CSIR-NBRI Director Recruitment 2026

CSIR-NBRI Director Recruitment 2026: Overview

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is searching for a Director to head CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow — one of India's premier plant-science institutes, recognised for its pioneering work in plant biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, phytochemistry, biodiversity conservation and the reclamation of degraded ecosystems. The advertisement (No. 03/2026) is being routed through ICAR for wider publicity among eminent scientists and technologists across the country's research establishment. CSIR itself is ranked 1st among Indian government institutions and 101st worldwide in the 2026 SCImago Institutions Rankings, with 37 constituent laboratories, nearly 3,500 scientists, 4,000 technical support staff and about 9,000 JRF/SRF/RA and project personnel. CSIR-NBRI runs one of the country's largest digitised herbaria on NABL-accredited scientific infrastructure — the institute wants an accomplished scientist-leader with a strong translational-research and technology-commercialisation record to head it.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Tenure: The appointment is for six years or till superannuation, whichever is earlier; renewal is allowed only in exceptional cases.
• Relaxation: Qualifications, age and experience requirements can be relaxed for exceptionally meritorious candidates, with the Director General CSIR's approval.
• Absorption: On completing the tenure, the Director can be considered for absorption in CSIR as a Director's Grade Scientist (Scientist 'H'/Outstanding Scientist), as per rules.
• Nomination route: Institutes and departments are also being asked to nominate suitable scientists/technologists directly, alongside candidates who apply on their own.

Application Submission Notes

Send your bio-data — with details of scientific and translational contributions, publications and patents — by email to drc.hqrs@csir.res.in (nominations can also copy dg.csir@csir.res.in), or by post to Director Recruitment Cell, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001. Use the CSIR bio-data proforma, and include a one-to-two-page vision statement for CSIR-NBRI along with the names of five professional referees.

• Lead the institute's scientific vision and set its research and technology priorities
• Supervise and administer all scientific, technical and support staff
• Build and mentor multidisciplinary R&D teams across plant science disciplines
• Drive technology transfer, patenting and industry/academia collaborations
• Represent CSIR-NBRI before CSIR headquarters, government bodies and international partners
• Oversee the institute's NABL-accredited infrastructure and herbarium resources
• Ensure the institute's activities align with national S&T and sustainability priorities