Project Assistant Job at ARI Pune | Botany Graduates Apply Now
Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, is inviting applications for a temporary Botany Project Assistant position under the Biodiversity & Palaeobiology (Plants & Diatoms) group. This online interview opportunity is ideal for Botany graduates with a passion for plant taxonomy, herbarium preparation, and the documentation of traditional knowledge. If you are looking to contribute as a Research Assistant to a National Innovation Foundation (NIF) sponsored project while gaining field and research experience, this role could be the perfect fit.
Advt. No. RecT/24/SP-375/2025/PA
About the Institution
Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, is an autonomous research institution under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. Established with a mission to promote scientific excellence, ARI is renowned for its cutting-edge research in life sciences, including biodiversity, microbiology, genetics, plant sciences, and biotechnology. The institute plays a vital role in conserving India’s rich biological heritage through specialized divisions, such as Biodiversity & Palaeobiology, where extensive work is carried out on plant taxonomy, diatoms, and the documentation of traditional knowledge. ARI also regularly collaborates with national and international scientific bodies, offering young researchers and graduates a platform to contribute to impactful scientific
innovations.About the Role
This Project Assistant Job position provides hands-on experience in plant research and the documentation of traditional knowledge within a National Innovation Foundation (NIF) project. The selected candidate, chosen through an online interview for this botany project assistant job role, will be responsible for collecting plant samples, preparing herbarium specimens, conducting field photography, and recording data related to medicinal plant practices in Maharashtra. It’s an excellent opportunity for Botany graduates to gain field and research exposure in biodiversity and ethnobotany.
Position Details
- Position: Project Assistant
- Number of Positions: 1
- Funding Agency & Project Details: NIF Sponsored Project (SP-375): Scouting and documentation of grassroots innovation and outstanding traditional herbal knowledge practices from Ahilyanagar District, Maharashtra. Period up to 29th July 2026. Post Code: NIF/SP-375//PA
- Principal Investigator: Dr. Ritesh Kumar Choudhary, Scientist E
- Group / Division: Biodiversity & Palaeobiology (Plants & Diatoms)
- Period up to: 29th July 2026
- Post Code: NIF/SP-375//PA
- Qualifications:
- Essential: B.Sc. in Botany
- Desirable: M.Sc. in Botany, Good knowledge of plant taxonomy, plant sample collection, herbarium preparation, ethno-botany, data analysis, field photography, acquaintance with Indian flora, and experience in Word, MS Office, Excel, PPT, etc.
- Monthly Stipend: Rs. 20,000/- + HRA
- Age Limit: 50 years as on the closing date of the advertisement (Relaxation as per the Government of India regulations).
Last Date for Application: 6th October 2025
Shortlist & Interview Schedule: Will be displayed on the Institute website.
Note: No T.A. is admissible. Selected candidates will have no right to appointment against any ARI or funding agency’s posts.
Terms & Conditions:
- Candidates fulfilling the above conditions for NIF-sponsored Project may apply online at the link (http://arijob.ourlib.in) and attach self-attested scanned copies of the following documents: a recent passport-size photograph, a caste certificate issued by a competent authority (for the reserved category), and a receipt of online payment of fees (if applicable). The application must be submitted on or before 6th October 2025.
- Non-refundable application fee of ₹100/- (except SC/ST/Divyang/Women Candidates) to be paid online through https://www.onlinesbi.sbi/sbicollect/ (Steps to follow: Educational Institutions → Category → Agharkar Research Institute-MACS→ Payment Category→ Application Fee → Enter Necessary fields/details, etc.). Candidates should attach the receipt of online payment of fees and indicate the online receipt number in the application form. The Institute is not responsible for any incomplete/pending/failed transactions of online application fee payments, and they may contact the concerned bank in this regard.
- The prescribed essential qualifications are minimum, and the mere possession of the same does not entitle candidates to be called for an interview. The consideration of qualifications as equivalent to the essential and desirable qualifications stated above shall be the discretion of the relevant committee constituted for scrutinizing the applications. If the number of applications received in response to
advertisement is large, the Institute may restrict the number of candidates to be called for interview to a reasonable limit through a shortlisting process based on a well-defined criterion, which may include possessing desirable qualifications and/or experience more than that prescribed in the advertisement and/or qualifications/ experience in a particular field as per the specific requirement. - In the case of deserving and exceptionally qualified candidates, the Competent Authority may relax desirable qualifications at its discretion.
- The Positions/ requirements are purely on a contractual basis. The selected candidates may be assigned to another project based on Institutional requirements.
- The Candidate appearing for this biodiversity research job interview will also be able to speak in Hindi.
