Department of Biotechnology
MOTILAL NEHRU NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ALLAHABAD
Prayagraj - 211004 (India)
Advertisement No- Project Staff Dated-15/07/2026
Advertisement for the Post of Junior Research Fellow (On Contract)
Applications are invited from Indian nationals for the post of Junior Research Fellow (on contract) in
research project entitled "Environmentally sustainable Quantum Containers (QCs) assisted
microalgae growth for faster CO2 capture and utilization with the potential recovery of the biomass
for value-added products".
This is a research project, funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi under BioE3
program for Carbon Capture& Utilization (CCU). This is a collaborative project with Dr. Somenath
Garai, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, B.H.U. Varanasi.
The duly filled-in application (soft
copy in any form) in prescribed format along with copies of supporting documents (scanned copy) must
reach to email ID: mprai@mnnit.ac.in [Dr. Monika Prakash Rai] with subject of email as: "Application
for JRF position in DBT CCU project" on or before 5:30 PM, 30 July, 2026.
The position is purely temporary and will be governed by the funding agency rules & service conditions of
Office of the Dean (Research & Consultancy), MNNIT Allahabad
Project Description:
CO2 is the key resource for microalgae photosynthesis and carbon uptake converted to the dry matter,
clearly demonstrating the CO₂ capture and utilization (CCU). With the increasing rate of CO2 emission, an
advanced process is required for faster CO2 concentration, capture and utilization by microalgal system.
Quantum containers (QCs) have proven chemistry for CO2 adsorption due to their unique nano-capsule
structure, well-defined pores and easy exchange of their interior with the surrounding at neutral pH.
Association of water-soluble N- hetero carbene (NHCs) metal complexes with QCs provides a stable
platform for the CO2) capture and its reduction. Integrating the microalgae cultivation with QCs/NHCs in
a CO2 bubbling 100 L fixed-bed photobioreactor encourages the concentration of CO2) in the local
environment with simultaneous utilization as a novel CCU technology. The potentially recovered
microalgae biomass processes for the production of valuable lipids and carotenoids for relevant
applications.
Objectives of the Project:
The study in the project consists of objectives and tasks in the lines of above specified issues
related to nanomaterials synthesis, characterization and their application on microalgae cultivation system
for enhanced CO2 uptake and utilization in the form of bioproducts. Some part of the study will also be
carried out at Department of Chemistry, BHU, Varanasi.
Essential Qualifications: M.Sc./M.Tech. in Biotechnology/Microbiology/Biochemical Engineering/
or any relevant field with the qualified certificate of GATE (in BT/LS)/CSIR
UGC NET/DBT- BET category-II examination.
Desirable Experience: Research experience in related area along with relevant Publication
Additional Requirements:
The following additional requirements will be advantageous:
Strong academic skills in publication of research papers in International Journals and/or previous
experience in industry/laboratory on Algal cultivation, CO2 sequestration and Nanobiotechnology.
Fellowship: 37,000.00 + HRA per month (as per institute norms)
Other Benefits: Accommodation may be available as per the availability and the Institute norms. The
candidate will be encouraged to get enrolled in the PhD programme in the Department
of Biotechnology, MNNIT Allahabad. The applicant must qualify for admission to this
PhD Programme as per existing rules. Facility of yearly leave, carryover leave, medical
benefits etc. may be available as per applicable rules of the project staff.
Age Limit: 28
years on the last date of application (The upper age limit is relaxable
up to 5 years in the case of candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PH and
women candidates)
Tenure of Appointment: Appointment will be made on contract basis for a period of one year
initially, which may be extended depending on the performance evaluation
on yearly basis till the end of project.
Note:
1. The applicant will be responsible for the authenticity of information, other documents and
photographs submitted.
2. The Institute reserves the right to accept application at any time, and consider candidates of
exceptional credentials without applications. Qualification and experience may be relaxed by the
Institute at any point of time for otherwise exceptional candidates.
3. Mere, possessing the prescribed qualification does not ensure that the candidate would be called
for Interview. The Candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of merit and need of the project.
4. Shortlisted Candidates will be informed by e-mail about the interview date. So, the candidate must
provide valid E mail IDs in their applications.
5. Shortlisted candidates have to present themselves for the interview on the interview date with
updated CV and original and attested photocopies of mark sheets/ certificates in support of their
academic qualifications.
6. Applicants in employment (private, government or any other organization) are required to submit
a "No Objection Certificate" from the employer at the time of interview.
7. No TA/DA will be paid for appearing in the interview at MNNIT Allahabad
Name of Principal Investigator
Designation
Department
Email
: Dr. Monika Prakash Rai
: Associate Professor
: Department of Biotechnology
: mprai@mnnit.ac.in
