ICAR IARI RA, JRF & YP Recruitment 2026

About This Job

ICAR-IARI has released notification for 6 Research Associate, JRF, Young Professional posts under the Division of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry in New Delhi. Candidates with a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in relevant subjects can apply online and by post. Last date to apply is 03 April 2026. Monthly fellowship ranges from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 67,000 plus HRA (where applicable).

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) RA, JRF & YP Recruitment 2026 - 6 Posts

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, has invited applications for 6 contractual positions under two genome editing research projects in the Division of Plant Physiology and Division of Biochemistry. The two projects are "Genotype-Independent Transformation Platforms for Genome Editing in Oilseeds and Pulses" and "ICAR EFC Genome Editing Project". These are purely temporary positions, co-terminus with the respective project end dates. If you have a background in plant biotechnology, molecular biology, or related life sciences, this is an excellent opportunity to work at India's premier agricultural research institution on cutting-edge genome editing research.

Vacancy Details

All posts are unreserved and temporary in nature.

Who Can Apply?

For Research Associate (RA) - 2 Posts:

• Option 1: Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Biochemistry, Genetics, Life Sciences, or Molecular Biology
• Option 2: Master's degree in the relevant subject with a 4 or 5-year Bachelor's degree having First Division (60% marks or equivalent CGPA), plus at least 3 years of research experience
• Desirable: Experience in Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation, particle gun mediated transformation, RNA-mediated gene editing, genome editing of plants, molecular cloning, and molecular analysis of transgenic plants

For Junior Research Fellow (JRF) - 2 Posts:

• Option 1: Master's degree in Plant Physiology, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Biochemistry, or relevant subjects with UGC/CSIR/ICAR NET/GATE qualification
• Option 2: Ph.D. in any of the above disciplines
• Desirable: Experience in Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of rice, molecular cloning, molecular and physiological analysis of transgenic plants, data analysis, and research paper writing

For Young Professional-II (YP-II) - 1 Post:

• Master's degree in Plant Physiology, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Biochemistry, or relevant subjects
• Note: As per the corrigendum dated 23 March 2026, NET/GATE is no longer required for YP-II
• Desirable: Experience in Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of rice, molecular cloning, molecular and physiological analysis of transgenic plants

For Young Professional-I (YP-I) / Project Assistant - 1 Post:

• Bachelor's degree in any relevant subject
• Desirable: Experience of working in a laboratory, office work, solution/media preparation, and autoclaving

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 35 years for men (for SRF/YP-I positions)
• Age Relaxation: 5 years relaxation for Women, SC, ST, and OBC candidates as per Government of India / ICAR rules

Salary / Fellowship

• Research Associate (RA): Rs. 61,000 per month + 30% HRA for Master's degree holders; Rs. 67,000 per month + 30% HRA for Ph.D. holders
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Rs. 37,000 per month + 30% HRA
• Young Professional-II (YP-II): Rs. 42,000 per month (consolidated, no HRA)
• Young Professional-I (YP-I): Rs. 30,000 per month (consolidated, no HRA)

Application Fee

• No application fee is mentioned in the notification for any category.

Selection Process

Selection will be done in 2 stages:

1. Screening of Applications: Only candidates meeting the essential and desirable qualifications will be shortlisted for the interview.
2. Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an online interview. The interview date will be communicated to selected candidates or posted on the IARI website.

Academic scores will be calculated based on marks from 10th Standard onward. If you do not submit marks and attested certificates, academic score will not be awarded.

How to Apply

1. Fill the online application form at https://forms.gle/Bb2WnJDbQszFtUpC7
2. Prepare your biodata in the format given in Annexure 1 of the notification.
3. Attach self-attested scanned copies of all certificates: 10th, 12th, UG, PG, Ph.D., and NET/GATE certificates.
4. Affix a recent attested passport-size photograph on the biodata.
5. Include office orders for research experience and certificates from PIs wherever applicable.
6. Submit your complete application before 03 April 2026.

Incomplete applications will be rejected. Make sure to specify the project name and post name clearly.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 21 March 2026
• Corrigendum Date: 24 March 2026 (YP-II qualification revised)
• Last Date to Apply: 03 April 2026
• Interview Date: To be announced (will be intimated to shortlisted candidates)

• Conduct experiments related to Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of crops including rice, chickpea, mustard, and pigeon pea
• Perform genome editing techniques such as CRISPR-based methods on oilseeds and pulses
• Handle molecular cloning, PCR, and other standard molecular biology protocols in the lab
• Assist in molecular and physiological analysis of transgenic plants
• Prepare solutions, culture media, and maintain sterile lab conditions including autoclaving
• Maintain accurate records of experimental data and prepare research reports
• Assist in writing and publishing research papers in peer-reviewed journals