Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About BIRAC Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

BIRAC is a specialized development agency aimed at empowering the emerging biotech enterprise to undertake strategic research and innovation.⁴ It functions as a Section 8 (Not-for-Profit) company and has been granted the status of a Schedule B CPSE.⁵ Its mandate is implemented through impact initiatives like providing risk capital, technology transfer, and IP management.⁶+2

BIRAC is responsible for flagship programs such as the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) and the National Biopharma Mission (NBM).⁷ For employees, this means a high-energy environment involving international collaborations (e.g., World Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) and a chance to manage the life-cycle of cutting-edge grants that address public health, agriculture, and green technology.

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Program Manager / Senior Program Manager: Leads specific missions like 'Make in India' or 'National Biopharma Mission.' Responsible for policy advocacy, data research, and stakeholder consultation. Requires a Ph.D. or Master’s in Life Sciences with 6-8 years of experience.
• Technical Assistant / Officer: Provides programmatic support for grant management systems, technical screening of applications, and scientific data organization. Typically requires a Master's in Life Sciences/Biotechnology with 2-3 years of experience.⁸
• Manager (IP & Technology Transfer): A senior role focusing on end-to-end innovation management, from protecting intellectual property to technology licensing and product commercialization.
• Finance & Procurement Officer: Manages the financial health of Program Management Units (PMUs), handles tendering processes, and ensures statutory compliance for government-funded projects.⁹

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

BIRAC follows a "Contract for Service" model for many of its mission-based roles, offering consolidated monthly remuneration that is highly competitive with industry standards.

• Senior Manager / Deputy GM: ₹90,000 - ₹2,70,000 (Consolidated)
• Program Manager: ₹75,000 - ₹1,10,000 (Consolidated)
• Technical Officer / Assistant: ₹38,000 - ₹60,000 (Consolidated)
• Level-based Pay (Regular Staff): Follows the 7th CPC scales (Level-10 to Level-14) for core administrative and scientific positions, supplemented by HRA (24%) and Perks (35%) of Basic Pay.

🎯 Selection Process

BIRAC employs a rigorous, merit-based selection process to ensure the highest caliber of professionals:

1. Online Application: Candidates must apply through the BIRAC vacancy portal or via email as specified in the advertisement.¹⁰
2. Shortlisting: Applications are screened based on essential qualifications and relevant industrial or research experience.
3. Presentation/Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates for managerial and scientific roles are typically required to deliver a presentation on their domain expertise followed by a formal interview.
4. Probation: Most appointments include a probation period (usually 3 to 6 months) to assess suitability before confirmation or continuation of the contract.¹¹

💡 Expert Tips (How to Crack BIRAC Exams)

Focus on Grant Life-Cycle Knowledge

If you are applying for Program Management roles, familiarize yourself with the Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and the lifecycle of grant funding from "Proof of Concept" to "Commercialization." Understanding BIRAC’s BIG scheme is often a prerequisite.

Highlight Industry-Academia Interface Experience

BIRAC looks for individuals who can speak the language of both a scientist and a business manager. If you have experience in Technology Transfer or moving a lab prototype to a market product, emphasize this in your CV.

Technical Writing Skills

For Technical Officer roles, your ability to compile Scientific summaries and technical presentations is key. Be prepared to show examples of reports or data analysis you have performed in previous scientific organizations.