CURAJ Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ) is hiring 1 Senior Research Fellow (SRF) for a DBT-funded research project in the Department of Environmental Science. If you have an M.Sc. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Botany, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics or Genetics along with a CSIR-UGC NET or GATE qualification, you can apply by email. The last date to apply is 12 July 2026. The fellowship pays Rs. 42,000 + HRA per month.

Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ) Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ), a Category-I university recognized by the UGC and NAAC accredited with an A++ grade, has invited applications for 1 Senior Research Fellow position under a DBT (Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India) sponsored project titled "Understanding algal microbiome compositions, functional genomic traits, and allelochemical interactions in polyalgal and mono-algal cultures for biofuel production", in the Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth Sciences. The position is purely time-bound — the project runs for about 3 years, with the initial appointment for 1 year, extendable based on performance. This is a strong opportunity for researchers interested in microbiology, phycology, algal biotechnology and genomics who want to work on cutting-edge biofuel research. CURAJ is located at Bandarsindri in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan and was established under the Central Universities Act, 2009, making it one of India's newer central universities with a growing research footprint in the sciences.

The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, which supports advanced research in life sciences and biotechnology across the country. This particular study looks at how algae grown together in mixed (polyalgal) and single-species (mono-algal) cultures interact with each other at the genetic and chemical level, with the long-term goal of building better synthetic ecology models for algae-based biofuel production — a promising area of renewable energy research. As the SRF, you will work closely with the Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator on hands-on laboratory work, genomic analysis and data interpretation.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: M.Sc. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Botany, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Genetics or an equivalent branch with at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognized university/institute (as per UGC norms).
• Mandatory Qualifying Exam: You must have qualified CSIR-UGC NET (Lectureship) and/or GATE or an equivalent examination.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of Research and Development experience in a related field.
• Preferred: Candidates with knowledge or experience in molecular biology, metagenomics/microbiome studies, metabolomics and biotechnology will be given preference.

This position offers valuable interdisciplinary exposure, since the project is jointly guided by Dr. Shailesh Kumar Patidar (Principal Investigator, Department of Environmental Science) and Dr. Dipak Gayen (Co-Principal Investigator, Department of Biochemistry). You will get to work across two departments and build expertise that spans microbiology, genomics and environmental science. If you already hold an equivalent qualification from a foreign university, you must be ready to produce an equivalence certificate from the competent authority when asked.

Salary

• You will get a consolidated fellowship of Rs. 42,000 per month plus HRA, as per Central University of Rajasthan norms.
• Accommodation in the University may also be provided, subject to availability.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection for this fellowship happens in two stages:

1. Screening of Applications: Your CV and documents will be screened against the eligibility criteria by the Principal Investigator.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview conducted by the Department of Environmental Science. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your CV along with scanned original documents (educational certificates, NET/GATE certificate, experience certificates) combined into a single PDF.
2. Fill out the Google Form at forms.gle/6ULMbqVW3GRaMLMp6 and attach your combined PDF.
3. Also email your CV and documents directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Shailesh Kumar Patidar, at shailesh.patidar@curaj.ac.in.
4. Use the subject line "Application for SRF in DBT-Funded Project."
5. Submit your application within 10 days of the advertisement date, i.e. by 12 July 2026.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 2 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 12 July 2026
• Interview Date: To be announced

• Conduct research on algal microbiome composition, genomics and allelochemical interactions as per project objectives
• Collect and analyze algal culture samples using appropriate laboratory and molecular biology techniques
• Assist the Principal Investigator in designing and running project experiments
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, data logs and documentation
• Prepare technical reports and contribute to research publications
• Coordinate with the project team on genomics and metagenomics related tasks