CMFRI JRF and Project Assistant Recruitment 2026

ICAR-CMFRI is hiring 1 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and 1 Project Assistant at Kochi for a DBT-funded marine biotechnology project. If you have the required PG science qualification for JRF or a bachelor's degree in fisheries/biotech/life sciences for Project Assistant, you can apply by email. The last date to send the application is 30 June 2026 by 5:00 PM. Salary is Rs. 37,000 plus HRA for JRF and Rs. 24,000 per month for Project Assistant.

ICAR-CMFRI JRF and Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 - 2 Posts

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), Kochi has issued notice F.No. 10-10/2026-Esttt.I(438911) dated 17 June 2026 for two temporary project posts. The work is under the DBT project Biotransformation of Complex Seaweed Polysaccharides into Digestible Functional Carbohydrates through Microbial Fermentation for Sustainable Marine Aquafeed Development. Both posts are project-linked and co-terminus with the project, so this is a research contract opportunity and not a permanent ICAR appointment.

The interview is scheduled at ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi on 3 July 2026 at 10:00 AM. Shortlisted applicants will be informed by email by 1 July 2026. You should keep original certificates, ID proof and the required declarations ready because document checking is part of the interview process.

Vacancy Details

Total posts: 2 temporary project positions at ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi.

Who Can Apply?

For Junior Research Fellow (JRF)

• Qualification: You need a Master's degree in biotechnology, nutrition, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or a relevant branch of Fisheries, Agricultural, Veterinary or Basic Sciences.
• National-level test: You must have NET/GATE or an equivalent national-level examination qualification from bodies such as DBT-BET, DST, ICAR, ICMR, IIT, IISc or IISER as per DBT/DST rules.
• Desirable: DBT-BET Category-II qualified applicants can also be considered as per the DST office memorandum mentioned in the notice.
• Experience: Experience in microbial fermentation, biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology, qPCR, biochemical analysis and data handling software will help.

For Project Assistant

• Qualification: You need a bachelor's degree in Fisheries Science, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences or a related discipline.
• Experience: Experience in laboratory work, sample processing, biochemical analysis and computer applications is desirable.
• Work location: You must be ready to work at ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi under the project team.

Age Limit

• You should be between 21 and 45 years old.
• Age reference date: The crucial date for age is the interview date, 3 July 2026.
• SC/ST relaxation: Relaxation of 5 years is applicable as per Government of India and ICAR rules.
• OBC relaxation: Relaxation of 3 years is applicable as per Government of India and ICAR rules.

Salary

• Junior Research Fellow: Rs. 37,000 per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA).
• Project Assistant: Rs. 24,000 per month on a consolidated basis.
• HRA note: HRA for the JRF post will follow existing Central Government rates applicable in Kochi, Kerala.
• No TA/DA: No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining the position.

Application Fee

• Application fee: The official notice does not mention any fee.
• Payment mode: Not applicable because no fee is given in the notification.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection will be through email application screening, interview and document verification. The notice does not give any written exam pattern.

1. Application Screening: CMFRI will check the emailed application, qualification and supporting documents.
2. Shortlisting: Shortlisted applicants will be informed by email by 1 July 2026.
3. Interview: Shortlisted applicants must attend the interview on 3 July 2026 at 10:00 AM at ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi.
4. Document Verification: Original documents and one valid ID proof must be shown at the interview.

Interview reporting advice: Reach at least 30 minutes before the scheduled interview time so the document and attendance formalities can be completed.

How to Apply

1. Fill the biodata/application format attached with the official notification.
2. Keep supporting documents for age, education, category, experience, ID proof and NOC if applicable.
3. Email the filled application and documents to cmfrinutrition@gmail.com.
4. Send the email before 30 June 2026 by 5:00 PM.
5. If your near or distant relative works in ICAR-CMFRI, send the required declaration in the format given in Annexure-II.
6. Watch your email because shortlisted applicants will receive interview information by 1 July 2026.
7. Carry original documents and one valid ID proof to the interview at ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi.

Email tip: Keep the post name, your name and document file names clear so the CMFRI project team can quickly match your application to the correct post.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 17 June 2026
• Application Start: 17 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply by Email: 30 June 2026 by 5:00 PM
• Shortlist Email: On or before 1 July 2026
• Interview Date: 3 July 2026 at 10:00 AM
• Age Cut-off Date: 3 July 2026

• Handle research support work for the DBT-funded marine aquafeed development project
• Prepare laboratory samples and support microbial fermentation or biochemical analysis work
• Assist with molecular biology, qPCR, biochemical testing and related data handling as needed
• Keep project records, observations, sample details and supporting files in proper order
• Work with the Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition and Health Division team at Kochi
• Follow ICAR-CMFRI laboratory safety, documentation and reporting instructions
• Support interview, joining and document verification formalities when selected