BioNEST-BHU Chief Operating Officer Recruitment 2026

BioNEST-BHU, the InnoResTech Foundation's bioincubation center at Banaras Hindu University, is hiring 1 Chief Operating Officer (COO) on a contractual basis. If you have a postgraduate degree in life sciences or an MBA/Management degree with at least 55% marks, you can apply. The salary is a consolidated Rs. 80,000 per month, and the last date to apply is 22 July 2026. You must not be above 50 years of age, though relaxation is possible for experienced candidates.

BioNEST-BHU Chief Operating Officer Recruitment 2026

BioNEST-BHU, InnoResTech Foundation, operates under the Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, as a BIRAC-sponsored bioincubation center that supports life sciences and biotech start-ups. BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council), under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, runs the BioNEST scheme across universities and research institutes to nurture biotech entrepreneurship. The Foundation is now looking for a Chief Operating Officer to run the day-to-day operations of the center. This is a purely temporary, contractual post for an initial 12 months, extendable based on your performance and the project's needs, and it is co-terminus with the BioNEST program.

This role puts you at the centre of Varanasi's growing biotech and life-sciences start-up ecosystem. You will be based at the Central Discovery Center building on the BHU campus, working alongside faculty, researchers and young entrepreneurs who use the center's laboratories, equipment and office space to build their ventures. If you have strong management, business development and grant-writing experience, this is your chance to shape how a university-run incubator connects innovators with mentors, investors and industry.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: A postgraduate (PG) degree in any allied subject of life sciences, OR an MBA/Management degree with at least 55% marks or equivalent.
• Desirable: A Ph.D in a relevant subject; 3-5 years of working experience in an R&D organisation, industry, incubation center, or start-up ecosystem; experience in business/project management; and a track record of attracting business, grants or investments for a center's sustainability.
• Skills: Good communication, managerial and leadership skills, strong drafting and noting skills, familiarity with official government procedures, and the ability to write grant proposals.
• Note: the Ph.D, prior experience and specific skill requirements above are listed as desirable, not mandatory — you can still apply with just the essential PG/MBA qualification.

Age Limit

• You must not exceed 50 years of age as on the last date of application.
• Age Relaxation: Age may be relaxed for experienced and well-qualified candidates, at the discretion of the Selection Committee.

Salary

• The selected candidate will get a consolidated salary of Rs. 80,000 per month.
• No TA/DA will be paid if you are called for an interview.

Selection Process

There is no written exam for this post. BioNEST-BHU will first screen applications against the essential and desirable qualifications, and shortlisted candidates will then go through:

1. Interview and Personal Interaction: Conducted by a duly constituted Selection Committee, which will assess your management experience, business development track record and communication skills.

How to Apply

You need to complete two steps to submit a valid application — an online form and a hard-copy application by post. Missing either step means your application will not be considered complete.

1. Prepare your application on plain paper with your name, permanent and correspondence address, father's and mother's name, Aadhar card number, phone number and email address.
2. Add details of your educational qualifications and career, starting from High School onwards, along with self-attested copies of all mark-sheets and certificates.
3. Attach a copy of your relevant work experience certificate issued by the competent authority.
4. Fill and submit the online Google Form given in the advertisement — this alone will NOT be treated as a complete application.
5. Send the hard copy of your complete application, along with all supporting documents, by Speed Post/Registered Post/Courier to The Coordinator, BioNEST-BHU, 4th Floor, Central Discovery Center Building, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005.
6. Also email a soft copy of your application to bionestbhu@bhu.ac.in before the last date.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 1 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 22 July 2026 (within 21 days of the advertisement)

• Work towards the long-term sustainability of the bioincubation center
• Attract and secure business deals, grants and investments for the center
• Build a strong ecosystem to support innovators, technology developers and start-ups
• Connect incubatees with mentors, investors, regulatory experts and industry partners
• Organise seminars, hackathons, training programs and workshops for faculty, students and start-ups
• Coordinate and liaise with different university departments, industry and other organisations
• Prepare grant proposals and manage official correspondence and documentation