ILS Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar is hiring 1 Senior Research Fellow (SRF) for an ANRF-funded research project. If you have an M.Sc. in Life Sciences along with NET/GATE qualification, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 21 August 2026. You should be below 32 years of age. The position pays Rs. 42,000 per month plus HRA.

Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

ILS Bhubaneswar, an autonomous institute functioning under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) and the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, has released Advertisement No. 32/2026 for one Senior Research Fellow position. The role is on the ANRF Advanced Research Grant project titled "Development and Immortalization of Primary Human Middle Ear Epithelial (HMEE) Cells to Elucidate Otitis Media Pathogenesis: A Population-Specific Model", led by Principal Investigator Dr. P V Ramchander. The project studies ear infections (otitis media) using specialised human cell models, and is funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the Government of India's apex research funding body. There is no written exam for this post — selection is through application screening followed directly by an interview. This role suits Life Sciences graduates who already have hands-on cell biology and molecular biology lab experience and are looking to build a research career in biomedical sciences.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: M.Sc. or an equivalent qualification in any area of Life Sciences.
• Selection Route: You must have qualified through one of these: (a) National Eligibility Test - CSIR-UGC NET, including Lectureship (LS) and GATE, or (b) a national-level exam conducted by Central Government Departments/Agencies such as DST, DBT, DAE, DOS, DRDO, MHRD, ICAR, ICMR, IIT, IISc or IISER. In simple terms, you need to have already cleared a recognised national fellowship-eligibility exam before you apply for this SRF post.
• Experience: A minimum of 2 years of research experience after completing your M.Sc. degree is compulsory. This experience should reflect real lab work, not just coursework.
• Desired Skills: Hands-on expertise in primary cell isolation from human surgical tissue, extracellular matrix-based culture systems, and molecular techniques including immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Experience in cryopreservation/cell banking and cell line authentication/validation assays is also expected, since the project involves developing and preserving a new, population-specific human cell line.

Age Limit

• You should be below 32 years of age as on 21 August 2026.
• Age Relaxation: Will be granted as per Government of India norms for eligible categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/women, as applicable).

Salary

• Selected candidates will get a remuneration of Rs. 42,000 per month plus HRA.
• This is a fixed-term, project-based fellowship position tied to the duration of the ANRF-funded research grant.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection is done in 2 stages:

1. Application Screening: Your application will be screened against the eligibility criteria above, and the list of shortlisted candidates will be published on the ILS website.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the selection panel. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview, so plan your travel accordingly.

The Director's decision on candidate selection is final, and no further correspondence will be entertained in this regard.

How to Apply

1. Go to the official ILS website at www.ils.res.in.
2. Find the SRF Advt. No. 32/2026 listing under the "Advertisements" section.
3. Click on the "Apply Online" link specific to this position (against Dr. P V Ramchander's project).
4. Fill in your personal, educational and experience details in the online form.
5. Submit your application before the deadline and keep a copy for your reference.

Note: All communication from ILS will be through e-mail. No separate call letter will be issued to candidates, so check your email regularly after applying.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 4 August 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 21 August 2026
• Display of Shortlisted Candidates: 25 August 2026
• Interview Date: To be announced on the ILS website

• Isolate and culture primary human middle ear epithelial cells from surgical tissue samples
• Set up and maintain extracellular matrix-based cell culture systems
• Perform molecular techniques including immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR and Western blotting
• Handle cryopreservation and cell banking of established cell lines
• Carry out cell line authentication and validation assays
• Maintain accurate lab records and document experimental results for the project
• Assist the Principal Investigator with day-to-day project research activities
• Prepare progress reports and data summaries for the ANRF-funded project