ICAR-IARI SRF Recruitment 2026

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi is hiring 3 Senior Research Fellows (SRF) for its Division of Plant Physiology. If you have a Master's degree in Plant Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Plant Biochemistry, Life Sciences or Microbiology, you can apply by email and Google Form. The last date to apply is 28 August 2026. The monthly emoluments are Rs. 37,000 plus HRA.

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - 3 Posts

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi, one of India's premier institutes for agricultural research and education, has released a notification for 3 unreserved Senior Research Fellow (SRF) posts at the Division of Plant Physiology. These posts are under the ICAR-EFC project "Enhancing climate resilience and ensuring food security with genome editing tools" (Project Codes: 12-197-A, 12-197-B and 12-197-D). These positions focus on cutting-edge genome editing research to build climate-resilient crops, making this a strong launchpad for candidates interested in plant molecular biology and biotechnology research.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You need a Master's degree in Plant Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Plant Biochemistry, Life Sciences or Microbiology, with First Division in a 4-year or 5-year Bachelor's degree.
• Alternate Route: If you have a Bachelor's degree in basic sciences (3 years) plus a Master's degree (2 years), you need a NET/GATE/ICAR-SRF (PhD entrance) qualification along with 2 years of research experience.
• B.Tech/M.Tech Route: Candidates with a combined 5-year B.Tech and M.Tech degree are also eligible, as per applicable government norms (OM No. Edn./6/27/2014/HRD and related orders).
• Desirable: Experience in plant physiology, biochemistry and molecular techniques such as nucleic acid isolation, PCR, plasmid isolation, molecular cloning, genetic transformation of crops (rice, mustard, millets, etc), particle gun mediated transformation, plant tissue culture, and transgenic plant analysis will strengthen your application.

Age Limit

• The upper age limit is 35 years for men and 40 years for women.
• Age Relaxation: Relevant categories get relaxation in the upper age limit as per Government of India rules.

Salary

• You will get Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA (House Rent Allowance as per existing Central Government rates applicable to your work location).
• This is a purely contractual, time-bound engagement, co-terminus with the project.

Selection Process

The selection process has these stages:

1. Screening: Applications are shortlisted based on eligibility criteria, educational performance and relevant research experience.
2. Interview: Only shortlisted candidates will be informed via email and invited for an online or in-person interview at the Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. No TA/DA is paid for attending the interview.
3. Document Verification: Original documents of selected/wait-listed candidates will be checked in person before the offer letter is issued.

The interview is expected to be held in the first week of September 2026. Keep checking your email for updates, and the final result will also be published on the IARI website under News > Contractual Jobs > View Results.

How to Apply

1. Download the application proforma attached to the official notification.
2. Fill in your personal, educational, NET/GATE/BET score and work experience details as per the format.
3. Attach self-attested scanned copies of your original documents, merged into a single PDF of appropriate size.
4. Email your complete application to lab101.dpp@gmail.com.
5. Also fill and submit the online Google Form at forms.gle/AoM6UCUAu5KTXHqE7.

Important Dates

• Application Start Date: 11 August 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 28 August 2026
• Interview: First week of September 2026 (tentative)

Terms of Engagement: This is a purely contractual, time-bound engagement, and you will not have any claim for a regular appointment under ICAR or any further contractual engagement once the project ends. The initial tenure is up to 6 months from the date of engagement, and it can be extended based on project requirements and your performance, subject to approval by the competent authority. If your performance is not satisfactory, the engagement can be terminated with one month's notice. If you are already employed in a government or PSU role, or currently pursuing a PhD, you will need a No Objection Certificate from your employer or university. ICAR-IARI reserves the right to modify the number of vacancies at any stage.

• Carry out lab experiments in genome editing and plant molecular biology under the project
• Perform nucleic acid isolation, PCR, plasmid isolation and molecular cloning procedures
• Support genetic transformation of crops such as rice, mustard and millets
• Conduct plant tissue culture and particle gun mediated transformation work
• Analyze transgenic plants and record experimental data accurately
• Prepare progress reports and assist in manuscript/publication preparation
• Maintain lab equipment, reagents and safety protocols
• Present findings at project review meetings