The BITS Environmental Science & Technology (BEST) Lab at BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus is inviting motivated researchers to pursue a PhD in Environmental Science and Technology under the guidance of Prof. P. Sankar Ganesh. This prestigious opportunity is open to candidates who have qualified UGC-JRF or CSIR-JRF and are passionate about sustainable energy, waste valorisation, and microbial community dynamics.
Research Focus Areas
As a PhD scholar at BEST Lab, you will engage in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research across multiple domains, including:
- Valorisation of industrial residues and organic wastes
- Reactor design engineering for sustainable processes
- Optimization of parameters for enhanced methane yield
- Production of biohydrogen and biohythane
- Translational research in environmental biotechnology
- Dynamics of microbial communities in biogas reactors
- Microbial metabolic profiling and analysis
- Metagenomic characterization and insights
- 16S rRNA sequencing and taxonomic identification
Responsibilities
- Conduct independent and collaborative research in environmental science and biotechnology
- Design experiments, optimize bioprocesses, and analyze microbial communities
- Publish high-impact research in reputed journals (e.g., Bioresource Technology, Science of the Total Environment)
- Contribute to national and international collaborations in sustainability research
- Participate in academic conferences, workshops, and industrial research initiatives
Qualifications and Eligibility
- Mandatory: UGC-JRF or CSIR-JRF qualification in Environmental Science, Life Sciences, or Chemical Sciences
- Educational Background:
- MSc in Environmental Science, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or Life Sciences
- OR MTech/ME in Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Molecular Biology, or related disciplines
- Prior research experience in bioenergy, microbiology, molecular biology, or environmental sustainability is desirable but not mandatory
Benefits of Joining BEST Lab
- Opportunity to work on translational environmental research with real-world impact
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities in biotechnology, microbiology, molecular techniques, and reactor engineering
- Collaborative research environment with multidisciplinary exposure
- Strong mentorship under Prof. P. Sankar Ganesh with a proven track record in sustainability research
- Professional growth through publications, international collaborations, and academic networking
Application Process
Interested candidates should email the following documents in a single PDF file to:
📧 sangan@hyderabad.bits-pilani.ac.in
Subject Line: PhD Application BEST Lab - [Your Name]
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with contact details of two referees
- Cover Letter (Max. 500 words) detailing research interests, background, and motivation
- Copy of UGC/CSIR JRF Qualifying Certificate
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round, but candidates with their own fellowships (UGC/CSIR JRF) can join immediately.
FAQs
Q1. Is prior research experience mandatory for this PhD program?
👉 No, it is desirable but not mandatory. Candidates with UGC-JRF/CSIR-JRF qualification can apply directly.
Q2. What is the stipend/salary for selected PhD candidates?
👉 Selected PhD scholars with UGC/CSIR JRF fellowship will receive a monthly stipend as per UGC/CSIR norms (₹37,000 – ₹42,000/month).
About BITS Pilani Hyderabad
BITS Pilani is recognized as an Institution of Eminence (IoE), known for excellence in research, innovation, and industry collaborations. The Hyderabad campus hosts advanced laboratories and fosters interdisciplinary research in environmental sustainability, biotechnology, and life sciences.
