Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani - K K Birla Goa Campus invites applications from suitable candidates for 4 Research positions under the supervision of Prof. Srikanth Mutnuri, Senior Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences (Water Sanitation & Hygiene Laboratory). These positions offer excellent opportunities to work on cutting-edge research projects in wastewater treatment, circular economy, sanitation technology, and sustainable development. Interested and eligible candidates should apply by 20th February 2026 via email with their CV and application letter.
BITS Pilani Research Positions 2026 Overview
| Institute | Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani |
| Campus | K K Birla Goa Campus, Zuarinagar, Goa 403726 |
| Department | Biological Sciences (Water Sanitation & Hygiene Laboratory) |
| Principal Investigator | Prof. Dr. Srikanth Mutnuri, Senior Professor |
| Total Positions | 4 Research roles |
| Application Deadline | 20-02-2026 |
| Interview | Online interviews - Last week of February 2026 |
| Official Website | www.bits-pilani.ac.in |
Position Details
Position 1: Research Associate
Project Title
"HyWats" - Hybrid Non-Sewered Wastewater Treatment System for Safe Discharge and Reuse (BRICS STI Framework Programme)
Project Overview
This project aims to design, develop, and demonstrate wastewater treatment and recovery systems at pilot scale with an objective to deliver recycled water without micropollutants and emerging contaminants.
Position Details
| Position Title | Research Associate |
| Position Code | Position 1 |
| Number of Posts | 1 |
| Project Duration | 6 months |
| Funding Agency | Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India |
| Fellowship/Salary | As per DST norms |
Eligibility Criteria - Position 1
- Educational Qualification: PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in relevant field
- Specialization/Experience Required: Experience in any of the following areas: Electrochemical systems, Bioelectrochemical systems, Algal Biorefinery, Constructed wetlands
Position 2: Research Assistant
Project Title
Global Sanitation Graduate School (GSGS) - Regional Hub India
Project Overview
Hosting the GSGS Regional Hub India Annual Conclave/Workshop and managing GSGS Hub-to-hub exchange and alumni engagement activities. This position involves collaboration with international sanitation research networks.
Position Details
| Position Title | Research Assistant |
| Position Code | Position 2 |
| Number of Posts | 1 |
| Project Duration | 24 months (2 years) |
| Funding Agency | CEPT under Global Sanitation Graduate School |
| Fellowship Amount | ₹30,000 - ₹35,000 per month |
Eligibility Criteria - Position 2
- Educational Qualification: Minimum Bachelor's degree (Graduate)
- Experience Required: Research experience in the field of wastewater treatment and non-sewered sanitation
- Additional Skills: Good communication, event management, coordination abilities beneficial
Position 3: Project Fellow
Project Title
"Characterization and Sustainable Recovery of Metals from Low-Grade Ores via Leaching and Bioleaching within a Circular Economy Framework"
Project Overview
This project aims to develop a sustainable, closed-loop process for recovering manganese and other valuable metals from low-grade ferruginous ores and mine waste through a combination of chemical leaching, bioleaching using native microorganisms, and hybrid chemical-biological approaches.
Position Details
| Position Title | Project Fellow |
| Position Code | Position 3 |
| Number of Posts | 1 |
| Project Duration | 36 months (3 years) |
| Funding Agency | Ministry of Mines, Government of India |
| Fellowship Amount | ₹25,000 - ₹35,000 per month (approximately, as per Ministry of Mines norms) |
Eligibility Criteria - Position 3
- Educational Qualification: Master's degree (M.Sc) in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related fields
- Subject Requirements: Background in microbiology, bioprocesses, or environmental biotechnology preferred
Position 4: Project Fellow
Project Title
"SOIL" - Sustainable Sanitation for Off-grid Integrated Loops: Integrated Treatment and Recovery of Water and Nutrients
Project Overview
This project aims to demonstrate financially affordable and simple-to-operate decentralized sanitation treatment technologies that will produce high-quality effluent for safe disposal or agricultural reuse, thereby alleviating pressure on limited water resources.
Position Details
| Position Title | Project Fellow |
| Position Code | Position 4 |
| Number of Posts | 1 |
| Project Duration | 12 months (1 year) |
| Funding Agency | Kakatiya Grassroot Innovation Projects (K-GRIP), launched by Kakatiya Center for Rural Innovation, Technology, and Impact (KRITI) at BITS Pilani |
| Fellowship Amount | ₹25,000 - ₹35,000 per month |
| Special Feature | Project Fellows appointed under K-GRIP may be considered for enrollment into the PhD program, subject to eligibility and institute norms |
Eligibility Criteria - Position 4
- Educational Qualification: Master's degree (M.Sc) in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related fields
- Subject Requirements: Background in microbiology, environmental science, or biotechnology preferred
PhD Pathway Opportunity
Candidates selected for Position 4 (SOIL Project) may be considered for enrollment into BITS Pilani's PhD program, subject to meeting the institute's eligibility criteria and requirements. This offers an excellent opportunity for career advancement and advanced research credentials.
How to Apply
- Prepare your application materials including: CV (Curriculum Vitae), Cover letter mentioning the position applied for, Education certificates, Experience certificates (if any)
- Send your complete application via email to: [email protected]
- Email Subject Line: "Application for [Position Name] - [Your Full Name]" (e.g., "Application for Research Associate - John Doe")
- Application Deadline: 20th February 2026
- Selection Process: Only shortlisted candidates will be called for online interviews in the last week of February 2026
Selection Process
- Application Screening: All applications will be screened based on eligibility criteria and experience
- Shortlisting: Only qualified candidates meeting the position requirements will be shortlisted
- Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews (tentatively last week of February 2026)
- Final Selection: Final selection based on interview performance and overall suitability
- Offer Letter: Selected candidates will receive offer letters with appointment terms
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many positions are available?
A: There are 4 research positions available: 1 Research Associate, 1 Research Assistant, and 2 Project Fellows.
Q: What is the deadline for applications?
A: The deadline for submitting applications is 20th February 2026.
Q: When will interviews be conducted?
A: Interviews will be conducted online during the last week of February 2026 for shortlisted candidates only.
Q: What is the eligibility for Position 1 (Research Associate)?
A: Applicants must have a PhD in relevant field with experience in Electrochemical systems, Bioelectrochemical systems, Algal Biorefinery, or Constructed wetlands.
Q: What qualifications are required for Positions 3 and 4 (Project Fellows)?
A: Master's degree (M.Sc) in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related fields is required.
Q: What is the salary/fellowship for these positions?
A: Position 1: As per DST norms | Position 2: ₹30,000-35,000/month | Positions 3 & 4: ₹25,000-35,000/month
Q: Can I apply for multiple positions?
A: It is recommended to apply for one position that best matches your qualifications and interests. Contact the PI if you have questions about eligibility for multiple positions.
Q: Is there a PhD pathway available?
A: Yes, Project Fellows selected for Position 4 (SOIL Project) may be considered for enrollment into BITS Pilani's PhD program, subject to eligibility and institute norms.
Q: What documents should I include in my application?
A: Include CV, cover letter mentioning the position applied for, education certificates, and any relevant experience certificates or publications.
Q: How will communication be done with candidates?
A: All communication will be done via email. Shortlisted candidates will receive interview invitations and further updates through email. Ensure you provide a valid email address.
Q: Is there any application fee?
A: No application fee is required. All applications should be sent via email to the PI.
Q: Can international candidates apply?
A: BITS Pilani welcomes qualified candidates from India and abroad. International candidates should verify visa requirements with the institute.
About BITS Pilani & the Department
Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani is a premier private research-led university in India known for its excellence in engineering, technology, and science education. The Goa campus hosts cutting-edge research in environmental science and biotechnology. The Water Sanitation & Hygiene Laboratory under Prof. Srikanth Mutnuri conducts groundbreaking research on sustainable water treatment solutions, sanitation technologies, and environmental remediation.
Research Focus Areas
- Wastewater treatment and recycling
- Non-sewered sanitation systems
- Bioelectrochemical systems
- Algal biorefinery technologies
- Sustainable metal recovery from waste
- Circular economy principles
- Decentralized treatment technologies
Contact Information
| Principal Investigator | Prof. Dr. Srikanth Mutnuri, Senior Professor |
| Department | Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani |
| [email protected] | |
| Alternative Email | [email protected] |
| Campus Address | K K Birla Goa Campus, Near NH 17B, Bypass Road, Zuarinagar 403726, Goa, India |
| Phone | +91 0832 2580125 |
| Fax | +91 0832 2557033 |
Important Links
| Apply via Email | [email protected] |
| Official Notification PDF | Click here |
| BITS Pilani Official Website | www.bits-pilani.ac.in |
| BITS Goa Campus Website | www.bits-goa.ac.in |