Senior Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 at Jawaharlal Nehru University – ANRF Sponsored Research Project

JNU Senior Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 invites applications for one research position in the Plant Immunity Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, under an ANRF-sponsored project on tea gray blight disease. Salary ₹57,000 + HRA. Apply by September 28.

Date Posted: 16th September 2026

Organization: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi

About Organization:

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, is a major institution of higher education and research in India. The present recruitment is for a research position in the School of Life Sciences, specifically within the Plant Immunity Laboratory.

JNU Recruitment 2026 – Vacancy Details

Project Title

“Development of integrated approaches to combat destructive tea gray blight disease in India by combining outcomes of pathogen molecular diversity, fungicide sensitivity, microbial antagonists, and virulence factors”

The selected researcher will work on this project at the Plant Immunity Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University.

The research is directed toward understanding and developing approaches to combat tea gray blight disease by integrating different aspects of plant disease research.

Essential Educational Qualification

Candidates must satisfy either of the following qualification routes.

Option 1 – Bachelor’s / Master’s Degree + R&D Experience

Candidates should possess either:

• A four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Sciences or Agricultural Sciences from a recognized university or equivalent;

OR

• A Master’s Degree in Natural Sciences or Agricultural Sciences from a recognized university or equivalent.

In addition, candidates should have:

• Four years of experience in Research & Development (R&D) in any of the following areas:
  • Industrial institutions
  • Academic institutions
  • Science & Technology organizations
  • Scientific activities and services

Option 2 – Doctoral Qualification

Candidates possessing:

• Doctoral Degree in Plant Science from a recognized university or equivalent.

may also apply under the specified eligibility criteria.

Research Areas

The project covers a multidisciplinary research area involving plant health, plant-pathogen interactions, and disease management.

The broad research areas include:

• Plant Science
• Agricultural Sciences
• Plant Pathology
• Plant Immunity
• Molecular diversity of plant pathogens
• Fungicide sensitivity
• Microbial antagonists
• Virulence factors
• Tea crop disease management
• Plant disease research

Candidates with relevant academic or research backgrounds in these areas may find the position particularly relevant to their expertise.

Fellowship / Salary

The selected candidate will receive:

₹57,000 per month + HRA

HRA will be provided according to the applicable rules.

The position is project-funded and the appointment will remain associated with the duration of the sponsored research project.

Project Duration

The appointment will be for:

3 years or co-terminus with the project, whichever is applicable.

Since this is a project-based position, continuation is subject to the duration and requirements of the sponsored project and applicable institutional rules.

Job Responsibilities

The Senior Project Associate-I will be expected to contribute to the research activities associated with the ANRF-sponsored project.

The work may involve research related to:

• Plant pathogen studies.
• Plant disease research.
• Molecular characterization of pathogens.
• Study of pathogen diversity.
• Investigation of fungicide sensitivity.
• Evaluation of microbial antagonists.
• Investigation of pathogen virulence factors.
• Plant immunity and plant-pathogen interactions.
• Development of integrated disease-management approaches.
• Collection, analysis, and interpretation of research data.
• Preparation of research reports and scientific documentation.
• Contribution to research publications and project deliverables.

The exact research duties will be assigned according to the requirements of the project and the Plant Immunity Laboratory.

Candidate Profile

Candidates applying for the Senior Project Associate-I position should have an academic or research background relevant to the project.

Applicants should ideally have:

• A degree in Natural Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or Plant Science as prescribed.
• Relevant R&D experience where applicable.
• Research exposure in plant science, plant pathology, microbiology, agriculture, or related fields.
• Ability to undertake laboratory-based research.
• Good analytical and scientific research skills.
• Ability to work as part of a research team.
• Good scientific communication and documentation skills.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates should carefully follow the application procedure specified in the official recruitment notice.

Candidates should ensure that their application clearly demonstrates their eligibility for the Senior Project Associate-I position and includes complete details of their educational qualifications and relevant research/R&D experience.

Applicants should particularly highlight:

• Educational qualifications
• Research experience
• R&D experience
• Plant Science/Agricultural Science background
• Relevant publications or research work
• Contact information

Important Dates

Place of Work

The selected candidate will work at:

Plant Immunity Laboratory
School of Life Sciences
Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi – 110067, India.