National Institute of Immunology (NII) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

🏛️ Organization Overview

NII is dedicated to advanced research addressing the basic mechanisms involved in the body's defense system. Since its inception, the institute has expanded its mandate to include research on infectious diseases, chronic inflammatory disorders, and reproductive biology. The campus is equipped with cutting-edge facilities like High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry, Flow Cytometry, and a world-class animal house facility.

For career seekers, NII operates through two distinct channels: Regular (Permanent) Positions and Project-Based (Contractual) Positions. Regular faculty (Staff Scientists) are often recruited through a "Rolling Advertisement" system that seeks top global talent. Administrative and Technical cadres support the research machinery, ensuring the institute's operations align with Central Government (GOI) norms. Being a part of NII provides exposure to national missions like the development of indigenous vaccines and AI-guided genomic analysis.

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Staff Scientist (III to VII): The flagship research role. These positions require a PhD with post-doctoral experience. Scientists lead independent research groups and mentor PhD students.
• Technical Officer / Technical Assistant: These professionals manage the sophisticated instrumentation centers and provide specialized support in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and imaging.
• Junior Assistant (JA-I): Core administrative staff responsible for finance, stores & purchase, and general establishment matters.
• Research Associate (RA) / JRF: Project-linked roles funded by agencies like DBT, ICMR, or SERB. These are entry-level research positions for Master's and PhD graduates.

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

NII follows the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) scales for its regular staff and DBT/DST guidelines for project staff.

• Scientist Pay: Entry-level Staff Scientists (Grade III) start at Pay Level-11 (₹67,700 basic), while senior grades reach up to Level-16 (₹2,05,400+ basic).
• Project Staff: JRFs typically receive ₹37,000 + 24% HRA, and SRFs receive ₹42,000 + 24% HRA (as per 2026 standard norms).
• Non-Teaching Pay: Junior Assistants typically enter at Pay Level-4 (₹25,500 basic), with a total gross salary including DA and HRA reaching approx. ₹45,000+ in Delhi.
• Benefits: Regular employees enjoy Central Government perks including CGHS medical facilities, LTC, Children Education Allowance, and accommodation (subject to availability) on its scenic Delhi campus.

🎯 Selection Process

The hiring process is rigorous and varies by cadre:

1. Scientists: Screening of CV and Research Plan -> Shortlisting based on publication impact -> Seminar/Presentation -> Final Interview.
2. Administrative & Technical: Tier-I (OMR-based Written Test) covering General Intelligence, English, and Quantitative Aptitude -> Tier-II (Descriptive Test or Skill/Typing Test) -> Document Verification.
3. Project Staff: Usually selected through walk-in or online interviews conducted by the Principal Investigator (PI) of the specific project.

💡 Expert Tips: How to Crack NII Exams

• Focus on National Level Exams: For research roles (JRF/SRF), clearing CSIR-UGC NET or GATE is almost mandatory. NII prioritizes candidates with their own fellowships.
• Technical Proficiency: For Technical Officer roles, be prepared for questions on sophisticated techniques like FACS, CRISPR-Cas9, and NGS data analysis. Hands-on experience is often weighted heavily in interviews.
• Administrative Knowledge: For JA-I or Store Officer roles, study the General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017 and Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure (CSMOP), as these are core components of the written test.