IAV Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026

About This Job

Institute of Advanced Virology Kerala (IAV) is hiring 2 Project Associate-I posts for a DBT-funded research project on antiviral shRNA delivery against rabies. If you have a Master's Degree in Life Sciences with 1 year of molecular biology experience, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 11 July 2026, 5:00 PM. Salary is Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 31,000 plus HRA per month, depending on national-level qualification.

IAV Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 - 2 Posts

The Institute of Advanced Virology Kerala has released Advertisement No. IAV/459/R&D/2026 for Project Associate-I posts under a DBT-funded extramural project. The project is titled Development and validation of brain cell-specific AAV vector library for antiviral shRNA delivery against Rabies. This is a purely temporary project role under Dr. Desingu P A in the Department of Virus Epidemiology, Vector Dynamics & Public Health.

The work is suitable for life science candidates who already have molecular biology technique experience and want research exposure in virology, viral vectors and gene therapy. The initial appointment is for one year, and extension will depend on yearly performance review, project needs and funding availability.

Who Can Apply?

Essential Qualification

• Education: You need a Master's Degree in Life Sciences from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience: You need 1 year of experience in molecular biology techniques.
• Age: Your age should not be more than 35 years as on 11 July 2026.

Desirable Experience

• Molecular biology: Hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques will help.
• Cell culture and animal work: Experience in cell culture and animal handling is preferred.
• Virology: Exposure to virology, viral vectors and gene therapy is useful for this project.

Age Limit

• Maximum age is 35 years as on 11 July 2026.
• Age relaxation: Relaxation will be given as per DBT guidelines.

Salary

• Rs. 31,000 plus HRA per month: For scholars selected through CSIR-UGC NET including lectureship, GATE or other national-level examinations conducted by Central Government departments and their agencies or institutions.
• Rs. 25,000 plus applicable HRA per month: For candidates who do not have CSIR-UGC NET, GATE or equivalent national-level qualification.
• The post is project-based, so the salary and continuation depend on project rules, performance and funding.

Application Fee

• No application fee is mentioned in the IAV notification.
• You only need to complete the online Google Form before the deadline.

Selection Process

IAV will first check applications through a screening committee. Shortlisted candidates will then go through a written test and/or interview.

1. Application Screening: IAV checks whether you meet the qualification, experience and age conditions.
2. Shortlisting: Only candidates who pass screening will be called for the next stage.
3. Written Test and/or Interview: The final selection may include a written test, interview, or both.
4. Document Verification: Original certificates may be checked before appointment.

How to Apply

1. Open the official online form linked by IAV at forms.gle/VDtgLBmSYyg3CWFdA.
2. Fill in your personal details, education, experience and contact information carefully.
3. Upload or provide supporting details as asked in the form.
4. Submit the online form before 11 July 2026, 5:00 PM.
5. Keep your email ID active, because all communication for this appointment will be sent by email.

Documents to Keep Ready

• Education certificates: Master's Degree in Life Sciences or equivalent proof from a recognised university.
• Experience proof: Certificate or letter showing 1 year of molecular biology technique experience.
• National-level qualification proof: CSIR-UGC NET, GATE or equivalent certificate, if you are claiming the higher salary category.
• Age proof: Any accepted date of birth certificate or identity document.
• Category proof: Certificate needed for DBT age relaxation, if applicable.

Important Conditions

• Temporary appointment: This is not a regular IAV or DBT post, and it does not give any claim for future permanent appointment.
• Project-linked tenure: The appointment is co-terminus with the project and depends on project requirement, funding and yearly performance review.
• Email communication: All correspondence will be through email, so you should provide a valid and active email ID in the form.
• Joining timeline: Selected candidates must join within 15 days from the appointment order.
• Work location: The selected candidate may need to work at collaborating institutions as directed by the Principal Investigator.
• Updates: Any amendment, shortlist or result will be published on the IAV website, so you should check the recruitment page regularly after applying.
• Certificate rules: All educational qualification certificates should be from a recognised board or university, and experience will be counted only after you get the minimum essential qualification.
• No canvassing: The notice says canvassing in any form is not allowed, and interim enquiry will not be entertained during the selection process.
• Final decision: The Director, IAV can decide the number of positions to be filled and can cancel or change the selection process if required.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 12 June 2026
• Application Start: 12 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 11 July 2026, up to 5:00 PM
• Written Test/Interview Date: To be announced

• Handle molecular biology work linked to the DBT rabies research project
• Work with cell culture, virology and viral vector experiments as assigned
• Assist the Principal Investigator with sample processing and lab workflows
• Keep accurate experiment records, data sheets and project notes
• Follow biosafety, animal handling and institute research guidelines
• Prepare updates needed for project review and funding reports
• Coordinate with collaborating institutions when project work requires it