📋 Complete Advertisement & Guidelines
Research Associate – III (RA-III) & Senior Research Fellow (SRF)
Division of Microbiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
The Division of Microbiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, invites applications for 2 positions (Research Associate-III and Senior Research Fellow) under a DBT-funded project on biomanufacturing for methane reduction and drought resilience. Eligible candidates can apply via email or post by 6 September 2026.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Division of Microbiology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi |
| Post Names | Research Associate – III (RA-III), Senior Research Fellow (SRF) |
| Total Vacancies | 2 (RA-III: 1, SRF: 1) |
| Project Title | An Integrated Biomanufacturing Platform with CO₂ Capture for Novel Microbial Formulations Targeting Methane Reduction and Drought Resilience in Rice-Wheat Cropping Systems |
| Funding Agency | Department of Biotechnology (DBT) |
| Application Mode | Email (Single PDF) OR Post |
| Last Date to Apply | 6 September 2026 |
| Job Type | Contractual / Temporary |
| Official Website | iari.res.in |
New Delhi,
110012,
IN
Employment Type:CONTRACTOR
Number of Vacancies:2
Post-wise Vacancy, Emolument, and Eligibility Details
| S.No | Post Name | Vacancies | Emoluments (₹ per month) | Essential Qualification | Desirable Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Research Associate – III (RA-III) | 1 | 67,000 + 27% HRA | Ph.D. in Microbiology/Biotechnology/Life Sciences with 60% marks OR Master's degree with 3 years' research/teaching experience + 1 SCI paper. Minimum 3 years' post-qualification R&D experience. | Multi-institutional project coordination, multi-location field trials (RCBD), TEA/LCA report synthesis, policy brief drafting, training module development, statistical analysis (R/SAS), scientific writing. |
| 2 | Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | 1 | 42,000 + 27% HRA | Master's degree in Microbiology/Life Sciences/Biotechnology with 60% marks + NET/GATE/equivalent + 2 years research experience OR Doctoral degree. | Microbial repository maintenance, batch fermentation optimization, bio-formulation development, HPLC, soil/plant sample processing, rhizosphere analysis. |
Eligibility Criteria
| Post | Educational Qualification & Experience | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate – III (RA-III) | Ph.D. in Microbiology/Biotechnology/Life Sciences with 60% marks OR Master's degree with 3 years' research, teaching, or design experience and at least one SCI-indexed paper. Minimum 3 years' post-qualification R&D experience in agricultural/environmental microbiology or multi-institutional projects. | Maximum 40 years (Relaxation as per GOI rules). |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | Master's degree in Microbiology/Life Sciences/Biotechnology with 60% marks + NET/GATE/equivalent + 2 years research experience OR Doctoral degree. | Maximum 35 years (Relaxation as per GOI rules). |
Educational Qualification & Experience:Post-specific qualifications as detailed in the vacancy table. The qualifications are as per DST/DBT guidelines (O.M. No. DST/PCPM/Z-06/2022).
Skills & Desirable Experience:RA-III: Project coordination, multi-location field trials, TEA/LCA, policy briefs, statistical analysis (R/SAS). SRF: Microbial culture, fermentation, bio-formulation, HPLC, soil/plant analysis.
Age Limit:RA-III: Maximum 40 years. SRF: Maximum 35 years. Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen/Women as per Government of India instructions.
Selection Procedure:
- Screening of applications based on essential and desirable qualifications (marks given on a 0-10 scale for different parameters).
- Shortlisting in the ratio of 1:10.
- In-person Interview for shortlisted candidates (date and time to be communicated).
Application Fee: No application fee is mentioned.
📝 How to Apply Step-by-Step
Candidates must apply using the attached application form. Applications can be submitted by email or post.
- Prepare Application: Fill the application form (attached with the notification).
- Attach Documents: Attach self-attested copies of certificates and proofs (educational qualifications, experience, publications, etc.).
- Submit by Email: Send the application form and all documents as a single PDF to [email protected].
- OR Submit by Post: Send the hard copy of the application and documents to:
Dr. Rajeev Kaushik, Professor & Principal Scientist,
Division of Microbiology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi – 110012. - Separate Applications: Submit a separate application form for each post.
- Envelope Superscription: Clearly write "For the Post ____ in DBT funded projects" on the envelope.
- Submit Before Deadline: Ensure the application reaches on or before 6 September 2026.
Note: Bring original documents at the time of the interview for verification.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 11 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Submission | 6 September 2026 |
| Shortlisted Candidates Intimation | By 14 September 2026 |
🔗 Important Official Links
Official Website (IARI): https://iari.res.in
Official Notification (PDF): Download Official Notification
Email for Applications: [email protected]
Key Instructions for Candidates
- Single PDF for Email: If applying by email, ensure all documents are compiled into a single PDF.
- Separate Applications: Submit a separate application form for each post (RA-III and SRF).
- Eligibility Check: Ensure you meet the specific educational qualification and experience criteria (as per DST/DBT guidelines) before applying.
- Self-Attested Copies: Submit self-attested copies of all certificates and proofs. Original documents must be produced at the time of the interview.
- NOC: If currently employed, attach a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and experience certificate from the employer.
- Screening: Screening will be based on both essential and desirable qualifications. Marks will be given on a 0-10 scale for different parameters.
- Shortlisting: Only shortlisted candidates (in the ratio of 1:10) will be called for an in-person interview.
- Contractual Basis: The engagement is for one year, extendable based on progress review. Positions are time-bound and co-terminus with the project.
- Travel: Extensive travel to field trial locations is required for project work.
- Check Website: Visit the IARI website for any updates or corrigenda.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the last date to apply for IARI RA-III & SRF Recruitment 2026?
The last date for application submission is 6 September 2026.
How many vacancies are available?
There are 2 vacancies: 1 for Research Associate – III and 1 for Senior Research Fellow.
What is the required qualification for RA-III?
A Ph.D. in Microbiology/Biotechnology/Life Sciences with 60% marks OR a Master's degree with 3 years of experience and at least one SCI-indexed paper. Minimum 3 years of post-qualification R&D experience is also required.
What is the age limit?
The age limit is 40 years for RA-III and 35 years for SRF, with relaxations for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen/Women as per Government of India rules.
What is the emolument for SRF?
SRF receives ₹42,000 + 27% HRA per month.
How can I apply for this position?
Candidates can apply by email (sending a single PDF to [email protected]) OR by post to Dr. Rajeev Kaushik at the Division of Microbiology, IARI.
Is there any application fee?
No, no application fee is mentioned.
What is the selection process?
The selection process includes screening of applications, shortlisting in a 1:10 ratio, and an in-person interview for shortlisted candidates.
What is the contract duration?
The engagement is initially for one year, with continuation based on progress reviewed every six months. The position is co-terminus with the project.
Will there be travel requirements?
Yes, extensive travel is required for project-related work to selected field trial locations.