MACS-ARI Pune Call for Project Assistant Role | BSc Life Science Graduates Apply Now!
The Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, is conducting an online interview for the temporary position of Project Assistant in the Biodiversity & Palaeobiology (Plants & Diatoms) Group. Project Assistant at MACS-ARI will be a part of the ARI-sponsored project titled “AI-Powered System for Automated Identification of Diatom Species for Environmental Monitoring”, offers a unique opportunity for candidates passionate about combining biology and computer science to contribute to innovative environmental research.
Position Summary:
The Project Assistant at MACS-ARI, Pune will support the Biodiversity & Palaeobiology (Plants & Diatoms) Group in an AI-powered project for automated diatom identification. This temporary AI in environmental monitoring role focuses primarily on computational work with minimal or no wet lab activities, making it ideal for candidates interested in interdisciplinary research combining biology and computer science.
The selected candidate for Project Assistant at MACS-ARI will be responsible for:
- Assisting in the development and management of AI/image datasets for diatom species identification.
- Maintaining accurate lab records and project documentation.
- Participating in fieldwork when required.
This AI in environmental monitoring role provides
a hands-on opportunity to work in cutting-edge environmental monitoring research while gaining experience in computational biology, taxonomy, and AI-based analysis.Job Description:
- Job Posting: Project Assistant
- Number of Postings: 1
- Funding Agency: ARI Sponsored Project-(015)
- Title: AI-Powered System for Automated Identification of Diatom Species for Environmental Monitoring
- Period up to: July 2028
- Post Code: ARI-015/PA
- Name of the Co-Ordinator/ Principal Investigator: Dr. Kartthick Balasubramanian – Scientist ‘E’ PI
- Group/Division: Biodiversity & Palaebiology (Plants & Diatoms) Group
Eligibility Criteria:
- Essential Qualification: B.Sc in Environmental Science or Life Sciences with a strong interest in interdisciplinary work combining Biology and Computer Science. This is a computational project involving minimal or no wet lab work.
- Desirable Qualification: Experience in light microscopy and permanent slide preparation. Familiarity with diatom taxonomy is desirable. Prior experience with AI or image datasets will be an added advantage. Candidates must be able to work independently, maintain lab records, and participate in fieldwork as needed.
Stipend & Age Limit:
- Monthly Stipend: ₹20,000 + HRA
- Age Limit: 50 years as on the closing date (Relaxation applicable as per Government of India norms).
Project Overview: AI-Powered Diatom Identification:
The AI-Powered System for Automated Identification of Diatom Species is an innovative project sponsored by Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune. The project aims to develop cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools to accurately identify diatom species, which are crucial indicators of environmental health and water quality.
Key aspects of the project include:
- Utilizing AI and image analysis techniques to streamline diatom species identification.
- Supporting environmental monitoring and research initiatives with precise, data-driven insights.
- Combining expertise from biology, taxonomy, and computer science to create a highly interdisciplinary approach.
- Generating image datasets and computational models that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of diatom identification.
This project assistant MACS-ARI role offers a unique opportunity for candidates to contribute to state-of-the-art environmental research while gaining hands-on experience in AI-based computational biology.
Important Dates:
- Last Date for Receipt of Application: 18th October 2025
- Display of Shortlist of Candidates: Will be displayed on the Institute website
- Day, Date & Time of Walk-In-Interview: Will be displayed on the Institute website
Terms & Conditions:
- Candidates appearing for Project Assistant at MACS-ARI Pune fulfilling above conditions may apply online application link (http://arijob.ourlib.in) and attached with self-attested scanned certificates, recent Passport size photograph, caste certificate issued by competent authority (for reserved category), receipt of online payment of fees {if applicable} on or before 18th 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 → Categogy → 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 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 of 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, desirable qualifications are relaxed at the discretion of the Competent Authority.
- The Positions/ requirements are purely on contractual basis. The selected candidates may be assigned to another project based on Institutional requirement.
- The Candidate has the option to appear for an interview in Hindi language as well.
