IISER Pune Project Associate-I Biology Recruitment 2026

IISER Pune is hiring 1 Project Associate-I in the Biology Department for a DBT-funded research project. If you have an M.Sc. or B.Tech in Life Sciences, Biotechnology or Bioengineering with at least 70% marks, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 30 June 2026. Salary is Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 37,000 per month plus 30% HRA, depending on national-level test qualification.

IISER Pune Project Associate-I Biology Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune (IISER Pune) has released Advertisement No. 42/2026 for one temporary Project Associate-I position under the project on stem cell niche establishment during regeneration. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and carries Project Code 34526819. This is a project-based contract role, initially for 1 year and extendable if the project continues and performance is satisfactory.

This post is suitable for candidates who want hands-on research exposure in plant regeneration, molecular biology, genetics and imaging. The notice says IISER Pune may apply an additional percentage cut-off during screening if many forms are received, so you should clearly mention your marks, project work, lab techniques and imaging experience in the online form.

The project work is built around Arabidopsis root tip regeneration, a model system used to study how plant cells reorganise during regeneration. Your day-to-day work may include supporting genetic screens, preparing cloning tools and analysing microscopy images to understand cell geometry. This makes the role useful for someone who wants practical research experience before moving into a Ph.D., research assistantship or higher laboratory role.

The notice also makes it clear that the appointment is temporary and tied to the funded project. It does not create a claim for regular appointment in IISER Pune or the funding agency. You should apply only if you are comfortable with a project contract and can join the specific research work described in Advertisement No. 42/2026.

Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification

• Qualification: You need an M.Sc. or B.Tech in Life Sciences, Biotechnology or Bioengineering.
• Marks: You should have at least 70% marks or an equivalent grade.
• Recognised institution: Your degree should be from a recognised university or institution.
• Screening note: IISER Pune may use a higher marks cut-off if the number of applications is large.

Preferred Skills

• Molecular biology and genetics: Prior experience in these techniques is required for preference.
• Microscopy and imaging: Prior experience in handling microscopes and imaging is required; confocal microscopy experience will be preferred.
• Research fit: Experience with plant biology, image analysis or cloning tools will help you present a stronger application.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 35 years as on the last date of application, which is 30 June 2026.
• Relaxation: IISER Pune may consider age relaxation for applicants with higher qualification or relevant experience, with prior approval of the competent authority.

Salary

• Standard fellowship: Rs. 30,000 per month plus 30% HRA.
• For candidates with valid CSIR-NET, GATE, DBT-JRF or another qualifying national-level test score accepted in the notice: Rs. 37,000 per month plus 30% HRA.
• The pay is a consolidated project salary; regular government allowances are not mentioned for this temporary project post.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

There is no written exam mentioned in the notification. Selection will be handled through shortlisting and an interview-based selection process.

1. Application Screening: IISER Pune will screen online applications based on qualification, marks, research experience and project fit.
2. Shortlist Announcement: The list of shortlisted candidates, along with date, time and other selection details, will be placed below the advertisement on the IISER Pune website.
3. Email Communication: Shortlisted candidates will be informed by email only.
4. Interview and Document Check: Certificates for age, qualification and experience, plus a recent passport-size colour photo, will be collected and checked at the appropriate stage.

You should keep your email inbox active after applying because IISER Pune will not rely on postal letters for shortlisted candidates. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or selection process, so plan travel and availability only after you receive the official shortlist update.

How to Apply

1. Go to the IISER Pune opening page at iiserpune.ac.in.
2. Open Advertisement No. 42/2026 for Project Associate-I in the Biology Department.
3. Click the official Apply now link given on that page.
4. Fill in your personal details, education, marks, national-level test details and research experience carefully.
5. Highlight relevant work in molecular biology, genetics, microscopy, imaging and confocal microscopy.
6. Submit the online form before 30 June 2026 and keep a copy of your submitted details for reference.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 17 June 2026
• Application Start: 17 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 30 June 2026
• Shortlist and Interview Date: To be announced on the IISER Pune website

• Assist with Arabidopsis root tip regeneration experiments
• Support genetic screens connected to stem cell niche establishment
• Prepare molecular cloning tools needed for the project
• Handle microscopy and imaging work for plant samples
• Perform image analysis to measure and study cell geometry
• Keep organised records of experiments, images and observations
• Coordinate with the project team during screening, analysis and reporting work