IIT Madras Project Scientist I Recruitment 2026

IIT Madras is hiring 4 Project Scientist – I researchers for the Department of Biotechnology. If you have an M.Tech in Bioprocess Engineering (with 3 years' experience) or a fresh Ph.D in Biotechnology, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 27 July 2026. The post carries a consolidated salary of Rs. 85,833 per month for an initial one-year contract.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Project Scientist – I Recruitment 2026 - 4 Posts

The Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (IC&SR) at IIT Madras has released Advertisement No. ICSR/PR/Advt.132/2026, dated 13 July 2026, for 4 Project Scientist – I posts in the Department of Biotechnology under Prof. Guhan Jayaraman. This is a contract position, initially for one year and extendable based on your performance. Candidates with molecular biology and fermentation experience are especially encouraged to apply. You will design and run bioprocess development experiments, maintain a functioning biofoundry lab, and support scale-up from lab to pilot scale.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: M.Tech in Bioprocess Engineering or a related field with a minimum of 3 years' experience, OR a fresh Ph.D in Biotechnology.
• Technical Skills: Expertise in molecular biology and recombinant DNA techniques; experience in microbial fermentation/cell culture including shake flask and bioreactor operations; experience in downstream processing and analytical characterization techniques.
• Other Skills: You should be able to work and collaborate in cross-functional teams, think critically, troubleshoot problems, and write clear reports. A good publication record is desirable.
• Nationality: Open to Indian citizens; subjects of Nepal are also eligible with an eligibility certificate from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Note: SC/ST candidates may get relaxation in the experience requirement at the Institute's discretion, if enough experienced candidates from these categories are not available. The prescribed qualifications are minimum requirements — a higher qualification does not guarantee that you will be shortlisted.

Salary

• Selected candidates will get a consolidated salary of Rs. 85,833 per month.
• This is a fixed monthly pay for the duration of the contract. No separate DA/HRA structure is mentioned in the notification.

Selection Process

The selection process includes the following stages:

1. Shortlisting: Based on the information you provide in your online application.
2. Skill Test / Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be called for a written test, skill test, or interview at the Institute's discretion.
3. Document Verification: You must produce original certificates. If you are currently working on an IIT Madras project, you need a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to appear for the test/interview.

Note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Canvassing in any form will disqualify your candidature. The Institute encourages women candidates to apply as part of its commitment to a gender-balanced workforce.

How to Apply

1. Go to icandsr.iitm.ac.in/careers/current_openings.php.
2. Find and select Advt.132/2026 - Project Scientist – I from the list of current openings.
3. Register with your email ID (one login per advertisement) and fill in the online application form.
4. Upload your documents and submit before the deadline.
5. Double-check all details before submitting — the application cannot be edited or reverted once submitted.

If you face any technical issues while applying, email icsrrecruitment@icsrpis.iitm.ac.in or call 044-2257 8843 (Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM).

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 13 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 27 July 2026

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for lab experiments
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments for bioprocess development and optimization
• Support scale-up of processes from lab scale to pilot scale
• Assist in preparing technical project proposals and funding agency submissions
• Generate, manage, and maintain critical experimental data in an organized manner
• Maintain and operate the biofoundry lab, including equipment upkeep
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot process issues