IIT Madras Project Scientist II Recruitment 2026

IIT Madras is hiring 1 Project Scientist – II (Technical Lead) for the Department of Biotechnology. If you have a Ph.D in Bioprocess Engineering (with 2 years' experience) or an M.Tech with 3 years' experience, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 27 July 2026. The post carries a consolidated salary of Rs. 1,10,833 per month for an initial one-year contract.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Project Scientist – II Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

The Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (IC&SR) at IIT Madras has released Advertisement No. ICSR/PR/Advt.131/2026, dated 13 July 2026, for 1 Project Scientist – II post (Technical Lead) in the Department of Biotechnology under Prof. Guhan Jayaraman. This is a senior contract position, initially for one year and extendable based on your performance. Strong strain engineering and bioreactor experience is essential for this role, as you will lead experiment design, mentor junior researchers, and drive process scale-up in a functioning biofoundry lab.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: Ph.D in Bioprocess Engineering or a related field with 2 years' experience, OR M.Tech with a minimum of 3 years' experience.
• Technical Skills: Expertise in strain engineering using synthetic biology tools (screening and library preparation of genetic parts) and metabolic engineering including in-silico genome scale models. Hands-on experience with bioreactors or fermentation systems, analytics, or downstream processes is required.
• Preferred: Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical data analysis, and experience with process modeling and simulation.
• Other Skills: You should be able to mentor junior researchers, work in cross-functional teams, think critically, and have excellent scientific writing skills for presentations, proposals, and reports.
• 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. 1,10,833 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.131/2026 - Project Scientist – II 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

• Lead strain engineering activities including screening and library preparation of genetic parts
• Operate and analyze biological systems in batch and continuous fermentation modes
• Manage the biorepository, including cataloguing, archiving, and retrieval of samples
• Design and lead experiments for process scale-up, scale-down, and characterization
• Interpret results and design studies using Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology
• Lead preparation of patent documentation and technology transfer documents
• Mentor junior researchers and collaborate across cross-functional teams
• Assist in technical project proposals and funding agency submissions