouraged to register for a Ph.D. degree at an Institute/University with which PRL has an MoU. PRL's research fellows will adhere to the norms of the registering Institute/University as agreed upon in the MoU.

The candidates selected as JRFs will be joining PRL in July 2022 (subject to COVID-19 local conditions).
Following are the details of the research topics and tentative intake requirements in each research domain. Please visit the web pages of each of the disciplines for more information on research topics before filling in the online application.

Astronomy & Astrophysics

Studies of solar system minor bodies like Comets and Asteroids in the optical wavelengths (both imaging-polarimetry and low-resolution spectroscopy), discovery and characterization of exoplanets around stars using state-of-the-art high-resolution fiber-fed stabilized optical spectroscopy using the PRL's 2.5m aperture telescope, stellar astrophysical research at multiwavelengths (radio to optical) including M-dwarfs, symbiotic stars, morphological studies of high mass and low mass star formation regions, optical and near-IR studies of star clusters, extragalactic astronomy and transient events like novae, supernovae and GRBs, studies of Radio galaxies using radio telescopes, Space-based X-ray observations of neutron stars, black holes in binary systems like Be-X-ray binary systems and X-ray polarizations, Space-based X-ray astronomy instrumentation for future X-ray missions, and Optical and near-IR instrumentation for PRL 2.5m telescope.

Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics

AMOPH Division is an interdisciplinary division comprising experimental and theoretical physics covering a wide spectrum of research. It consists of several key research areas such as quantum entanglement, quantum communication, quantum cryptography, quantum imaging and quantum sensing, nonlinear optics, single-photon sources, photonic quantum computing, structured beams, generation and detection of THz radiations, theoretical studies related to atomic clocks, low-energy probes of nuclear structures and particle physics, many-body theories of atomic spectroscopy, astrochemical studies, shock processing of materials, reactions induced in astrochemical ices by projectiles, radiations and shockwaves, ultrafast reactions studies, femtosecond and attosecond processes, fragmentation dynamics of molecules, Photons and auger electron studies, XUV generations, crystal defect dynamics studies, radiation dosimetry, luminescence dating, earth surface processes studies.

Geosciences

Nitrogen and Carbon cycling in marine and terrestrial environments, isotopic fingerprinting of waters of India, paleoclimate studies using marine and terrestrial proxies, marine geochemistry, chemical weathering and climate, paleo-monsoon and desertification on various time scales, spatial and temporal evolution of various landforms of India, the evolution of proterozoic sedimentary basins of India, subduction zone volcanism, catastrophic/extreme events, mass extinctions, and  Earth surface processes, ambient aerosol chemistry over land and oceans.

Theoretical Physics

Quantum condensed matter physics, including topological materials, strongly correlated electronic system, itinerant magnetism, unconventional superconductivity, neutrino physics, dark matter phenomenology, CP violation, baryogenesis, artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques in fundamental physics, heavy flavor physics, effective field theories, strong interaction physics and quark-gluon plasma, precision calculations in strong and electro-weak interaction physics, studies of extended gauge and space-time symmetries.

Eligibility criteria for applying to the JRF Programme

• 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 2022 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, Engineering Physics, Space Physics, Atmospheric Sciences, Geology, Geophysics, Remote Sensing are eligible to apply.
• Candidates should be interested in pursuing a research career in the current areas of research at PRL, as mentioned above.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have completed their Master's degree in the last two years. The intake will depend on the candidate's performance in the interview and the suitability of the candidate's research interest to the research program of PRL.
• Applicants should have qualified for any one of the following examinations:
  1. CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) JRF/AP [June 2020/June 2021] in Physical Sciences / Chemical Sciences / Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences.
  2. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) [GATE 2020/GATE 2021/GATE 2022] in Physics / Geology and Geophysics / Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences / Chemistry.
  3. Joint Entrance Screening Test [JEST 2021/JEST 2022] in Physics.
  4. UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) JRF/AP [December 2020/June 2021] in Environmental Sciences. (Applicable for candidates applying in Geosciences.)
• 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.
• It is expected that prospective candidates have good proficiency in fundamental physics and mathematics.
• About 10-12 JRF positions are available.
• PRL encourages gender diversity.
• All candidates meeting the above minimum requirement are encouraged to apply.

Nationality :

The candidate must be an Indian Citizen.

Age Limit :

28 years as on 01^st July, 2022

Important Dates :

Important Information (please read this before filling in the application online):

1. Candidates interested in applying to the PRL's JRF program must complete the submission of the online application form.
2. 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.
3. Candidates are requested to fill in the online Application Form with the utmost care, as no modification(s) will be allowed after its submission. Request for any change(s)/correction(s) in the Application Form shall not be entertained under any circumstances after the submission of the application form.
4. PRL will not be responsible for any consequences arising out of incorrect/incomplete information furnished and/or failing to provide the required information on time. Successful submission of the application form online does not guarantee a call for an interview.
5. The candidate's interview will be based on the academic qualification(s) and basic knowledge in physics, mathematics, & chemistry and not on the topic of research interest opted to pursue a Ph.D. degree in PRL.
6. Candidates are advised to apply well before the closing date and not wait until the last date to avoid possible hindrances, such as issues with internet connections, problems with a local server(s), and power failures.

Course Work

All the JRFs have to undergo two semesters of coursework after joining PRL. Only on the successful completion of the course work will the JRFs be allowed to join a research group to start their work towards a Ph.D. degree.

Fellowship:

For Junior Research Fellows (JRF): Rs. 31,000/- pm and for Senior Research Fellows (SRF): Rs. 35,000/- pm (as governed by Dept. of Space guidelines).
On the completion of two years, the JRFs will be reviewed, and based on the recommendations of the review committee and the approval of the Director, PRL, the JRF may be awarded the position of SRF with an enhanced fellowship as per rules. Performance of the Research Fellows shall be reviewed on yearly basis for the continuation of fellowship.

Allotment of Supervisor:

The final decision on the research topic and supervisor will be made based on:

1. JRF's performance in the course work, and,
2. Requirement of ongoing research projects at PRL.

Accordingly, information on available research topics and supervisors, as decided by the competent authority of PRL, will be shared with JRFs, at an appropriate time.

FAQs

Q1. I have qualified for JEST 2021. Am I eligible to apply?
Ans: YES

Q2. I have done M.Tech. in Remote Sensing/Engineering Physics/Applied Physics/Space Sciences, am I eligible to apply?

Ans: YES
Q3.I have appeared in the PRL JRF interview during 27-28-29 April 2022. Am I eligible to be considered for interview again?

Ans: NO
Q4. I have qualified JEST 2022/2021 but completed B.Tech, am I eligible to apply?

Ans: NO
Q5. I am awarded the DST INSPIRE fellowship for PhD/CSIR JRF, am I eligible to apply through this advertisement?

Ans: NO. There will be a separate application procedure for externally funded candidates advertised through PRL’s website.
Q6. I have qualified in JEST 2022/2021. Do I need to apply separately to be considered for the JRF 2022 program at PRL?

Ans: YES, you need to apply.