IIT Kharagpur Research Associate Recruitment 2026 – 1 Post (Mining/Geology/AI/Data Science)

Yes, IIT Kharagpur Research Associate Recruitment 2026 is out. The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur has released Advertisement No. IIT/SRIC/R/EAM/2026/102 for 1 contractual Research Associate post, open to Ph.D. holders in Mining Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, IT, Geology or Applied Geology, with at least two first-author SCI-indexed research papers. The specific research domains listed — Mine Planning and Automation, Orebody Intelligence, Ore Geology, Critical Minerals, Rare Earth Elements (REEs), Integrated Gold Exploration Targeting, Automated Underground Mine Design, and Hyperspectral Core Scanning for Quantitative Mineralogy — indicate this post is tied to a project bridging traditional mining/geology research with AI and data science applications, likely focused on critical mineral exploration, an area of growing national strategic interest. IIT Kharagpur runs numerous concurrent project-specific recruitment cycles under its SRIC (Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy) unit; this post (EAM/2026/102) is separate from other recent IIT Kharagpur postings such as Project Assistant (EAM/2026/104), SRF (VJA/2026/103), JRF (FNI/2026/105), and Project Associate-II (PSV/2026/137, AVA_1023/2026/101). Eligible candidates can apply online through the SRIC staff recruitment portal on or before 21 August 2026. Given the highly specialised eligibility — requiring published first-author SCI research in specific mining/geology/AI domains — candidates should ensure their application and CV clearly document relevant publications matching the listed research areas.

• Ph.D. in Mining Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Technology, Geology, or Applied Geology
• At least two research papers as First Author in an SCI-indexed journal in the domain of Mine Planning and Automation, Orebody Intelligence, Ore Geology, Critical Minerals, REEs, Integrated Gold Exploration Targeting System, Automated Underground Mine Design, Integrated Planning to Production System, or Hyperspectral Core Scanning towards Quantitative Mineralogy

• Maximum 35 years
• Age rules may be relaxed upon fulfilling sponsor agency rules, if any

• Open to candidates holding a Ph.D. in Mining Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Technology, Geology, or Applied Geology
• Requires a minimum of 2 research papers published as First Author in an SCI-indexed journal, specifically within the listed mining/geology/AI research domains
• Maximum age is 35 years, with relaxation possible upon fulfilling sponsor agency rules, if applicable
• This is a contractual position tied to a specific sponsored research project, not a permanent IIT Kharagpur appointment

No application fee mentioned in the official notification

• Rs. 67,000 per month

1. Visit the SRIC staff recruitment portal at erp.iitkgp.ac.in/SRICStaffRecruitment
2. Read the official notification (Advt No. IIT/SRIC/R/EAM/2026/102) thoroughly to confirm your eligibility, particularly the specific research domain match
3. Register or log in on the portal using the reference number IIT/SRIC/R/EAM/2026/102
4. Fill in personal, educational and detailed publication/research experience information accurately in the online application
5. Upload your photograph, signature, and supporting educational certificates and publication proofs as specified
6. Review your application carefully before final submission
7. Submit the completed application before 21 August 2026
8. Save a copy or screenshot of your submitted application for future reference
9. Regularly check the IIT Kharagpur SRIC website for updates on shortlisting and the interview schedule