The Division of Plant Physiology and Division of Biochemistry at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute invites applications for 4 unreserved temporary posts of Research Associate (RA), Senior Research Fellow (SRF), and Young Professional-II (YP-II) under the ICAR-funded project entitled “Enhancing climate resilience and ensuring food security with genome editing tools”. The contractual appointment is for an initial period of six months or the project duration (whichever is earlier), offering a fellowship of up to Rs 67,000/- per month plus 30% HRA for Ph.D. holders, with eligibility open to Ph.D. and Master’s degree holders in relevant biological and agricultural sciences who submit their online form and biodata by 11 November 2026.
ICAR-IARI Recruitment 2026 at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) |
| Advertisement No. | Employment News No. 30/55 |
| Department | Division of Plant Physiology & Division of Biochemistry |
| Project | Enhancing climate resilience and ensuring food security with genome editing tools |
| Funding Agency | ICAR (Genome Editing Scheme) |
| Tenure | Initial period of 6 months or project duration, whichever is earlier (extendable based on performance) |
| Post Name(s) | Research Associate (RA), Senior Research Fellow (SRF), Young Professional-II (YP-II) |
| Vacancies | 4 |
| Pay | Rs 37,000/- to Rs 67,000/- per month + applicable HRA / Consolidated |
| Age Limit | Varies by post (35 to 45 years depending on post and gender) |
| Job Location | New Delhi-110012 |
| Application Mode | Online Form and Scanned Biodata Submission |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 November 2026 |
The official notification does not specify an application fee.
Vacancy Details
A total of 4 unreserved temporary vacancies are available across three research positions.
| Post | Vacancies | Category | Fellowship / Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Associate (RA) | 1 | Unreserved | Rs 61,000/- per month + 30% HRA (for Master’s Degree holders) & Rs 67,000/- per month + 30% HRA (for Ph.D.) |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | 2 | Unreserved | Rs 37,000/- + 30% HRA per month |
| Young Professional-II (YP-II) | 1 | Unreserved | Rs 42,000/- Consolidated |
Who Can Apply
Candidates must ensure they meet the post-specific educational qualification, research background, and age limits prior to submitting their applications.
| Post | Essential Qualification | Desirable Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate (RA) | Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, or a relevant plant science discipline, with thesis research focused primarily on CRISPR cas9 mediated gene editing, prime editing, transgenic generation, novel gene construct development, and evaluation of transgenic lines. | Agrobacterium mediate genetic transformation in Soybean/Mustard/Pigeon pea, particle gun mediated transformation of plants, RNA mediated gene editing, Genome editing of plants, molecular cloning, Novel and efficient vector development, Molecular analysis of transgenic plants, Data interpretation and statistical analysis, Scientific writing. |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Plant Biochemistry, or Life Sciences, with a 4-year/5-year bachelor’s degree (1st Division). Candidates with a 3-year bachelor’s degree in basic sciences and a 2-year master’s degree must have NET/GATE/ICAR-SRF (PhD entrance) qualification and 2 years of research experience. Candidates with a 5-year B.Tech. + M.Tech. degree must have both qualifications mentioned on the degree. OR Ph.D. in any of the above disciplines. | Agrobacterium mediate genetic transformation, molecular cloning, Molecular and physiological analysis of transgenic plants, data Analysis, Research paper writing. |
| Young Professional-II (YP-II) | Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Plant Biochemistry, or Life Sciences. | Agrobacterium mediate genetic transformation, molecular cloning, Molecular and physiological analysis of transgenic plants. |
Age Limit
| Post | Age Limit (Men) | Age Limit (Women) |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate (RA) | 40 years | 45 years |
| Young Professional-II (YP-II) | 40 years | 45 years |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | 35 years | 40 years |
Age relaxation is applicable for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates as per Government of India rules. The notification does not specify a cutoff date for determining the age limit.
Pay and Tenure
The engagement is purely temporary, contractual, and co-terminus with the project end date. The initial appointment will be for six months or until the project duration, whichever is earlier. Extension of tenure is based on the satisfactory performance of the incumbent.
- Research Associate: Rs 61,000/- per month + 30% HRA for Master's degree holders; Rs 67,000/- per month + 30% HRA for Ph.D. holders.
- Senior Research Fellow: Rs 37,000/- per month + 30% HRA. If performance is non-satisfactory, he/she will be terminated from the post with one-month notice.
- Young Professional-II: Rs 42,000/- consolidated per month.
- There is no provision for re-engagement after the termination of the scheme, and selected fellows cannot claim regular appointment at ICAR-IARI.
How to Apply for ICAR-IARI Recruitment 2026
- Open the online application form link provided in the notification (https://forms.gle/fkohJ4DQj1RsspJE7 or https://forms.gle/Bb2WnJDbQszFtUpC7).
- Fill in all the required details accurately, ensuring that the project name and post applied for are correctly specified.
- Prepare your biodata neatly typed on separate white paper strictly adhering to the format provided in the application form (Annexure 1).
- Affix a self-attested recent passport-size photograph to the biodata form.
- Attach self-attested scanned copies of mark sheets and certificates from Class 10th Standard onwards (10th, 12th, UG, PG, Ph.D.), NET/GATE certificates, and proof of experience.
- Submit the completed online form and send the biodata along with all required scanned enclosures on or before 11 November 2026.
Documents Required
- Neatly typed and completed application form/biodata with self-attested passport-size photograph.
- Self-attested copies of 10th standard mark sheet and certificate.
- Self-attested copies of 12th standard mark sheet and certificate.
- Self-attested copies of Under-graduation (UG) degree and mark sheets.
- Self-attested copies of Post-graduation (PG) degree and mark sheets.
- Ph.D. degree certificate (if applicable).
- NET / GATE / ICAR-SRF qualification certificate (where applicable).
- Office orders for research experience, in addition to experience certificates issued by the Principal Investigators (PIs).
- Project work report/thesis, testimonials, and published research papers supporting research claims.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer, if currently working.
Selection and Interview
Applications will be screened after the last date of receipt. Only candidates possessing the essential and desirable qualifications will be shortlisted and called for an interview. The interview date and details will be communicated directly to the shortlisted candidates by email. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
Important Instructions
- Submission of incomplete applications or failure to properly specify the project and post name will lead to rejection.
- Candidates must fill in the marks obtained starting from 10th Standard to maximum qualification and attach relevant attested certificates, failing which the academic score will not be awarded.
- For more eligibility details, candidates may refer to ICAR OM No Edn./6/27/2014/HRD dated 13th July 2015, OM No Agril. Edn. 6/27/2014-HRD dated 9th October 2015, and DST OM SR/S9/Z-09/2018 dated 30th January 2019.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Employment News Publication Issue | 24–30 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Receipt of Biodata and Online Form | 11 November 2026 |
| Interview Date | To be notified (intimated to shortlisted candidates by email) |
Important Links
| Link | Details |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Online Application Form |
| Official Notification PDF | Detailed Advertisement and Application Format |
| Official Website | ICAR-IARI Official Portal |
