Life Science Research Internship at ICMR-NIRT
Looking to gain hands-on research experience at one of India’s premier biomedical research institutes? The Life Science Research Internship at ICMR-NIRT offers an exceptional opportunity for students to work on cutting-edge projects in tuberculosis, infectious diseases, immunology, biotechnology, and public health. Through ICMR-NIRT Careers, eligible students can participate in internship and dissertation programmes guided by experienced scientists while contributing to Research in Tuberculosis, one of India’s most important public health priorities.
About ICMR-NIRT
The ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (ICMR-NIRT) is a permanent institute under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Government of India. It is globally recognized for pioneering Research in Tuberculosis, infectious diseases, HIV, immunology, biotechnology, and public health. Equipped with world-class laboratories and internationally accredited facilities, ICMR-NIRT trains future researchers while advancing healthcare through innovative scientific research and collaboration.
Internship Details
- Programme Title: Internship / Dissertation Programme
- Organisation: ICMR – National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (ICMR-NIRT)
- Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Programme Type: Internship / Dissertation / Research Training
Programme Overview
The Internship/Dissertation Programme at the ICMR – National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (ICMR-NIRT) provides undergraduate and postgraduate students with opportunities to gain hands-on research experience in tuberculosis (TB), infectious diseases, and associated co-morbidities, including HIV and Diabetes Mellitus.
ICMR-NIRT is a permanent institute under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), recognized internationally for excellence in tuberculosis research. The institute serves as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Tuberculosis Research and Training and functions as a Supranational Reference Laboratory, offering advanced research infrastructure and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
Internship and dissertation opportunities are offered based on institutional eligibility, availability of supervisors, and approval by the Director, ICMR-NIRT.
Research Areas
Students may undertake research training in the following departments:
- Bacteriology
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Health Economics
- Immunology
- Virology and Biotechnology
| S. No. | Department | Internship Slots | Dissertation Slots |
| 1 | Bacteriology | 20 | 6 |
| 2 | Biochemistry | 36 | 6 |
| 3 | Bioinformatics | 2 | 2 |
| 4 | Clinical Pharmacology | 6 | 0 |
| 6 | Immunology | 15 | 2 |
| 12 | Virology & Biotechnology | 5 | 5 |
The number of available positions varies each academic cycle depending on departmental capacity and supervisor availability.
Programme Duration
- Internship / Observation Programme: 15 days.
- Dissertation Programme: Minimum of 6 months.
Learning Opportunities
Participants are expected to:
- Gain practical experience in biomedical and translational research.
- Work under the supervision of experienced scientists and faculty members.
- Participate in laboratory experiments, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Develop scientific research methodology and technical laboratory skills.
- Contribute to ongoing research projects in tuberculosis, infectious diseases, epidemiology, public health, biotechnology, and related disciplines.
- Enhance scientific writing, documentation, and presentation skills.
- Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.
Eligibility
The programme is open to students enrolled in Government Institutions, Autonomous Institutions, or Institutions established under an Act of Parliament and recognized by the appropriate statutory authorities.
Eligible programmes include:
- BS
- M.Sc. in:
- Biostatistics
- Life Sciences
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- B.Tech. / M.Tech. in:
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to submit:
- Completed online application through the ICMR-NIRT portal during the designated application window.
- Passport-size photograph.
- Signature.
- Updated résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Official requisition letter from the Head of the Institution containing the applicant’s photograph.
- Concept paper (mandatory for dissertation applicants).
- Supporting academic documents in PDF format.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the Academic Committee of ICMR-NIRT.
Selection is based on:
- Academic qualifications.
- Availability of supervisors.
- Departmental intake capacity.
- Approval by the Director, ICMR-NIRT.
Selected candidates are notified through the institute’s website and are required to coordinate with the respective departmental heads for joining formalities.
Programme Fees
Internship
- Electronic Data Processing, Epidemiology, Health Economics, Social & Behavioural Research, Statistics: No fee.
- Immunology, Biochemistry, Clinical Pharmacology, Virology & Biotechnology: ₹500.
- Bacteriology: ₹500.
Dissertation / Training
- Electronic Data Processing, Epidemiology, Health Economics, Social & Behavioural Research, Statistics: No fee.
- Immunology, Biochemistry, Clinical Pharmacology, Virology & Biotechnology: ₹1,000 per month.
- Bacteriology: ₹2,000 per month.
Life Science Research Internship Guidelines
Participants are expected to:
- Submit complete applications with all required documents.
- Produce original certificates for verification at the time of joining.
- Follow all institutional rules, regulations, and laboratory safety guidelines.
- Work under the direct supervision of assigned scientists or faculty members.
- Pay applicable programme fees upon joining.
- Complete the approved internship or dissertation within the allotted duration unless an extension is approved by the Director.
- Submit a dissertation thesis upon completion, where applicable.
- Maintain confidentiality of all research data and institutional information.
- Obtain prior written approval before publishing any work based on research conducted at ICMR-NIRT.
- Arrange personal accommodation, travel, and living expenses independently.
- Understand that participation in the programme does not constitute employment with ICMR-NIRT.
Core Competencies Developed
- Biomedical and infectious disease research.
- Laboratory techniques in microbiology, immunology, biotechnology, and molecular biology.
- Data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Scientific documentation and report writing.
- Research ethics and laboratory safety.
- Teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Scientific communication and presentation.
CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION
