ICAR-IARI Recruitment 2026 – Research Associate, Senior Research Fellow and Young Professional-II
ICAR-IARI Recruitment 2026: Apply for 4 Research Associate, Senior Research Fellow and Young Professional-II vacancies. Check eligibility, salary and the 11 November deadline.
Date Posted: 27 October 2026
Organization: ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI)
About Organization:
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is a leading agricultural research and education institution in India. Located in New Delhi, the institute conducts scientific research to improve crop productivity, develop advanced agricultural technologies, and strengthen national food security.
ICAR-IARI has invited applications from eligible candidates for temporary research positions under the ICAR-funded Genome Editing Scheme. The recruitment offers opportunities for researchers with backgrounds in biotechnology, molecular biology, plant physiology, plant biochemistry, and related plant sciences.
The project focuses on enhancing climate resilience and ensuring food security using genome-editing tools.
ICAR-IARI Recruitment 2026 – Vacancy Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute |
| Division | Plant Physiology |
| Project | Enhancing Climate Resilience and Ensuring Food Security with Genome Editing Tools |
| Research Associate (RA) | 1 vacancy |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | 2 vacancies |
| Young Professional-II (YP-II) | 1 vacancy |
| Total Vacancies | 4 |
| Job Type | Temporary/contractual |
| Job Location | New Delhi – 110012 |
| Application Mode | Online form and biodata submission |
| Last Date | 11 November 2026 |
1. Research Associate (RA)
Vacancies: 1
Essential Qualifications
Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, or a relevant plant science discipline.
The doctoral research should have a strong focus on CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing and related areas, including genome editing, gene construct development, and evaluation of transgenic lines.
Desirable Research Experience
Preference may be given to candidates with experience in:
- Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation in soybean, mustard, pigeon pea, or other relevant crops.
- Plant transformation using particle-gun-mediated techniques.
- RNA-mediated gene editing and plant genome editing.
- Molecular cloning and the development of novel gene vectors.
- Molecular characterization of transgenic plants.
- Data interpretation and statistical analysis.
- Scientific writing and preparation of research publications.
Salary
- Candidates with a Master’s degree: ₹61,000 per month plus 30% HRA.
- Candidates with a Ph.D.: ₹67,000 per month plus 30% HRA.
The applicable remuneration will depend on the qualifications and conditions specified in the official notification.
2. Senior Research Fellow (SRF)
Vacancies: 2
Essential Qualifications
Candidates should have a Master’s degree in one of the following disciplines:
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- Biotechnology
- Plant Physiology
- Plant Biochemistry
- Life Sciences
The notification specifies different qualification pathways depending on the duration and nature of the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Candidates with a four-year or five-year bachelor’s degree should meet the prescribed first-division requirement.
Candidates with a three-year bachelor’s degree followed by a two-year master’s degree must satisfy the applicable NET, GATE, or ICAR-SRF qualification requirement and have two years of research experience.
Candidates with a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline may also qualify under the notification’s provisions.
Applicants should read the official advertisement carefully to determine which qualification pathway applies to them.
Desirable Experience
Relevant experience in the following areas may be advantageous:
- Plant genetic transformation.
- Molecular cloning and gene construct development.
- Molecular and physiological analysis of transgenic plants.
- Experimental data analysis.
- Scientific research and research-paper writing.
Salary
₹37,000 per month plus 30% HRA.
3. Young Professional-II (YP-II)
Vacancies: 1
Essential Qualifications
Candidates should possess a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as:
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- Biotechnology
- Plant Physiology
- Plant Biochemistry
- Life Sciences
Desirable Experience
Candidates with practical experience in the following areas may be preferred:
- Genetic transformation of plants.
- Molecular cloning.
- Molecular analysis of transgenic plants.
- Plant biotechnology laboratory techniques.
Salary
₹42,000 per month, consolidated.
The consolidated remuneration should not be treated as an additional amount to which HRA is automatically added.
Age Limit
The recruitment information gives the following age limits:
| Post | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate | 40 years | 45 years |
| Senior Research Fellow | 35 years | 40 years |
| Young Professional-II | 40 years | 45 years |
Age relaxation for eligible reserved-category and other candidates is subject to the applicable government rules and the official notification.
Candidates should verify the prescribed age-calculation date and applicable relaxation provisions before applying.
Project Details
The positions are associated with the ICAR-funded project titled:
“Enhancing Climate Resilience and Ensuring Food Security with Genome Editing Tools.”
The project supports research into advanced plant biotechnology and genome-editing approaches that may contribute to climate-resilient agriculture and food security.
Depending on the post, selected candidates may contribute to gene-editing experiments, molecular biology, plant transformation, analysis of transgenic plants, experimental data interpretation, and scientific reporting.
Duration of Appointment
The positions are temporary and project-based.
The initial engagement is described as six months or the remaining project duration, whichever is earlier. Continuation or extension depends on the project’s requirements and the candidate’s performance.
These positions do not provide an automatic entitlement to permanent employment with ICAR-IARI.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Reference Date | October 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit the Application and Biodata | 11 November 2026 |
| Interview Date | To be communicated to shortlisted candidates |
The interview date and time should be confirmed through official communication from the institute.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates should complete the application process before the deadline.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official ICAR-IARI website or open the recruitment notification linked below.
- Read the complete advertisement for the Research Associate, Senior Research Fellow, and Young Professional-II positions.
- Open the online application form specified in the notification.
- Complete the application form accurately.
- Prepare the biodata in the prescribed format.
- Attach self-attested scanned copies of the required educational certificates, mark sheets, and supporting documents.
- Include proof of research experience, publications, or other qualifications where applicable.
- Check that the correct project name and post applied for are mentioned.
- Submit the required online form and biodata by 11 November 2026.
- Retain a copy of the submitted application and supporting documents.
Application Form: https://forms.gle/Bb2WnJDbQszFtUpC7
Address
Division of Plant Physiology
ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute
Pusa Campus, New Delhi – 110012
India.