CDFD Scientist Recruitment 2026 Advt 04/2026

CDFD Scientist Recruitment 2026: Overview

The Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, is hiring Scientists at three levels (Scientist-III, Scientist-IV and Scientist-V) under Advertisement No. 04/2026. CDFD is a research institute of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) under the Department of Biotechnology, and it runs DNA fingerprinting and genetic diagnosis services alongside basic research in modern biology.

These are regular faculty-level posts in the Scientist cadre, not short project jobs. CDFD is looking for young researchers who want to build and lead their own research group — the institute also states that it is strongly committed to improving gender parity in its faculty. If you hold a PhD in the life sciences or a related field, or an MD, MDS or MVSc, check the research areas for each level below before you choose one.

Posts and Disciplines

• Scientist-V (senior level): open to all areas of modern biology, with Plant Genetics, Chemical Biology, Cancer Biology and Disease Biology named as focus areas. This level suits researchers who already hold a responsible post in research, teaching or industry. Posts at this level are unreserved.
• Scientist-IV (middle level): focus areas include Infection Biology, Immunology, Microbiology and Synthetic Biology, though other areas of modern biology are welcome. Posts at this level are reserved for EWS and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates.
• Scientist-III (entry level): focus areas are Computational and Systems Biology, Human Genetics and Forensic Genetics/Genomics. No post-PhD experience is needed at this level. Posts at this level are reserved for EWS and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates.

The degree requirement is the same for all three levels; the levels differ in the post-qualification experience you need and the upper age cut-off, both shown in the post-wise table.

Post-wise Duties

Scientist-V and Scientist-IV

You will set up and run an independent, externally funded research group, guide PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, and take part in teaching, training and the institute's academic work. CDFD also expects you to build collaborations across disciplines.

Scientist-III

You will start your own research line in your chosen area. If you are selected in Human Genetics and Forensic Genetics/Genomics, you will also help run and maintain CDFD's core DNA fingerprinting service facility and support its technology development and capacity-building work.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Citizenship: Only Indian citizens can apply.
• Degree in hand: You must already hold the essential qualification when you apply; final-year students and candidates awaiting results should not apply.
• Counting experience: Full-time project work counts, but part-time, daily-wage, visiting and guest faculty work does not. Experience is counted from the date you earned the essential qualification up to the closing date.
• Shortlisting: Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee a call. The Screening Committee can set higher shortlisting criteria, so list every extra qualification, grant and publication in your form.
• OBC and EWS certificates: An OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate obtained before 31 March 2026 is not accepted, and the EWS Income and Asset Certificate must be issued on or after 1 April 2026 in the prescribed format.
• Reserved posts: Age relaxation for a reserved category applies only to posts reserved for that category. A reserved-category candidate applying against an unreserved post pays the full fee.
• Probation: Two years from the date of joining.
• Pension and benefits: New entrants come under the National Pension System, with medical, LTC and other benefits as per Government and institute norms.
• Posting liability: You can be asked to work anywhere in India depending on the Centre's needs.
• Before joining: You must clear a medical examination and police verification. If you already hold a permanent government post, pay protection is considered under Government of India rules.
• Travel and stay: CDFD does not provide accommodation to shortlisted candidates, and document verification at CDFD is at your own cost.
• Timeline: CDFD aims to finish the whole process within eight months of the advertisement.

Application Submission Notes

Applications are online only through the CDFD website (cdfd.org.in), and the portal opens on the start date shown above. The fee is paid separately through SBI Collect: search for Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, pick Application Fee and enter Advt No. 04/2026. Keep the e-receipt, because you must type the transaction number into your form.

• One post per registration: applying for two levels means two registrations, two forms and two fee payments.
• In-service candidates: upload an NOC (Annexure I) from your employer, or a declaration (Annexure II) and bring the NOC to the interview. A form with neither is treated as incomplete.
• Closing time: the portal closes at 6:00 PM on the last date, and nothing can be edited after final submission.
• Queries: advertisement questions go to cdfd.recruitment@gmail.com; technical problems go to webmaster@cdfd.org.in, with "Advertisement No. 04/2026" in the subject line.

• Lead an independent research group in an area of modern biology
• Win external research grants to fund your research programme
• Guide PhD students and postdoctoral researchers
• Build research collaborations with other disciplines and institutions
• Teach and train students and take part in the institute's academic activities
• Publish high-quality research papers from your group's work
• Help run and maintain the core DNA fingerprinting service facility (Scientist-III, Human Genetics and Forensic Genetics/Genomics)