ICAR-IARI New Delhi Research Associate-III (RA-III) / Senior Research Fellow (SRF) Recruitment 2026

Department: Division of Microbiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi - 110012

Project: 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)

Last Date: 06 September 2026

Mode of Application: Offline (by Email or by Post)

Official Website: https://iari.res.in

Vacancy Details

* SRF candidates with 2+ years of post-qualification research experience may be placed at the RA-III level.

Duration

Initially the period of engagement will be for one year, and continuation will depend upon progress reviewed every six months by Principal Investigators. Positions are purely time bound, non-regular and on a co-terminus basis with the project. Appointment can be terminated on one month's notice.

Eligibility

Upper Age Limit: 40 years for RA-III and 35 years for SRF. Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen/Women as per Govt. of India instructions.

Essential Qualification:

• Research Associate-III (RA-III): Ph.D. in Microbiology / Biotechnology / Life Sciences (or a closely related discipline) from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks; OR a 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 [as per DST O.M. No. DST/PCPM/Z-06/2022 dated 26.06.2023, adopted by DBT vide O.M. dated 08.02.2024]. Additionally, a minimum of 3 years' post-qualification research experience in R&D at Industrial/Academic Institutions or Science and Technology Organizations, preferably in agricultural/environmental microbiology or multi-institutional R&D project execution, is required for placement at the RA-III level.
• Senior Research Fellow (SRF): Master's degree in Microbiology / Life Sciences / Biotechnology or equivalent from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks, qualified through CSIR/UGC-NET (including Lectureship/Assistant Professorship), GATE, or an equivalent national-level examination conducted by Central Government Departments/Agencies (e.g., DST, DBT, ICAR, ICMR); AND two years' research experience in R&D in the Agriculture Sector, Academic Institutions, or Science and Technology Organizations and Scientific activities and services [as per DST O.M. No. DST/PCPM/Z-06/2022 dated 26.06.2023, adopted by DBT vide O.M. dated 21.09.2023]; OR a Doctoral Degree in Microbiology / Biotechnology / Life Sciences from a recognized University or equivalent.

Desirable: Experience in multi-institutional research coordination, multi-location field trial management under RCBD protocols, Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) and Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) reporting, training material development for extension networks, statistical analysis (R, SAS), specialized microbial repository maintenance (methanotrophs, cyanobacteria, polyextremophiles), batch fermentation, microbial bio-formulation development, HPLC-based analytical techniques, and high-volume soil/plant sample processing.

Important Dates

Selection Process

Applications will be screened based on essential and desirable qualifications. Marks will be given on a scale of 0-10 for different parameters. Based on the merit list, shortlisted candidates will be intimated for the in-person interview (in the ratio of 1:10) through e-mail/phone, latest by 14 September 2026.

Application Fee

No application fee is mentioned in the notification.

How to Apply (Offline)

Duly filled application form along with relevant certificates and proof should reach on or before 06 September 2026:

• By Email: to microbiologyiari@gmail.com (in a single PDF), OR
• By Post: to Dr. Rajeev Kaushik, Professor & Principal Scientist, Division of Microbiology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi - 110012.

For each post, a candidate should apply separately in a separate application form. 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, and bring original documents at the time of interview for verification. A No Objection and experience certificate from the employer is required in case the candidate is in employment.

Important Notes

• Place of posting will be at the Division of Microbiology, IARI, New Delhi.
• Extensive travel will be required for project-related work to the selected field trial locations.
• Positions are purely time bound, non-regular and co-terminus with the project; no claim for regularization.
• Canvassing in any form will disqualify the candidature. The Director's decision will be final and binding in all respects.

Contact

Division of Microbiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi - 110012. Email: microbiologyiari@gmail.com. Website: https://iari.res.in

Disclaimer

This information is compiled from the official ICAR-IARI vacancy notification. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official notification before applying.