IISER Tirupati RA-1 (Virology) Recruitment 2026

IISER Tirupati is hiring one Research Associate-1 for a virology and drug discovery research project in the Department of Biology. If you hold a Ph.D. in Life Sciences with a peer-reviewed first-author publication in infectious disease research, you can apply by email. The last date to apply is 10 August 2026 by 5:00 PM. The fellowship ranges from Rs. 42,000 to Rs. 58,000 per month plus 10% HRA, and you can apply if you are up to 35 years old as on the closing date.

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

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, an autonomous institution of national importance under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has issued Advertisement No. 53/2026 for one Research Associate-1 position under the project "Antiviral screening and target validation for RNA viruses". The project is led by Principal Investigator Prof. Guruprasad R. Medigeshi and falls under the research area of Virology and Drug Discovery. This is a contract position, initially for six months with a possible extension of another six months based on your performance review. If selected, you will be expected to join duty immediately on receiving the offer letter, and this appointment does not carry any claim to permanent absorption at the Institute. IISER Tirupati was set up by the Ministry of Education to promote high-quality science education and research in the country, and it regularly recruits contract Research Associates like this one to support its ongoing sponsored research projects across the sciences.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You need a Ph.D. degree in any area of Life Sciences, obtained from a recognized University or Institution. If you have submitted your thesis and are awaiting the award of your Ph.D., you can still apply.
• Research Track Record: You must show evidence of high-quality research in infectious diseases carried out during or after your Ph.D. program, backed by a peer-reviewed first-author publication in a journal indexed in SCOPUS, PubMed or similar databases.
• Desirable Skills: Experience in mammalian cell culture, recombinant protein expression and purification, gene expression studies, and virus research will be an advantage.

Note: Meeting the minimum qualification does not automatically guarantee an interview call. If a large number of applications are received, the Project Leader may shortlist candidates based on qualifications and experience above the minimum criteria. You will need to submit photocopies of your certificates and testimonials for age, qualification and experience at a later stage of the selection process, so it helps to keep them ready in advance.

Age Limit

• You should not be more than 35 years old as on 10 August 2026, the closing date of this advertisement.

Salary

• You will get a fellowship of Rs. 58,000 per month plus 10% HRA if you can produce your Ph.D. certificate at the time of joining.
• If your Ph.D. degree is still awaited (thesis submitted, final viva/defense pending), you will get Rs. 42,000 per month plus 10% HRA. You'll need a letter from a competent authority confirming your submission status.
• A nominal research grant is also available to the selected candidate under this program.
• The position is initially for six months, with a further six-month extension possible after a performance review.

Selection Process

There is no separate written exam for this post, since this is a project-based contract role rather than a government service post. Your selection will happen through these stages, with most weight given to your qualifications, publication record and interview performance:

1. Screening of Applications: The Screening Committee reviews every application based on your qualifications, publication record and research experience.
2. Shortlisting: Only shortlisted candidates are called for the further selection process, and this is communicated by email only.
3. Interview: No TA/DA is paid for attending the interview.
4. Document Verification: Your photograph, certificates, and testimonials for age, qualification, and experience are checked at this stage.

You are responsible for making sure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying. If it's found later that you didn't meet the criteria, even after appointment, your candidature can be cancelled immediately. Canvassing in any form will disqualify your application.

How to Apply

1. Fill in the application form given in the advertisement PDF.
2. Convert your filled form into PDF format.
3. Email it to projectstaffrecruitment@labs.iisertirupati.ac.in with the post name and Post Code "Research Associate-1: 53/2026" in the subject line.
4. Send your email on or before 10 August 2026, 5:00 PM. No other application form will be accepted.

Mention your active mobile number and email ID clearly, since the list of shortlisted candidates is notified only by email. Recent passport-size photographs and photocopies of certificates for age, qualification, and experience will be collected at an appropriate stage.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 18 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 10 August 2026 (5:00 PM)

• Conduct antiviral screening assays and target validation studies for RNA viruses
• Perform mammalian cell culture, recombinant protein expression and purification
• Carry out gene expression studies related to virus-host interactions
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and follow biosafety protocols for virus research
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator on experimental design and data analysis
• Prepare research reports and contribute to manuscript writing for publication
• Present research progress at lab meetings and academic seminars
• Support other ongoing virology and drug discovery research activities in the lab