Project Associate Job at Institute of Life Sciences | Agricultural Sciences | Apply Now
The Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar, an autonomous organization under the Department of Biotechnology, has announced a high-impact project associate job opportunity. This ILS recruitment is part of the INSACOG initiative, focusing on wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 and antimicrobial resistance using advanced genomic methods. Led by Dr. P. Prasad (Scientist-F), this BIRAC-funded project offers a platform for researchers to contribute to national public health monitoring and pandemic preparedness.
About the Institute
The Institute of Life Sciences is a premier autonomous institute under the Ministry of Science & Technology. It specializes in infectious disease biology, gene function, and environmental surveillance. A Project Associate job here provides exposure to cutting-edge genomic tools and a chance to work within the prestigious INSACOG network.
Advt. No. 02/2026
Vacancy Details
- Position: Project Associate-II (Wet Lab)
- Project Title: “Expansion of INSACOG Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, Emerging Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance through Genomic-based methods.”
- Duration: 12 months (purely temporary and coterminous with the project).
- Remuneration: Rs. 35,000/- per month + 20% HRA.
- Note: Candidates without national-level exam certification will receive a reduced fellowship per DST guidelines.
- Age Limit: Under 35 years as of January 21, 2026 (Age relaxation applies as per GOI rules).
Eligibility & Job Specifications
This role is ideal for candidates seeking a Project Associate job with a background in natural or agricultural sciences.
Essential Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Natural or Agricultural Sciences / MVSc.
- OR Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology
- Minimum of 55% aggregate marks (relaxation as per GOI guidelines).
- 2 years of research and development experience in industrial, academic, or S&T organizations.
Desired Skills:
- Experience in microbial isolation, cloning, and nucleic acid isolation.
- Proficiency in molecular biology techniques: PCR, qPCR, dPCR, and electrophoresis.
- Knowledge of library preparations for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
- Preference is given to candidates qualified in national-level tests like NET, GATE, or GPAT.
Job Description & Responsibilities
The selected candidate will be responsible for the technical execution of environmental surveillance workflows:
- Processing sewage samples for pathogen detection.
- Performing high-quality nucleic acid extraction and RT-qPCRs.
- Managing NGS library preparation and executing next-generation sequencing runs.
Key Dates & Application Process
Qualified candidates must apply online through the official institute website. Selection involves comprehensive screening followed by an interview.
- Application Deadline: 21.01.2026.
- Shortlist Display Date: 23.01.2026 (on the ILS website).
- Interview Date & Time: 27.01.2026.
Pursuing this project associate job at ILS Bhubaneswar through the latest ILS recruitment drive is a significant opportunity for molecular biologists and researchers in agricultural sciences. This role places you at the intersection of environmental monitoring and genomics, contributing to the vital surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and antimicrobial resistance. If you have the required two years of experience and molecular biology expertise, ensure you submit your online application by January 21, 2026.
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