IISER Kolkata Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

• A master's degree in Geoinformatics, Geoscience, GIS and Remote Sensing, Life Sciences, Ecology or Environmental Science, or a B.Tech degree in Engineering with the appropriate GATE qualification.
• Qualification in at least one national examination such as CSIR/UGC NET-LS, GATE, ICAR-NET, JGEEBILS or an equivalent.
• At least two years of work experience in relevant projects funded by government agencies.
• Relevant landscape and spatial data analysis skills using a combination of tools such as R, Python, Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS Pro and QGIS.
• Motivation to conduct high-quality analyses is essential. Experience and interest in ecological sciences and some fieldwork experience in ecosystems or ecologically rich landscapes are desirable.

• Prepare a CV with full personal and professional details and the names of at least two referees.
• Write a statement explaining your suitability and previous research experience in various projects.
• Combine the supporting documents, including scanned mark sheets, national examination qualification certificates and proof of work experience, into a single PDF.
• Email the application to the address given in the official notification with the subject line 'Landscape Ecology JRF'.
• Ensure the application is received by 22 November 2026.

About the position

IISER Kolkata's Terrestrial Ecology Laboratory is recruiting one Junior Research Fellow for an ANRF-funded project on land-use and land-cover changes in the Terai-Duar Savanna and Grasslands Ecoregion. The project examines the implications of those changes for terrestrial carbon cycling and plant biodiversity. The position is based at IISER Kolkata, Mohanpur, District Nadia, West Bengal.

The work involves landscape ecological analysis of land-cover change, species diversity, and above-ground and below-ground carbon in forest and grassland ecosystems. The fellow will work with field biologists on regional-scale primary and secondary datasets. Occasional fieldwork is expected in and around Terai protected areas, including Manas, Jaldapara, Valmiki and Rajaji.

Eligibility and appointment

The notice lists a master's degree in relevant subjects, including Geoinformatics, Geoscience, GIS and Remote Sensing, Life Sciences, Ecology or Environmental Science, or a B.Tech in Engineering with appropriate GATE qualification. Candidates must also have qualified a listed national examination or equivalent, possess relevant spatial analysis skills and have at least two years of experience in relevant government-funded projects. Ecological science experience and some fieldwork experience are desirable.

The appointment is initially for one year, with an extension possible according to performance and motivation. Monthly pay is Rs. 37,000 + 8,880, including HRA, under ANRF norms. The notice also mentions a possible two-year appointment for highly skilled, motivated candidates able to multitask with fieldwork, with the latter year as a Senior Research Fellow.

Application and selection

Applications must be received by 22 November 2026. Prepare a detailed CV naming at least two referees and a statement of suitability describing past research experience. Include scanned mark sheets, national examination qualification certificates and proof of work experience in a single PDF. Email the application to the address in the official notice with 'Landscape Ecology JRF' as the subject.

Highly suitable applicants will be shortlisted for an online interview; no interview date is specified. The project is ongoing, and selected candidates are expected to join immediately after selection.