IISER Pune Research Associate-II Recruitment 2026

IISER Pune is hiring 1 Research Associate-II in the Department of Biology under a DBT-funded project. If you have a Ph.D. in Life Sciences, Biology, Biotechnology, Botany or Science with 1 year of relevant research experience, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 30 June 2026. Salary is Rs. 61,000 per month plus 27% HRA.

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune (IISER Pune) Research Associate-II Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune (IISER Pune) has released Advertisement No. 44/2026 for one Research Associate-II post on a temporary and contractual basis. The role is under the project titled Exploring a high-throughput combinatorial approach using heterologous promoters and endogenous signal peptides to enhance commercially important protein production in moss (Physcomitrium patens). This is a specialised molecular biology research role funded by the Department of Biotechnology.

The project code is 30826812, and the appointment is initially for one year. Extension may be considered if performance is satisfactory and the project continues. The job is a good fit for researchers with hands-on experience in recombinant DNA techniques, molecular biology, protein purification, BP-LR based cloning and moss-related experimental systems.

Who Can Apply?

Minimum Qualification

• Degree: You need a Ph.D. in Life Sciences, Biology, Biotechnology, Botany or Science.
• Experience: You need at least 1 year of relevant research experience.
• Nationality: The notification invites applications from Indian nationals.
• Recognised institution: The qualification should be from a recognised university or institution.

Preferred Research Experience

• Recombinant DNA: Research experience in recombinant DNA techniques will be preferred.
• Molecular Biology: Experience in molecular biology workflows is desirable.
• Protein Purification: Practical exposure to downstream protein purification studies will strengthen your application.
• BP-LR Cloning: Experience in BP-LR based cloning is specifically mentioned in the notice.

Project Work Requirements

• Cloning Work: The selected candidate is expected to work on high-throughput BP-LR based cloning.
• Moss Transformation: The role includes moss protoplast transformation.
• Protein Studies: The work includes downstream protein purification, assessment and related assay analysis.

Application focus: Your online form should clearly connect your Ph.D. research and 1 year of relevant experience with the project requirements. Mention any work on cloning strategies, protein expression, plant or moss systems, molecular assays and purification workflows, because the post is built around high-throughput cloning and protein-production experiments.

Age Limit

• Maximum age is 35 years as on the last date of application.
• Age reference date: The last date of application is 30 June 2026.
• Relaxation: Age relaxation may be considered for candidates with qualification or experience higher than advertised, with approval from the competent authority.

Salary

• Monthly pay is Rs. 61,000 per month.
• House Rent Allowance is 27% HRA in addition to the monthly pay.
• The post is a temporary project position, so salary and tenure are linked to the funded project rules.

Application Fee

• Application fee: The IISER Pune advertisement does not mention any application fee.
• Payment mode: Not applicable because no fee is stated in the notice.

Selection Process (No Written Exam Mentioned)

IISER Pune will shortlist candidates for the selection process. The shortlisted list, date, time and other details will be posted below the advertisement on the institute website, and candidates will be informed by email only.

1. Application Screening: IISER Pune will review qualification, research experience and project-fit details submitted online.
2. Shortlisting: If many applications are received, the Screening Committee may restrict the number of candidates using qualification and experience above the minimum level.
3. Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates will attend the selection process on the date and time announced by the institute.
4. Document Verification: Certificates, testimonials and photograph will be collected and verified at the appropriate stage.

Document check: IISER Pune will collect and verify certificates for age, education, experience and other testimonials at the appropriate stage. Keep scanned and physical copies ready, because shortlisted candidates will get communication by email only.

No TA/DA will be paid for appearing in the selection process. Any political or outside influence will be treated as disqualification for the post.

How to Apply

1. Open the IISER Pune opening page for Advertisement No. 44/2026 at iiserpune.ac.in.
2. Use the official Apply now link provided on the IISER Pune opening page.
3. Fill in the online Google Form with your personal, education and research-experience details.
4. Keep details of your Ph.D., relevant research experience and preferred skill areas ready before submitting.
5. Submit the online application before 30 June 2026.
6. Check your email and the IISER Pune website regularly for the shortlisted list and selection schedule.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 19 June 2026
• Online Application Start: 19 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 30 June 2026
• Selection Date: To be announced on the IISER Pune website
• Initial Tenure: One year, extendable based on performance and project continuation

Final check: Since this is a single-post research opening, submit the form early and make sure your email address is correct for selection updates.

• Carry out high-throughput BP-LR based cloning for the funded biology project
• Perform moss protoplast transformation and related experimental workflows
• Handle recombinant DNA and molecular biology experiments as assigned
• Conduct downstream protein purification, assessment and assay analysis
• Record experimental observations, analyse data and prepare project updates
• Coordinate with the project investigator and lab team for daily research tasks
• Follow laboratory safety, documentation and sample-handling protocols