AAU Chief Scientist Recruitment 2026

Assam Agricultural University (AAU) is hiring 7 Chief Scientists across its research stations and institutes in Assam. If you have a Ph.D. with at least 10 years of teaching, research or extension experience (including 5 years as Associate Professor or equivalent), you can apply online. The last date to apply is 2 September 2026. This is a tenure post of 5 years with pay in Level 14 (Rs. 1,44,200 to Rs. 2,18,200 per month) of the 7th Pay Commission matrix.

Assam Agricultural University (AAU) Chief Scientist Recruitment 2026 - 7 Posts

Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, has released Advertisement No. 3/2026 inviting applications from Indian citizens for 7 Chief Scientist positions across its research stations. These are senior research leadership roles meant for experienced agricultural scientists with a strong publication record. Only candidates with substantial research and academic experience should apply, as the posts require both a doctoral qualification and a decade of relevant service.

Assam Agricultural University, headquartered in Jorhat, is the premier agricultural university of Northeast India and runs a wide network of zonal research stations and specialized institutes across the state. A Chief Scientist heads one of these stations or institutes, guiding its research direction, mentoring the scientific team, and representing the station in university-level academic bodies. This is a Level 14 post, on par with a Professor-level academic position, and is one of the more senior openings you will find in the agricultural research space in Assam this year.

Because the notification covers 7 separate stations spread across Assam — from Diphu in the south to Tinsukia in the northeast — candidates have some flexibility in choosing which location to apply for based on their research specialization and personal preference. Each station has its own area of focus, whether it is rice research, horticulture, citrus and plantation crops, or general zonal agricultural research.

Vacancy Breakdown by Research Station

• AAU Zonal Research Station (Diphu / Shillongani / North Lakhimpur / Gossaingaon): 4 posts (one each)
• AAU-Assam Rice Research Institute, Titabar: 1 post
• AAU-Horticulture Research Station, Kahikuchi: 1 post
• AAU-Citrus and Plantation Crops Research Station, Tinsukia: 1 post

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You need a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Sericulture/Horticulture/Agricultural Engineering, plus a Master's degree with at least 55% marks (or equivalent CGPA) in a relevant discipline, and a Ph.D. in the concerned discipline.
• Experience: You need a minimum of 10 years of service in teaching, research or extension (including the time spent on your Ph.D.), of which at least 5 years must be as Associate Professor or equivalent in a university or research/extension institution.
• Publications: You must have at least 10 publications (research papers, books, book chapters, review papers or monographs).
• API Score: You need a minimum score of 45 out of 65 (General category) or 42 out of 65 (SC/ST category) under the Academic Performance Indicator (API) based PBAS system to be called for interview.
• In-Service Candidates: If you are already employed, you must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your department or organization.
• Desirable Attributes: The notification lists several desirable qualities that can strengthen your candidature, including evidence of resource-pulling and technology adoption work, product or policy development contributions, professional recognition from other universities or scientific bodies, measurable impact through student performance or technology output, and involvement in institution-building or introducing new research methodologies.

Age Limit

• The upper age limit is 63 years as on the last date of submission of application.

Salary

• Selected candidates will get a salary of Rs. 1,44,200 to Rs. 2,18,200 per month under Level 14 of the 7th Pay Commission matrix.
• This is a tenure post for 5 years.

Application Fee

• General / OBC: Rs. 1,000
• SC / ST / PWD: Rs. 500
• Payment mode: Online only, along with the application.

Selection Process (Interview-Based)

Selection will be based on:

1. Screening: Your application is screened based on qualifications, experience and Academic Performance Indicator (API) score.
2. Interview: Candidates who meet the minimum API score (45/65 for General, 42/65 for SC/ST) are called for an interview.

Since there is no written examination for this post, your application, publication record, service history and API score do most of the work in getting you shortlisted — so make sure your application is complete and accurately reflects your academic achievements.

How to Apply

1. Go to the AAU application portal at online.aau.ac.in/officer-recruitment-3-2026.
2. Register and fill in the online application form in the prescribed format.
3. Upload your documents, publications list and photograph.
4. Pay the application fee online (Rs. 1,000 for General/OBC, Rs. 500 for SC/ST/PWD).
5. If you are an in-service candidate, attach your NOC from your current employer.
6. Submit the form on or before 4:00 PM on 2 September 2026.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 29 July 2026
• Online Application Start: 03 August 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 02 September 2026 (by 4:00 PM)

With about a month between the application opening and closing dates, you have reasonable time to put together a strong application, but given the documentation involved — publication lists, service certificates, and possibly an NOC — it is best to start early rather than rushing close to the 2 September deadline.

• Lead and guide research programs at the assigned research station or institute
• Plan and supervise agricultural or horticultural field trials and experiments
• Publish research findings in journals, books and technical reports
• Mentor junior scientists, research scholars and field staff
• Coordinate with government departments and farmers on technology transfer
• Prepare project proposals and manage research budgets
• Represent the station at scientific conferences and review meetings
• Ensure compliance with university research and administrative policies