ARI Project Associate I Recruitment 2026

Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune — an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India — is hiring 1 Project Associate I for an ANRF-funded research project in its Biodiversity & Paleobiology (Fungi) Group. If you have a Master's degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, or Life Sciences along with a qualifying national-level exam, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 15 July 2026. The monthly stipend is Rs. 37,000 plus HRA.

Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) Project Associate I Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, located at G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune, has invited applications for 1 temporary Project Associate I post under project SP-390, titled "Kavak-to-Fuel Biomanufacturing: Next-Generation Mycodiesel via High-Lipid Fungal Systems", funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). The position is in the Biodiversity & Paleobiology (Fungi) Group under Principal Investigator Dr. Shiwali Rana, Scientist B, and the project runs till 28 April 2029 (Post Code: ANRF-08-2026-27-PA-I). The project looks at engineering high-lipid fungal strains that can be converted into biodiesel, an area of growing interest for sustainable fuel research in India. This is a good opportunity for life science graduates interested in fungal biotechnology and biofuel research.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You need a Master's degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, or Life Sciences.
• Qualifying Exam: You must have cleared CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, GATE, or another national-level exam conducted by DST, DBT, DAE, DOS, DRDO, MHRD, ICAR, IIT, IISc, IISER, or other Central Government agencies.
• Desirable: Experience in screening and characterisation of oleaginous fungal strains, strain improvement, fermentation optimisation, lipid production, and characterisation will be preferred.
• Note: The essential qualifications listed are minimum requirements. Simply meeting them does not guarantee an interview call — the selection committee has the discretion to assess equivalent qualifications and shortlist candidates.

Age Limit

• You should be 50 years or below as on the closing date of the advertisement (15 July 2026).
• Age Relaxation: Applicable for OBC, SC, ST, and other reserved categories as per Government of India regulations.

Salary

• You will get a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 plus HRA.

Application Fee

• General / OBC / EWS: Rs. 100 (non-refundable)
• SC / ST / Divyang (PwD) / Women candidates: No fee
• Payment mode: Online, through SBI Collect (Educational Institutions category, select Agharkar Research Institute-MACS).
• Keep your online payment receipt safe — you will need to enter the receipt number in your application form.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection is based on your qualifications and an online interview:

1. Shortlisting: A shortlist of candidates for the interview will be displayed on the Institute's website.
2. Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online on 20 July 2026 at 10:30 AM.

No TA/DA is admissible for the interview, and being selected does not guarantee appointment against any ARI or funding agency post.

How to Apply

1. Go to the ARI recruitment portal at arijob.ourlib.in.
2. Fill in the online application form for Project Associate I (Post Code: ANRF-08-2026-27-PA-I).
3. Attach self-attested scanned certificates, a recent passport-size photograph, and your caste certificate (if applying under a reserved category).
4. Pay the application fee online, if applicable, and note the payment receipt number in your form.
5. Submit your application before 15 July 2026.

Important Dates

• Online Application Start: 2 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 15 July 2026
• Shortlist Display: On the Institute's website
• Online Interview: 20 July 2026 at 10:30 AM

• Screen and characterise oleaginous fungal strains for lipid production
• Carry out fermentation experiments and optimise process parameters
• Support strain improvement studies for high-lipid fungal systems
• Record and analyse experimental data related to biofuel research
• Maintain lab equipment, cultures, and safety protocols
• Assist the Principal Investigator in preparing project reports
• Coordinate with the Biodiversity & Paleobiology (Fungi) Group on project milestones