RGCB Project Research Scientist I Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online

The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, is recruiting for the position of Project Research Scientist I for 2026. This is a project-based research position for scientists working on biotechnology and life sciences research projects. Selected candidates will contribute to cutting-edge research in molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, or related fields under various extramurally funded projects. The position offers an opportunity to work in a premier research institution with state-of-the-art facilities. Contract duration typically ranges from 1-3 years based on project tenure.

Important Dates (Typical / Indicative)

Vacancy Details (Typical / Indicative)

Note: Exact vacancy count varies based on ongoing project requirements and funding availability.

Educational Qualification

• Essential: Ph.D. degree in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, or related disciplines from a recognized university/institution
• Desirable: Post-doctoral research experience, published research papers in peer-reviewed journals, experience in research methodologies relevant to the project
• Candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis and are awaiting results may apply, subject to submission of degree certificate before joining

Age Limit

Age as on last date of application:

Age Relaxation:

Nationality

• Indian Citizens only
• Candidates must be Indian nationals as on the date of application

How to Apply

1. Visit the official RGCB website at www.rgcb.res.in
2. Navigate to the 'Careers' or 'Recruitment' section on the homepage
3. Locate the notification for Project Research Scientist I Recruitment 2026
4. Read the detailed advertisement and eligibility criteria carefully
5. Click on the 'Apply Online' link to access the application portal
6. Register using a valid email ID and mobile number to create login credentials
7. Fill in the online application form with personal, educational, and professional details
8. Upload scanned copies of required documents (photograph, signature, educational certificates, experience certificates, caste certificate if applicable)
9. Pay the application fee through online mode (Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI)
10. Review the filled application form thoroughly before final submission
11. Submit the application and note down the registration/application number
12. Download and save the completed application form for future reference

Application Fee (Typical / Indicative)

Payment Mode: Online only (Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI)

Note: Application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Selection Stages

1. Application Screening: All submitted applications are screened for eligibility criteria including educational qualifications, age limit, and experience. Only eligible candidates are shortlisted for further stages.

1. Written Test / Presentation (if applicable): Shortlisted candidates may be required to appear for a written test covering subject knowledge, research aptitude, and analytical skills, or may be asked to give a presentation on their previous research work.

1. Personal Interview: Candidates who qualify the written test/presentation are called for personal interview before an expert committee. The interview assesses subject knowledge, research experience, understanding of the project area, communication skills, and overall suitability for the position.

1. Document Verification: Candidates selected after interview must produce original documents for verification including educational certificates, experience certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), age proof, and identity proof.

1. Medical Fitness: Final selection is subject to medical fitness as per institute norms. Selected candidates may be required to undergo medical examination at designated medical centres.

1. Final Merit List: A final merit list is prepared based on performance in interview and document verification. Selected candidates are offered appointment subject to project availability and funding.

Selection Test Pattern (Typical / Indicative)

Written Test (if conducted)

Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer

Interview

Note: The selection process may vary based on specific project requirements. Some projects may conduct only interviews without written tests.

Detailed Syllabus

Molecular Biology

• DNA replication, transcription, and translation mechanisms
• Gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
• DNA repair mechanisms and recombination
• Molecular cloning techniques and vectors
• PCR and its variants (RT-PCR, qPCR, digital PCR)
• DNA sequencing technologies (Sanger and Next-Generation Sequencing)
• Gene editing technologies (CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs, Zinc Finger Nucleases)

Cell Biology

• Cell structure and organelle functions
• Cell cycle regulation and checkpoints
• Cell signaling pathways and signal transduction
• Apoptosis and programmed cell death
• Cell culture techniques (primary and immortalized cell lines)
• Stem cell biology and differentiation
• Cancer biology and tumor microenvironment

Biochemistry and Protein Science

• Protein structure, folding, and dynamics
• Enzyme kinetics and catalysis
• Protein purification techniques
• Protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions
• Post-translational modifications
• Proteomics and mass spectrometry
• Metabolomics and metabolic pathways

Genetics and Genomics

• Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics
• Population genetics and evolutionary biology
• Genomic organization and chromosome structure
• Functional genomics and transcriptomics
• Epigenetics and chromatin remodeling
• Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
• Comparative genomics and bioinformatics

Immunology and Microbiology

• Innate and adaptive immune responses
• Antigen presentation and T cell activation
• Antibody structure and function
• Immunological techniques (ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Western Blot)
• Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens
• Host-pathogen interactions
• Vaccine development and immunotherapy

Research Methodology and Biostatistics

• Experimental design and hypothesis testing
• Statistical analysis (parametric and non-parametric tests)
• Data interpretation and visualization
• Research ethics and biosafety
• Scientific writing and publication process
• Intellectual property rights and patents
• Laboratory management and quality control

Biotechnology Applications

• Recombinant DNA technology
• Biopharmaceutical production
• Agricultural biotechnology and GMOs
• Environmental biotechnology and bioremediation
• Nanobiotechnology and biosensors
• Synthetic biology and metabolic engineering
• Bioprocess engineering and fermentation technology

Current Topics in Life Sciences

• Single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics
• Artificial intelligence in drug discovery
• Personalized medicine and precision oncology
• Microbiome and human health
• Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering
• Climate change and biodiversity
• Recent Nobel Prize-winning discoveries in Life Sciences

Salary Structure (Typical / Indicative)

Additional Benefits:

• Medical insurance coverage (may vary by project)
• Leave entitlements as per RGCB norms
• Access to research facilities and library
• Opportunity for conference participation and training
• No DA (Dearness Allowance) for project positions typically
• No pension/gratuity benefits (contractual position)

Note: Exact salary depends on funding agency norms, project budget, and candidate qualifications. Some projects may offer higher consolidated pay up to ₹60,000 per month.

As Project Research Scientist I is a contractual position, growth depends on project extensions, securing new projects, or transitioning to permanent positions. Researchers can apply for higher positions like Project Research Scientist II or Senior Research Scientist when vacancies arise. Strong publication records and research contributions can lead to faculty positions in academic institutions or scientist positions in government research organizations like CSIR, ICMR, DBT institutes, or transition to industry R&D roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

Admit cards for written test/interview are typically released 7-10 days before the scheduled date on the official RGCB website. Candidates must login to the application portal using their registration credentials to download the admit card. The admit card contains important details including candidate name, roll number, exam centre address, reporting time, and instructions. Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with valid photo ID proof to the examination/interview venue.

Results are declared on the official RGCB website within 2-4 weeks after completion of the interview process. The final merit list is prepared based on performance in written test (if conducted) and personal interview. Selected candidates are individually informed via email and/or phone. The result notification includes names of selected candidates, waitlisted candidates, and merit scores. Joining formalities and documentation requirements are communicated to selected candidates separately.

Cutoff marks vary significantly based on number of applicants, difficulty level, and available positions. Typically, candidates need to score 50-60% marks in written test and 60-70% in interview to be considered for selection in General category. Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC) receive 5-10% relaxation in cutoff marks. Interview performance carries more weightage in final selection. Strong research background, publications in high-impact journals, and relevant project experience significantly improve selection chances.

Examination Centres (Typical / Indicative)

South: Thiruvananthapuram (RGCB campus - primary centre), Kochi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai

North: Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow

West: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad

East: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar

Northeast: Guwahati

Note: Primary examination/interview centre is usually at RGCB campus in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Additional centres may be arranged based on number of applicants from specific regions.