AAU Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026

Assam Agricultural University (AAU) is hiring 1 Project Associate-I for a DBT-funded research project on scented rice breeding at its Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Jorhat. If you have a Master's degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics, you can walk in for the interview on 10 August 2026. This is a contractual research position with a consolidated salary of Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 31,000 per month plus HRA, depending on your qualification.

Assam Agricultural University (AAU) Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

The Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics at Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, has invited candidates for 1 Project Associate-I post under the DBT (Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology)-funded project "Genomic assisted improvement of scented rice from Assam & Manipur for yield enhancement under stress and improved nutrition." This project focuses on developing improved, stress-tolerant and nutritionally enhanced varieties of Assam and Manipur scented rice, contributing to climate-resilient agricultural research in the Northeast. No online application is needed - eligible candidates simply attend the walk-in interview with their documents. AAU is one of the leading state agricultural universities in India, and working as a Project Associate here gives you direct, hands-on exposure to genomics-based rice breeding research - valuable experience if you are building a career in agricultural science.

Scented rice varieties from Assam and Manipur, such as Joha and Chakhao, are prized for their distinct aroma and command a premium in domestic and export markets, but they can be more vulnerable to environmental stress than high-yielding varieties. As a Project Associate-I on this DBT project, you will contribute to breeding lines that combine this traditional aroma and quality with better tolerance to stress and improved nutrition, working under an experienced Principal Investigator in the Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You need a Master's degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics from a recognized university, or an equivalent qualification.

Salary

• You will get a consolidated salary of Rs. 31,000 per month plus HRA if you qualify through CSIR-UGC NET (including lectureship/Assistant Professorship), GATE, or any national-level selection process conducted by a Central Government department or agency.
• If you do not meet the above criteria, you will still get Rs. 25,000 per month plus HRA.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection is through a walk-in interview only, with no separate written test or shortlisting round:

1. Walk-in Interview: Held in person before the selection committee at the Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, AAU, Jorhat. All eligible candidates with the required Master's qualification who report on the day will be considered.

Bring your original certificates for verification, along with self-attested copies, at the time of the interview. This two-tier pay structure, where NET/GATE-qualified candidates get a higher consolidated salary, is a standard practice for DBT and ICAR-funded contractual research positions across Indian agricultural universities.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your application on plain paper with your bio-data.
2. Attach self-attested copies of certificates, mark-sheets and other testimonials.
3. Report in person at the office chamber of the Head, Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, AAU, Jorhat on 10 August 2026 at 11:00 AM.
4. Carry your original certificates for verification at the time of the interview.

Important Dates

• Notice Issued: 31 July 2026
• Walk-in Interview Date: 10 August 2026, 11:00 AM
• Venue: Office chamber of the Head, Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, AAU, Jorhat

• Assist in field trials and screening of scented rice genotypes under the DBT project
• Support DNA extraction, PCR and other molecular marker analyses in the laboratory
• Record and compile phenotypic and genotypic data accurately
• Maintain field books, lab registers and experiment records
• Support the Principal Investigator in report writing and data analysis
• Coordinate with project staff for timely completion of research milestones
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and departmental guidelines