CUTN Project Associate-1 Recruitment 2026

Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) is hiring 1 Project Associate-I for a DST-sponsored research project in its Department of Epidemiology and Public Health. If you have an MSc in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, MPH or EPH with a qualifying national-level exam score, you can apply by email. The last date to apply is 13 August 2026. The monthly fellowship ranges from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 31,000 plus 10% HRA.

Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) Project Associate-1 Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

The Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at CUTN, located in Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, has released an advertisement for 1 Project Associate-I post to work on a time-bound DST-sponsored research project (DST/SEED/PVTG/2023/64) titled "Mapping of Vector borne zoonotic diseases among Irulas and their amelioration through digital health technology." This is a contract position under Principal Investigator Dr. Sujit Kumar Behera, Assistant Professor, and the tenure depends on the availability of project funds. Candidates with a background in molecular biology, epidemiology or public health and a qualifying national-level exam score are encouraged to apply.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You need an MSc in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, MPH or EPH with at least 55% marks.
• Qualifying Exam: You must have cleared CSIR NET, ICMR-JRF, DBT-JRF, ASRB NET, UGC NET, TIFR-JGEEBILS or another national-level exam.
• Preferred: Experience in field epidemiology research, point-of-care assay development, or other relevant molecular biology work is an advantage.

Age Limit

• The age limit for this post follows the DST and DBT guidelines and applicable Government of India rules. No fixed age criteria are mentioned in the advertisement.

Salary

• If you have qualified NET/GATE/ICMR-JRF/DBT-JRF/CUCET, you will get a monthly fellowship of Rs. 31,000 plus 10% HRA.
• If you have not qualified a national-level exam, you will get a monthly fellowship of Rs. 25,000 plus 10% HRA.
• The fellowship amount may change based on revised DST guidelines.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

1. Interview: A tentative hybrid-mode interview is scheduled for 14 August 2026 at 2 PM. You need to bring your original certificates and a filled application for verification at the interview.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from the CUTN careers page at cutn.ac.in.
2. Fill in the application with your UG, PG and research experience details, along with publication details.
3. Combine your filled application and CV with copies of your NET/JRF/GATE certificate into a single PDF file.
4. Email your application to sujitbehra@gmail.com before the deadline.
5. Bring your original and attested documents to the interview for verification.

You need to bring these documents to the interview:

• Filled-in application in the prescribed format, covering letter and detailed CV
• Original and attested photocopies of all your certificates, degree and mark sheets
• Original and attested copy of your CSIR NET/ICMR-JRF/DBT/ASRB NET/UGC NET/TIFR-JGEEBILS or other qualifying certificate
• Any additional certificates or testimonials you wish to present to the selection committee

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 28 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 13 August 2026 (5 PM)
• Tentative Interview Date: 14 August 2026

• Conduct field surveys and sample collection for vector-borne zoonotic disease research among the Irula tribal community
• Assist in developing and validating point-of-care diagnostic assays for digital health technology
• Maintain accurate lab records, data sheets and research documentation
• Support data collection, entry and preliminary analysis for the DST project
• Coordinate field visits and community engagement activities under the Principal Investigator's supervision
• Prepare progress reports and assist with manuscript and publication preparation
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and molecular biology best practices