RGCB Project Assistant I Recruitment 2026

Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram is hiring 1 Project Assistant I (listed as Project Associate-I in the official notice) for a DBT BIO-E3 funded vaccine research project. If you have a First Class Master's Degree in Life Sciences with at least 2 years of experience in mammalian cell culture or handling laboratory animals, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 17 July 2026. Salary ranges from Rs. 29,500 to Rs. 36,580 per month depending on your qualifications.

Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) Project Assistant I Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, has released Advertisement No. 04/2026 for 1 Project Assistant I post to work in the laboratory of Dr. Arun Sankaradoss, Scientist C. RGCB is based in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and carries out translational research in genomics, molecular medicine, cancer biology, infectious diseases and vaccine science. The position is attached to the DBT BIO-E3 funded extramural project titled "Novel Thermostable Circular RNA Vector for Vaccine Delivery: Pandemic Preparedness Against Emerging Viral Infections." The project focuses on developing a stable circular RNA-based vaccine platform that can help India respond faster to future viral outbreaks, and you would work directly in the lab supporting this research. BIO-E3 is the Department of Biotechnology's funding scheme for biotechnology-led research with economic and public-health impact, so this project sits within a nationally funded pandemic-preparedness effort. This is a one-year contract role that can be extended based on your performance, and it will end along with the project. It does not entitle you to any future or permanent position at RGCB. Life sciences postgraduates with hands-on virology or cell culture experience should apply.

Who Can Apply?

RGCB is looking for a life sciences graduate who is comfortable working independently in a molecular virology lab. Here is what you need:

• Qualification: First Class Master's Degree in Life Sciences with a good academic record.
• Experience: At least 2 years of documented experience in mammalian cell culture or handling laboratory animals, with in-depth knowledge of virology.
• Preferred Qualification: CSIR-UGC-NET/LS, GATE, DBT-BET, ICMR, DST-Inspire Fellowship, JEST or JGEEBILS.
• Preferred Skills: Experience in experimental virology (virus culture, titration, in vivo challenge) and pathology, molecular biology techniques (RNA isolation, protein gel electrophoresis, western blotting), and basic microbiology work in a BSL2 lab.
• Also Helpful: Basic laboratory maintenance experience, including ordering supplies, managing inventory, preparing reports and assisting other research staff.

Note: Meeting only the essential qualifications still makes you eligible to apply — the desirable qualifications mainly affect your pay tier and interview shortlisting.

Age Limit

• You should be up to 32 years old as on 17 July 2026.
• Age Relaxation: As per Government of India norms for reserved categories.

Salary

• You will get Rs. 25,000 + 18% HRA (about Rs. 29,500) per month if you meet only the essential qualifications.
• You will get Rs. 31,000 + 18% HRA (about Rs. 36,580) per month if you meet both the essential and desirable qualifications.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

There is no written test for this position. Selection is done in 2 stages:

1. Eligibility Screening: Your online application is checked against the qualification criteria, and eligible candidates are shortlisted.
2. Online Selection Interview: Shortlisted candidates are interviewed online. Final selection is based on your qualifications and interview performance.

If you already work in a government department or organisation, you must route your application through your employer (the proper channel) rather than applying directly.

How to Apply

1. Go to the RGCB application portal at rgcb.res.in/tempposition.
2. Select the Project Assistant I (Adv. 04/2026) position from the list of open positions.
3. Fill in the online application form carefully and in the prescribed format — incorrectly formatted applications will be rejected.
4. Attach details of your qualifications and experience as required by the form.
5. If you currently work in a government organisation, route your application through proper channel.
6. If you want to apply for more than one position at RGCB, submit a separate application for each post.
7. Submit your form online before 17 July 2026.

Once your application is screened, RGCB will contact shortlisted candidates directly for the online interview. There is no need to send a hard copy unless you are specifically asked to.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 7 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 17 July 2026

• Handle mammalian cell culture work for the vaccine delivery research project
• Conduct virus culture, titration and in vivo challenge experiments
• Perform molecular biology techniques including RNA isolation, gel electrophoresis and western blotting
• Maintain BSL2 laboratory protocols and safety standards
• Assist with laboratory animal handling and experimental procedures
• Keep proper records, order lab supplies and manage inventory
• Prepare research reports and assist the project scientist with deliverables