BRIC-ILS Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026

BRIC-ILS is hiring 2 project staff — one Senior Project Associate and one Scientific Administrative Assistant/Field Worker — for a plant pathogen-resistance research project in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. If you have an M.Sc./M.Tech./M.Pharm./M.V.Sc. (or PhD) in Life Sciences for the senior post, or just a graduate degree in any discipline for the assistant post, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 9 August 2026. Salary ranges from Rs. 24,000 to Rs. 57,000 per month plus 20% HRA depending on the post.

BRIC-Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) Senior Project Associate & Field Worker Recruitment 2026 - 2 Posts

The Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar — an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India — has released Advertisement No. 31/2026 dated 30 July 2026 to fill 2 project positions under an ANRF-funded project titled "Conferring broad-spectrum pathogen resistance in tomato by manipulating miR159 biogenesis and expression of its targets," led by Dr. Namisha Sharma. Both fresh postgraduates/PhD holders in life sciences and science graduates looking for a field or admin role can apply for this temporary, project-linked opportunity. All positions are purely temporary and coterminous with the project period. ILS regularly runs project-staff recruitment on a rolling basis, so if you miss this window, keep an eye on the institute's advertisements page for the next opening.

Vacancy Details

Who Can Apply?

For Senior Project Associate (Rs. 57,000/month + 20% HRA):

• You need an M.Sc. / M.Tech. / M.Pharm. / M.V.Sc. or equivalent qualification in Life Sciences or allied subjects (Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Virology, Microbiology, etc.) with at least 55% aggregate marks (relaxation as per Government of India rules).
• You must have 4 years of research experience. Candidates qualified in NET/GATE/GPAT will be preferred; non-NET/GATE candidates get a fellowship as per DST guidelines.
• OR you can apply with a PhD in science or allied subjects instead.
• Desirable: Knowledge of Plant Molecular Biology and hands-on experience in virus inoculation, plant tissue culture, genome editing, NGS data analysis, and programming in R-studio/Python.

For Scientific Administrative Assistant / Field Worker (Rs. 24,000/month + 20% HRA):

• You need a Graduate degree in any discipline.
• No prior research experience is required for this post — it is suited to freshers and candidates looking to support field and administrative work on the project.

Age Limit

• For Senior Project Associate, you should be up to 35 years old.
• For Scientific Administrative Assistant/Field Worker, you should be up to 40 years old.
• Age Relaxation: Given as per Government of India rules for reserved categories.

Salary

• Senior Project Associate: Rs. 57,000 per month + 20% HRA.
• Scientific Administrative Assistant/Field Worker: Rs. 24,000 per month + 20% HRA.
• Non-NET/GATE candidates selected for the Senior Project Associate post get a fellowship amount as per DST guidelines instead.

Selection Process

The selection will be done in 2 stages:

1. Application Screening: Your application is reviewed against the eligibility criteria for the post you apply to.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview (physical mode) at the ILS campus, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar.

No TA/DA is paid for attending the interview, and all communication happens only through email — no separate call letter is issued.

How to Apply

1. Go to the ILS advertisements page at ils.res.in/advertisements.
2. Find Advertisement No. 31/2026 for Senior Project Associate or Scientific Administrative Assistant/Field Worker.
3. Click Apply Online against the post you are eligible for.
4. Fill in your personal, academic and experience details on the ILS application portal.
5. Submit your application online before 9 August 2026.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 30 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 9 August 2026
• Shortlist Display Date: 13 August 2026
• Interview Date: To be announced on the institute website

• Conduct molecular biology experiments related to miR159 biogenesis in tomato plants
• Carry out virus inoculation and plant tissue culture procedures for the project
• Analyze NGS and genomic data using R-studio and Python-based tools
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and research documentation
• Assist the Principal Investigator in day-to-day project activities
• Support field data collection and sample management for the project
• Handle administrative and logistical coordination for the project team
• Prepare progress reports and presentations for project review meetings