ICAR-IARI Recruitment 2026
Research Associate-III & Senior Research Fellow (SRF)
Division of Microbiology | ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
The Division of Microbiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi
has invited applications from eligible candidates for positions under the DBT-funded project entitled
“An Integrated Biomanufacturing Platform with CO₂ Capture for Novel Microbial Formulations
Targeting Methane Reduction and Drought Resilience in Rice-Wheat Cropping Systems.”
Salary
₹42,000–₹67,000 + 27% HRA
📌 ICAR-IARI Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Organization |
ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) |
| Division |
Division of Microbiology |
| Project Funding |
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) |
| Project Title |
An Integrated Biomanufacturing Platform with CO₂ Capture for Novel Microbial Formulations
Targeting Methane Reduction and Drought Resilience in Rice-Wheat Cropping Systems
|
| Place of Posting |
Division of Microbiology, IARI, New Delhi-12 |
| Last Date |
06 September 2026 |
💼 Vacancy Details
| Post |
Vacancy |
Emoluments |
| Research Associate-III |
01 |
₹67,000 + 27% HRA |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) |
01 |
₹42,000 + 27% HRA |
🔬 Research Associate-III (RA-III)
Number of Posts: 01
Emoluments: ₹67,000 + 27% HRA
🎓 Essential Qualification
-
Ph.D. in Microbiology / Biotechnology / Life Sciences or a closely related
discipline from a recognized University, with a minimum of 60% marks;
OR
-
Master's degree in the above disciplines with a minimum of
3 years' research, teaching, or design-and-development experience
and at least one research paper published in an SCI-indexed journal.
-
Minimum 3 years' post-qualification research experience for placement at
the Research Associate-III level in Research & Development at Industrial/Academic Institutions
or Science and Technology Organizations.
-
Experience preferably in agricultural/environmental microbiology or
multi-institutional R&D project execution.
⭐ Desirable Qualification & Experience
-
Experience coordinating research workflows across multiple institutions in a
multi-disciplinary project setting.
-
Experience liaising between microbiology, bioprocess/chemical engineering and
extremophile-biology teams.
-
Experience managing multi-location field trials across diverse
agro-ecological zones.
-
Experience working with Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)
protocols and maintaining data quality across distant trial sites.
-
Ability to synthesize complex datasets such as methane flux and process economics
into Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) and Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) reports.
-
Experience preparing policy briefs for integration with national frameworks such as
Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) and PM-PRANAM.
-
Experience developing technical manuals and training modules for extension networks such as
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
-
Experience training field staff on specialized protocols such as
static closed-chamber gas sampling and physiological stress assays.
-
Proficiency in statistical analysis of multi-location trial data using
R, SAS or equivalent software.
-
Strong scientific writing and report-compilation skills.
🧪 Senior Research Fellow (SRF)
Number of Posts: 01
Emoluments: ₹42,000 + 27% HRA
🎓 Essential Qualification
Candidates must have a Master's degree in
Microbiology / Life Sciences / Biotechnology or equivalent from a recognized
University with a minimum of 60% marks and must satisfy the prescribed
national-level examination requirement.
Route 1:
-
Qualified CSIR/UGC-NET, including Lectureship/Assistant Professorship,
GATE, or an equivalent national-level examination conducted by
Central Government Departments/Agencies such as DST, DBT, ICAR and ICMR;
and
-
Two years' research experience in Research and Development in the
Agriculture Sector, Academic Institutions, Science and Technology Organizations,
and scientific activities and services.
OR
Candidates possessing a Doctoral Degree in Microbiology / Biotechnology /
Life Sciences from a recognized University or equivalent are also eligible
under the stated qualification route.
⭐ Desirable Qualification & Experience
-
Hands-on experience maintaining specialized microbial repositories such as
methanotrophs, cyanobacteria and polyextremophiles.
-
Experience standardizing batch fermentation protocols.
-
Experience optimizing low-cost growth media and monitoring growth kinetics using
Optical Density and cell counting.
-
Experience developing stable liquid and solid microbial bio-formulations.
-
Experience in carrier screening and shelf-life/stability studies
to maintain microbial viability for at least one year.
-
Proficiency in specialized analytical techniques including HPLC
for verification of functional traits such as PGP compounds.
-
Experience confirming the genetic purity of strains during mass production.
-
Experience in high-volume processing of soil and plant samples
from pot/field trials.
-
Experience in analysis of rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties.
🎂 Age Limit
Research Associate-III: Maximum 40 years
Senior Research Fellow: Maximum 35 years
Age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen/Women
will be applicable as per Government of India instructions.
📝 How to Apply
Eligible candidates must submit the duly filled application form
along with relevant certificates and supporting documents.
Application Deadline:
06 September 2026
Email:
microbiologyiari@gmail.com
Email Format: Application and supporting documents should be sent
as a single PDF.
Candidates may also send the application by post to:
Dr. Rajeev Kaushik
Professor & Principal Scientist
Division of Microbiology
ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI)
New Delhi – 110012
📋 Application Instructions
-
A separate application form must be submitted for each post.
-
For postal applications, the envelope should clearly indicate:
“For the Post ____ in DBT funded projects”.
-
Applicants must submit self-attested copies of certificates and
proofs of claims along with the application.
-
Candidates must bring their original documents at the time of interview
for verification.
-
Candidates currently employed must attach a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
and experience certificate from their employer.
🎯 Selection Process
-
Applications will be screened based on the essential and desirable qualifications.
-
Marks will be awarded on a 0–10 scale for different screening parameters.
-
Candidates will be shortlisted based on the merit list.
-
Shortlisted candidates will be called for an in-person interview.
-
Candidates will be shortlisted for interview in the ratio of approximately
1:10.
-
Shortlisted candidates will be intimated through email/phone,
latest by 14 September 2026.
-
The date and time of the interview will be communicated to the candidates selected
for the interview.
📅 Tenure & Nature of Appointment
-
The initial period of engagement will be one year.
-
Continuation will depend on progress reviewed every six months
by the Principal Investigators.
-
The positions are purely time-bound, non-regular and co-terminus with the project.
-
Appointment can be terminated with one month's notice.
-
The selected candidate will have no legal right to claim regularization
against any regular post or further contractual engagement after termination of the project.
📍 Job Location & Travel
Place of Posting: Division of Microbiology,
ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-12.
Travel: Extensive travel will be required for project-related work
to the selected field trial locations.
📅 Important Dates
| Event |
Date |
| Last Date to Apply |
06 September 2026 |
| Shortlisted Candidates Notification |
Latest by 14 September 2026 |
👨🔬 Who Can Apply?
Candidates with qualifications in Microbiology, Biotechnology or Life Sciences
who satisfy the specific experience and examination requirements can consider these positions.
The SRF position may be particularly relevant to candidates with a Master's
degree, the required national-level examination qualification and two years of relevant
research experience, subject to all prescribed conditions.
The RA-III position requires substantially higher research experience and
is intended for candidates meeting the specified Ph.D./Master's qualification and
research-experience requirements.
⚠️ Important Note
Candidates should carefully verify their eligibility for the specific post before applying.
In particular, applicants should check the required educational qualification,
research experience, national-level examination qualification and desirable skills
mentioned for each position.
🚀 Apply Before 06 September 2026
Eligible candidates should submit the prescribed application with supporting documents
as a single PDF by email or through post before the deadline.
📧 Send Application by Email
Disclaimer: This article is prepared from the vacancy notification details.
Candidates are advised to verify the complete official notification, application format,
eligibility conditions and other recruitment instructions before applying.
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