CCMB Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About CSIR-CCMB Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Since its inception, CCMB has been at the forefront of biological research, addressing fundamental questions in life sciences while developing technological solutions for societal needs in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental conservation.

Based in Hyderabad, CCMB operates across multiple specialized campuses, including the main Habsiguda campus and the LaCONES (Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species) facility. Its strategic importance lies in its high-end centralized facilities that support researchers nationwide, fostering a multidisciplinary environment that bridges the gap between basic research and industrial application.

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Scientist / Senior Scientist: Responsible for leading independent research projects, publishing high-impact papers, and mentoring PhD scholars. Requires a PhD in Life Sciences with relevant post-doctoral experience.
• Technical Officer / Technical Assistant: Provides essential experimental support in specialized labs like NGS, Proteomics, or Animal Houses. Roles involve maintaining high-end equipment and executing complex protocols.
• Project Associate (I & II): Contractual positions typically funded by specific research grants (DST, DBT, CSIR). These roles are ideal for early-career researchers (MSc/M.Tech) looking to gain high-level laboratory experience.
• Technician: Handles routine laboratory maintenance, chemical preparation, and logistical support for research activities. Usually requires an ITI or Diploma in a relevant trade.

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

CCMB follows the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix. Compensation is highly competitive, aimed at attracting the best scientific talent in India.

• Scientific Grades: Positions like Scientist start at Level-11 (Basic ₹67,700) and can go up to Level-14 and above for senior leadership roles.
• Technical & Admin: Entry-level Technical Assistants typically start at Level-6 (₹35,400), while Technicians start at Level-2 or Level-3.
• Allowances: Employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per Hyderabad's 'X' category status, and Transport Allowance.
• Perks: Benefits include comprehensive Medical Facilities (CGHS), Provident Fund (PF), Gratuity, and Professional Update Allowance for scientists.

🎯 Selection Process

The recruitment process at CCMB is rigorous to ensure the selection of top-tier talent.

1. Notification & Application: Vacancies are advertised on the CCMB official website and the Employment News. Candidates must apply online, followed by a hard-copy submission of documents.
2. Screening: Applications are screened based on academic merit, experience, and sometimes National Level Test scores (like GATE or CSIR-NET).
3. Trade Test/Skill Test: For technical and administrative posts, a qualifying trade test is conducted to assess practical expertise.
4. Competitive Written Exam: Candidates who clear the screening or trade test appear for an OMR-based or Computer Based Test (CBT) covering mental ability and subject knowledge.
5. Interview: For Scientist and higher-level positions, a two-stage personal interview is the primary selection tool.

💡 Expert Tips: How to Crack CCMB Exams

1. Master the Fundamentals of Modern Biology

CCMB exams and interviews heavily emphasize conceptual clarity in genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Ensure you are well-versed in techniques like CRISPR, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), and Protein Crystallography.

2. Focus on Technical Hands-on Knowledge

For Technical Assistant roles, the "Trade Test" is the biggest hurdle. Familiarize yourself with standard laboratory safety, molarity calculations, and the operational principles of instruments like PCR machines and Centrifuges.

3. Review Previous Year CSIR Paper Patterns

Since CCMB is a CSIR lab, their written exams often mirror the logical and analytical style of CSIR-NET. Practice high-yield topics and focus on the "Research Methodology" section of the syllabus.