RGCB Project Associate I Recruitment 2026

Introduction

The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) has announced a recruitment drive for the position of Project Associate I. This opportunity is part of a research project funded by the ANRF, focusing on the identification and functional characterization of novel short IRES elements for effective circular RNA translation. The role is based at the BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. A single vacancy is available for Indian citizens who meet the specified educational and experience criteria. The initial tenure for this position is one year, or until the project concludes, whichever comes first. Candidates are advised to carefully review all details in the official notification before applying. The application process is entirely online, and the deadline for submission is 26 October 2026. All applicants must ensure their applications are submitted correctly and on time to be considered for this research-oriented role. The official notification contains the definitive details for this recruitment.

Recruitment Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

A total of 1 vacancy is available for the post of Project Associate I.

Category-wise vacancy details are not specified in the supplied notification.

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility

To be eligible for the Project Associate I position, candidates must meet the following essential criteria:

• Essential Qualifications: A good academic record with a First Class Master's Degree in Life Sciences.
• Required Experience: A minimum of two years of documented experience in mammalian cell culture or handling laboratory animals.
• Additional Requirement: In-depth knowledge of virology is mandatory.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Qualified National Eligibility Test – CSIR-UGC-NET/LS, GATE, DBT-BET, ICMR, DST-Inspire Fellowship, JEST, or JGEEBILS.
• Experience in experimental virology, including virus culture, titration, in vivo challenge, and pathology.
• Proficiency in basic molecular biology techniques, including RNA isolation, protein gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting.
• Basic experience in microbiological techniques in a BSL-2 laboratory.
• Experience in basic laboratory maintenance, including ordering supplies, inventory management, report preparation, and assisting research staff.

Who Can Apply: The post is open only to Indian citizens.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The maximum age limit for candidates applying for the Project Associate I post is 32 years as of 26 October 2026.

Age relaxation will be provided as per the norms of the Government of India.

Application Fee

The application fee for this recruitment is not specified in the supplied notification.

Salary and Pay Scale

The pay for the Project Associate I post will be determined as per the prevailing guidelines of the ANRF (Animal Nutrition Research Foundation).

The specific monthly salary amount is not detailed in the notification.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Project Associate I position involves two main stages:

1. Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on their eligibility criteria as per the application submitted.
2. Online Selection Interview: Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an online selection interview. The final selection will be based on the candidate's qualifications and performance in this interview.

The date for the interview is not specified in the notification.

Application Procedure

Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the official RGCB website. The steps are as follows:

• Visit the RGCB Careers page at
• Locate and click on the "Apply Online" link associated with Advertisement No. 17/2026 for the Project Associate I position.
• Fill out the online application form with accurate and complete details.
• Ensure all required information is provided in the prescribed format.
• Submit the application before the closing date.

Important Note: Applications that are not in the prescribed format may be rejected without further review. Candidates currently employed in Government firms are required to submit their applications through the proper channel. If applying for more than one position, a separate application form must be submitted for each.

Required Documents

The specific documents required to be uploaded or submitted with the application are not detailed in the supplied notification. Candidates are advised to check the online application portal for any specific document upload requirements.

Important Instructions and Common Mistakes

Candidates should carefully read the official notification before applying. A common mistake is not ensuring the application is in the prescribed format, which can lead to rejection. Applicants currently working in government organizations must submit their applications through the proper channel to avoid issues. It is also important to note that being selected for this project position does not grant any claim to future permanent or other positions at RGCB.

Official Notification and Application Links

FAQs

Q1: What is the last date to apply for the RGCB Project Associate I position?
A1: The last date to apply is 26 October 2026.

Q2: What are the essential qualifications for this post?
A2: A First Class Master's Degree in Life Sciences with at least two years of documented experience in mammalian cell culture or handling laboratory animals, and in-depth knowledge of virology.

Q3: Is there an application fee?
A3: The application fee is not specified in the supplied notification.

Q4: How will candidates be selected?
A4: Candidates will be shortlisted based on eligibility criteria, followed by an online selection interview.