IISER Thiruvananthapuram Project Assistant Vacancy 2026

Introduction

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER Thiruvananthapuram) has announced a recruitment drive for Project Assistant positions. This opportunity is for candidates seeking to work on externally funded projects, offering a chance to contribute to scientific research. A total of two Project Assistant posts are available, with applications being accepted online. The recruitment process is managed by IISER Thiruvananthapuram, a premier science education and research institute. The application window is open from 30 October 2026, and interested candidates must submit their applications by the closing date of 09 November 2026. The selected candidates will receive a fellowship of Rs. 27,000 plus House Rent Allowance (HRA). Further details regarding eligibility, the application procedure, and selection process are outlined in the official notification. It is crucial for all applicants to carefully read the official notification for complete and accurate information before applying.

Recruitment Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram is recruiting for 02 posts of Project Assistant. These positions are on a contract basis and are funded by external agencies (ANRF and DBT) for specific research projects.

Post Name: Project Assistant

Total Vacancies: 02

The notification does not specify a category-wise breakdown of these vacancies.

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility

To be eligible for the Project Assistant positions, candidates must meet the following minimum educational qualifications:

• Minimum Educational Qualification: A Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from a recognized University or Institution.

The notification emphasizes that the prescribed educational qualifications are the bare minimum. Candidates are strongly advised to include every relevant qualification and all experience in their application form. For specific discipline-related eligibility for each post, refer to the official notification.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Post 01: Standard molecular/microbial techniques; analyzing bacterial genomic data (WGS, RNAseq, etc.).
• Post 02: Programming in Python, SQL, R; analyzing bacterial genomic data (WGS, RNAseq, ChIP-Seq, etc.); maintaining Linux-based computer servers.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The age limit for Project Assistant positions is 50 years. However, the notification states a preference for candidates preferably under 35 years of age. The date for age calculation is not specified in the supplied notification.

Age relaxations, if any, are not specified in the supplied notification.

Application Fee

The official notification does not specify any application fee for the Project Assistant recruitment drive.

Salary and Pay Scale

Selected candidates for the Project Assistant posts will receive a fellowship amount. The pay structure is as follows:

• Fellowship: Rs. 27,000 per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA).

The appointment is on a contract basis for a tenure of 3 years, with an initial appointment for 6 months, subject to satisfactory performance.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Project Assistant positions involves the following stages:

• Shortlisting: If a large number of applications are received, a Selection Committee will shortlist candidates based on their qualifications and experience, which should be above the minimum prescribed criteria. Meeting the minimum criteria alone does not guarantee shortlisting.
• Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be informed about the interview details via email.

No Travelling Allowance (TA) or Dearness Allowance (DA) will be paid for attending the interview.

Application Procedure

Interested and eligible candidates can apply online for the Project Assistant positions. The steps are as follows:

1. Visit the official IISER Thiruvananthapuram website and navigate to the openings or recruitment section.
2. Locate the link for the Project Assistant recruitment notification and the online application form.
3. Fill out the application form accurately, ensuring all relevant qualifications and experience are mentioned.
4. Submit the completed application form before the deadline, which is 09 November 2026.

After selection, candidates will be required to submit a printed copy of the application form, a passport-size photograph, and photocopies of all relevant certificates and testimonials to the Institute.

Required Documents

Upon selection, candidates are required to submit the following documents to the Institute:

• A printed copy of the application form (the one sent via email), signed and dated by the applicant.
• A recent passport-size photograph.
• One photocopy each of all relevant certificates and other testimonials supporting age, qualification, and experience.
• Originals of all certificates for verification of documents.

Important Instructions and Common Mistakes

Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification before applying. Ensure that all details provided in the application form are accurate and complete, especially regarding qualifications and experience, as these are crucial for the shortlisting process. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection; candidates with superior qualifications and experience are preferred. The appointment is purely temporary and on a contract basis, subject to the continuation of the research project.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Not submitting all required documents during the application or at the time of joining.
• Providing incomplete or incorrect information in the application form.
• Missing the application deadline of 09 November 2026.

Official Notification and Application Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the last date to apply for the Project Assistant position at IISER Thiruvananthapuram?
A1: The last date to apply is 09 November 2026.

Q2: What is the minimum educational qualification required?
A2: A Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from a recognized University or Institution is required.

Q3: Is there an application fee for this recruitment?
A3: No, the official notification does not specify any application fee.

Q4: What is the age limit for the Project Assistant post?
A4: The age limit is 50 years, with a preference for candidates under 35 years.

Q5: What is the salary offered for the Project Assistant position?
A5: Selected candidates will receive a fellowship of Rs. 27,000 + HRA.