RGCB Research Associate-I Cultured Meat Recruitment 2026

RGCB Research Associate-I Recruitment 2026: Overview

BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, is hiring a Research Associate-I for a DBT-BIRAC funded project under the 'Smart Proteins' track of the BioE3 Policy, which backs high-performance biomanufacturing in India. You will work in the laboratory of Dr. Debasree Dutta, Scientist F. This is a contractual project post, so it suits a recent PhD in Life Sciences who already has hands-on stem cell work in the thesis and wants to move into applied food biotechnology.

The project aims to build a serum-free growth medium for deriving bovine embryonic stem cells and turning them into muscle stem cells. The bigger goal is a sustainable, plant-based and home-grown alternative for producing cultured meat, so most of your work will sit at the bench, in cell culture and in molecular analysis.

Beyond the essential degree, RGCB says it prefers candidates who have done embryonic stem cell derivation from embryos, embryo handling, teratoma generation, muscle stem cell differentiation and mouse handling. Lab techniques such as western blot, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, FACS and IHC also count in your favour.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Tenure: You are engaged for four months at first, or until the project ends if that is earlier. Extension depends on a performance review.
• Co-terminus post: Like every project post at RGCB, the job ends with the project.
• No future claim: Selection does not give you any right to a later post at RGCB, permanent or otherwise.
• Citizenship: Only Indian citizens can apply.
• Thesis proof: Your stem cell or mammalian cell culture experience must be certified through your PhD thesis.

Application Submission Notes

You apply through the online form on the RGCB temporary positions portal. If you work in a government organisation now, send your application through proper channel. Applying for more than one RGCB position? Fill a separate form for each post — forms not in the prescribed format are rejected outright.

RGCB will shortlist candidates on eligibility and call them for an online selection interview, so keep your email and phone handy after you apply.

• Derive bovine embryonic stem cells and keep them healthy in culture
• Develop and test serum-free growth media for stem cell growth
• Differentiate embryonic stem cells into muscle stem cells
• Run molecular and cell assays such as western blot, RT-PCR, FACS and immunostaining
• Record experiments and analyse the data for project reports
• Support the project lead in planning experiments under the BioE3 Smart Proteins goals