PRL Ahmedabad Research Fellowship Programme 2023: Dates, Application Form

PRL Ahmedabad Research Fellowship Programme 2023 – Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Ahmedabad invites application for selection as Junior Research Fellows (JRF) July 2023.

JRFs at PRL can register for a PhD degree at an Institute/University with which PRL has a MoU.

Latest –

• (20 May 2023) Fresh application started

About PRL

Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Ahmedabad is a premier national research institution under the Department of Space, Government of India.

PRL Ahmedabad Research Fellowship Programme 2023 Fresh Call

Applications for Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs) at Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) are invited from highly motivated and dynamic candidates to pursue research in the cutting-edge science domains of Earth and Solar System Sciences. Selected JRFs will have the opportunity to work on the research topics related to:

• Surfaces, atmospheres, and ionospheres of planets;
• Theoretical modelling and observational studies of physical processes of Mars, Venus, Moon, and asteroids;
• Origin and evolution of the solar system objects through laboratory analysis of extraterrestrial material (meteorites and sample return);
• Studies of planetary geology through the data obtained from space missions, data acquired from India’s missions Chandrayaan-1, -2, -3, Mars Orbiter Mission, dual-aeronomy satellite mission DISHA, and Aditya-L1;
• Ground-based facilities such as MAST, e-Callisto, and GONG to study Sun and to develop scientific instrumentation for future experiments for near-Earth space missions and missions to Moon, Venus, and Mars;
• Physics of the Sun-Earth interactions; solar flares & Coronal Mass Ejections, solar radio astronomy, coronal studies
• Solar-interplanetary-terrestrial coupling, space weather and its effect on society at large; and
• Solid earth geochemistry and earth surface processes, terrestrial and marine biogeochemistry, paleoclimate studies and aerosol chemistry by conducting laboratory measurements on samples collected from different regions, including remote locations on the Earth (such as the Himalayas, Antarctica, and different oceanic basins including cruise expeditions in the Arctic region).

Important Information

1. All candidates who are shortlisted for interviews during 11-12 May and 22-23 June 2023 are not eligible to apply.
2. Candidates who are NOT shortlisted for interviews during 11-12 May and 22-23 June 2023 are eligible to apply.
3. Candidates interested in applying to the PRL’s JRF program must complete the submission of the online application form.
4. 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.
5. Candidates are requested to complete 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 submitting the application form.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.

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 2023 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, Photonics, Space Physics, Astrophysics, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, Meteorology, Geology, Applied Geology, Oceanography, Chemistry, Geophysics, and Remote Sensing are eligible to apply.
• Candidates should be interested in pursuing a research career in the current research areas 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 written test followed by an interview and the suitability of the candidate’s research interest to the research programs of PRL.
• Applicants should have qualified in any one of the following examinations:
  1. CSIR-UGC-NET JRF/AP [June 2022] in Physical Sciences / Chemical Sciences / Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences.
  2. GATE [2021/2022/2023] in Physics / Geology and Geophysics / Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences / Chemistry
  3. JEST 2023 in Physics.
  4. UGC-NET JRF/AP [December 2021 and June 2022 (merged cycles)/December 2022] in Environmental Sciences (applicable for candidates applying in Geosciences & Planetary Sciences. Physics at the UG and PG levels is mandatory for candidates applying in Planetary Sciences & space exploration) with a valid score/All India Rank.
  5. Eligible candidates will be called for the written test to be held at PRL-Ahmedabad on 26 June 2023, and candidates who qualify in the written test will be interviewed during 26 – 28 June 2023.
  6. Prospective candidates are expected to have good proficiency in fundamental physics and mathematics.
  7. PRL encourages gender diversity.
  8. 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 July 01, 2023

Important Dates (Fresh Call)

Online Application Starts:  20 May 2023 (10:00 hrs. IST onwards) (Tentative & To be revised)
Last date for online Application: 10 June 2023 (till 23:59 hrs. IST)
Written test and Interview dates at PRL, Ahmedabad: 26-28 June 2023.

Notification (Fresh Call)

Online Application (Fresh Call)

Research Fields for JRF July 2023

• Astronomy & Astrophysics
• Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
• Geosciences
• Planetary Sciences and Space Exploration
• Solar Physics
• Space and Atmospheric Sciences
• Theoretical Physics

Key Research Areas

Astronomy & Astrophysics

• Solar system’s minor bodies like Comets and Asteroids in the optical wavelengths (both imaging-polarimetry and low-resolution spectroscopy), exoplanets around stars, multiwavelength (from radio wavelengths to optical wavelengths) research on stellar astrophysics including M dwarfs, symbiotic stars, morphological studies of star formation regions both high mass and low mass stars, optical and near-IR studies of transient events like novae, supernovae and GRBs, optical and near-IR studies of star clusters, extragalactic astronomy, studies of Radio galaxies using GMRT, and other globally available radio telescopes, Optical and near-IR instrumentation for PRL 2.5m telescope, Space-based X-ray astronomy instrumentation for future X-ray missions, Space-based X-ray observations of black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs in binary systems, Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) and X-ray polarizations, Numerical simulation of the solar atmosphere and heliosphere.

Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics

• Experiment: Quantum entanglement, quantum communication, quantum cryptography, quantum imaging, quantum sensing, nonlinear optics, quantum materials, quantum emitters, plasmonics, cavity QED, integrated photonic quantum computing, structured beams, generation and detection of THz radiations, 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, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), crystal defect dynamics studies, luminescence dosimetry, luminescence dating, Earth surface processes studies.
• Theory: Atomic many-body methods to study atomic clocks, parity and CP symmetry violations, isotope shifts, polarizabilities etc.; machine learning, parallel programming.

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, 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.

Planetary Sciences and Space Exploration

• Studies of surfaces, atmospheres, and ionospheres of planets; theoretical modelling and observational studies of physical processes of Mars, Venus, Moon, and asteroids; origin and evolution of the solar system objects through laboratory analysis of extraterrestrial material (meteorites and sample returned missions); analysis of data from Indian missions Chandrayaan-1, -2, -3, Mars Orbiter Mission and Aditya-L1; scientific instrumentation for future planetary missions to Moon, Venus, and Mars; and Studies of planetary geology through the data obtained from space missions.

Solar Physics

• Physics of solar oscillations; structure and evolution of sunspots; magnetohydrodynamic processes in the solar atmosphere, coronal heating, solar eruptions; and space weather predictions, design and development of sophisticated instruments for solar observations and participation in upcoming national projects, like the Aditya-L1 space mission and National Large Solar Telescope (NLST).

Space and Atmospheric Sciences

• Physics of the sun-earth interactions; space weather and its effect on society at large; atmospheric wave dynamics and coupling processes; aerosols and their impact on Earth’s radiation budget; studies of trace gases, volatile organic compounds and their effects on the atmosphere; cloud dynamics; and global warming/climate change. Opportunities also exist for participation in upcoming Indian space missions like Aditya-L1, dual-aeronomy satellite mission DISHA, and missions to Venus and Mars.

Theoretical Physics

• Condensed matter Physics-including quantum condensed matter physics, topological materials, unconventional superconductivity, strongly correlated electronic system, itinerant magnetism; Particle Physics – including neutrino physics, collider physics, dark matter phenomenology, CP violation, baryogenesis, heavy flavor physics, effective field theories, strong interaction physics, precision calculations in strong and electro-weak interaction physics, studies of extended gauge, global and space-time symmetries; Cosmology and Astro-particle Physics; Artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques in fundamental physics.

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 2023 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, Photonics, Space Physics, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, Meteorology, Geology, Geophysics, and Remote Sensing are eligible to apply.
• Candidates should be interested in pursuing a research career in the current research areas 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-NET JRF/AP [June 2022] in Physical Sciences / Chemical Sciences / Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences.
  2. GATE [2021/2022/2023] in Physics / Geology and Geophysics / Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences / Chemistry
  3. JEST 2023 in Physics.
  4. UGC-NET JRF/AP [December 2021 and June 2022 (merged cycles)/December 2022] in Environmental Sciences (applicable for candidates applying in Geosciences, Planetary Sciences & space exploration. Physics at the UG and PG levels is mandatory for candidates applying in Planetary Sciences & space exploration) with a valid score/All India Rank.
• 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 have good proficiency in fundamental physics and mathematics.
• 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, 2023).

Fellowship

Junior Research Fellows (JRF): Rs. 31,000/- pm

Senior Research Fellows (SRF): Rs. 35,000/- pm.

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 a yearly basis for continuation of fellowship.

Important Dates

Note

The last date for JRF 2023 applications is extended from 17 April 2023 to 30 April 2023. However, it may be noted that these candidates can only be considered for interviews during 22-23 June 2023.

Valid applications received till 14:00 hrs. on 17 April 2023 to appear for interviews during 11-12 May 2023 will be shortlisted soon and eligible candidates will be intimated for interviews shortly.

How to Apply

• 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.
• 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 submitting the application form.
• PRL will not be responsible for any consequences arising from 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.
• 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.

Important Links

PRL Ahmedabad Research Fellowship Programme July 2022

PRL Ahmedabad Research Fellowship Programme April 2022

PRL Ahmedabad PhD Admission JEST Based 2021

PRL Ahmedabad Research Fellowship Programme 2021