ICAR-CRRI Research & Lab Posts Recruitment 2026

ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute (ICAR-CRRI), Cuttack is hiring for 3 project posts — Research Associate-I, Project Associate-I, and Laboratory Assistant — under the genome editing research project EAP-448. If you have the right science qualification, you can attend the walk-in interview on 1 and 2 June 2026. The salary goes up to Rs. 58,000 per month plus HRA. These are purely temporary, contract posts co-terminus with the project, up to 31 March 2027.

ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute (ICAR-CRRI) Recruitment 2026 - 3 Posts (Advt. EAP-448)

ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack has released Advertisement No. 05/RA-I/PA-I/LA/2026-27 to fill 3 posts under the project "Discovery of Indigenous genome editing tools and developing high yielding rice varieties" (EAP-448). There is no written exam — selection is through a walk-in interview (a screening test may be held if many candidates turn up). All posts are based at ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack, Odisha. Freshers and experienced science graduates can apply depending on the post.

Vacancy Details

Who Can Apply?

Research Associate-I (RA-I)

• Qualification: Ph.D, OR a Master's degree with a 3/4-year Bachelor's degree (1st division or 60% marks), with at least 3 years of research experience and one research paper in a Science Citation Indexed journal.
• Eligible disciplines: Agricultural Biotechnology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Botany, Biochemistry, Life Science, or Bioinformatics.
• Desirable: Knowledge of tissue culture, protein purification, molecular biology, genome editing, and bioinformatics.

Project Associate-I (PA-I)

• Qualification: Master's degree in Natural or Agricultural Sciences from a recognised University.
• Eligible disciplines: Biological Science, Botany, Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Genetics/Agriculture.

Laboratory Assistant

• Qualification: B.Sc in Biological Science, Botany, Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Genetics/Agriculture; OR a 3-year diploma in engineering and technology or agriculture-related subjects.

Age Limit

• Research Associate-I: Maximum 40 years for men and 45 years for women.
• Project Associate-I: Maximum 35 years.
• Laboratory Assistant: Maximum 50 years.
• Age is counted as on the date of interview.
• Age relaxation applies for SC, ST and OBC candidates as per Government of India norms.

Salary

• Research Associate-I: Rs. 58,000 per month + 18% HRA.
• Project Associate-I: Rs. 31,000 per month + HRA if selected through CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, or a national-level exam; otherwise Rs. 25,000 per month + HRA.
• Laboratory Assistant: Rs. 20,000 per month + 18% HRA.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

1. Walk-in Interview: A written-cum-personal interview held on the prescribed date and time at ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack.
2. Screening Test (if needed): If a large number of candidates appear, a screening test may be held to shortlist candidates for the interview.
3. Certificate Verification: Original certificates are checked along with the filled biodata form.

No TA/DA is paid for attending the interview. If you are currently employed, bring a No Objection Certificate from your employer.

How to Apply

1. Download the biodata form from the official website icar-crri.in and fill it in.
2. Attend the walk-in interview at ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack on your post's interview date.
3. Bring one recent passport-size photograph and original educational certificates (matriculation onwards) with photocopies.
4. Bring an experience certificate for the relevant subject (as per the advertisement).
5. Reach before the start time — no candidate is entertained after the mentioned time.

Important Dates

• Project Associate-I Interview: 1 June 2026 at 10:00 AM
• Research Associate-I Interview: 2 June 2026 at 3:00 PM
• Laboratory Assistant Interview: 2 June 2026 at 10:00 AM
• Project Duration: Up to 31 March 2027 (or till project completion, whichever is earlier)

• Plan and carry out research on genome editing and molecular biology of rice and crop plants
• Design experiments, collect samples, and run molecular and phenotypic analysis
• Analyse data and maintain accurate experimental records
• Prepare manuscripts, reports, and project documents
• Provide technical support to ongoing research under senior scientists
• Prepare media and reagents, handle sterilization, and maintain the lab (Laboratory Assistant)
• Support lab management and procurement of lab supplies