CURAJ JRF Microbiology Recruitment 2026

CURAJ JRF Microbiology Recruitment 2026: Overview

Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ) is recruiting a Junior Research Fellow in Microbiology for an Anusandhan National Research Foundation-funded Prime Minister's Early Career Research Grant project. The work will be based in the Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, at Bandarsindri near Kishangarh in Ajmer district. The project aims to develop an indigenous engineered Escherichia coli chassis for producing electrically conductive protein nanowires used in bioelectronics and energy applications. This is a specialised laboratory opportunity for someone interested in linking microbial engineering with emerging electronic and energy technologies.

The project brings together molecular biology, microbial genetics and recombinant DNA work with protein production, electrochemistry, biosensors and bioelectronics. You would join a focused research group led by the Principal Investigator, Dr. Jayesh M. Sonawane, and contribute to experiments that move from strain development to testing functional nanowire output. Hands-on laboratory confidence will matter because the research spans both biological systems and their performance in applied devices.

This fellowship can also suit a researcher planning to build a doctoral-level profile in synthetic biology or microbial biotechnology. Relevant publications and practical research experience are treated as advantages, particularly when they show that you can plan experiments, record results clearly and work with peer-reviewed scientific literature. The project subject is narrow, so your expression of interest should explain how your previous laboratory work connects with the proposed E. coli platform and its bioelectronics use.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Project tenure: The appointment begins for one year and may be extended yearly up to the project's completion, with a maximum duration of three years.
• Temporary engagement: The position is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project. An extension depends on satisfactory performance and the continued availability of project funds.
• Progression: Satisfactory work may lead to an upgrade from Junior Research Fellow to Senior Research Fellow in the third year under the applicable ANRF norms.
• Screening: The project team may set additional screening criteria if it receives a large number of applications, and meeting the basic conditions does not guarantee an interview call.
• Communication: Shortlisted applicants will be informed only by email or mobile; the university will not issue a separate interview letter.
• Travel: No TA or DA will be paid for attending the interview. An interview call also does not guarantee selection.
• Committee discretion: The committee may leave the position unfilled or offer a lower post if it does not find an applicant suitable for the advertised fellowship.

Application Submission Notes

Send the completed application and all attachments as one PDF file to jayesh.sonawane@curaj.ac.in. Use the exact email subject "Application for JRF under ANRF-PMECRG Project" and include your latest CV plus a brief expression of interest.

Your single PDF should contain the prescribed information and the supporting records requested in the notice. Keep the original certificates ready for the interview, together with one photocopy for verification. Questions about the position may be addressed to the Principal Investigator at the same official email address.

• Develop and test engineered Escherichia coli strains for the research project
• Run molecular biology, microbial genetics, and recombinant DNA experiments
• Cultivate bacterial cultures and carry out protein expression and purification
• Measure and analyse nanowire performance for bioelectronics and energy applications
• Keep accurate laboratory records, datasets, and experiment logs
• Review scientific literature and help prepare research reports and publications
• Maintain safe laboratory practices and manage project samples carefully