Applications open for Research Scientist at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology offering Rs. 80,400 month

The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) is a growing phenomenon. Located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, RGCB began in 1990 amongst humble surroundings as a small charitable society called the Centre for Development of Education, Science and Technology (C-DEST). In 1991, recognizing its potential, the C-DEST was made a "Grant-in-Aid" institute of the Government of Kerala and renamed as Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Development of Education, Science and Technology (RGC-DEST), becoming the first institute in the country to be named after Sri Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minster of India. On April 18, 1994 the Government of Kerala took a landmark decision to restructure the institute into a comprehensive biotechnology center and thus was created the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology. The institute was first managed by the Government of Kerala's Committee for Science and Technology and Environment (STEC) and subsequently by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment.

Applications are invited from suitable candidates (Indian Citizens) for TWO positions of Project Research Scientist II (Non-medical) in the ICMR- National One Health Mission funded multi- institutional extramural project titled “Establishing a metagenomic NGS surveillance model utilizing a syndromic approach in India” under Dr. Rajesh Chandramohanadas at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Post : Project Research Scientist II (Non-medical)

Essential Qualifications
1. First Class Post Graduate Degree with PhD in the field of life science / biology / genomics / genetics / bioinformatics or related topics
2. Second Class Post Graduate Degree, with PhD and three years of experience in the field of life science/ biology/ genomics/ genetics/ bioinformatics or related topics

Desirable Qualifications :
1. Prior experience in handling metagenomics experimental pipelines, metagenomic sequence analysis and data analysis, interpretation and visualization
2. Experience working in BSL3/BSL2+ setup would be a clear advantage
3. Prior experience in viral genomics
4. Proficiency with Python and R
5. Knowledge and prior experience on research related to pathogen surveillance
6. Good communication, analytical and management skills
7. Prior experience of project management and co-ordination

Age : Below 35 years as on December 18th, 2025 . Age relaxation will be given as per Govt. of India norms.
Duration : Initially for a period of one year or till termination of the project whichever is earlier and extendable based on the performance evaluation.
Emolument : Rs. 67,000/- + 20% HRA per month.

Selection Process
1. Applications should be submitted online.
2. Candidates who are currently working in Government firms should send applications through proper channel.
3. Last date for receiving completed applications is December 18, 2025.
4. Selection to the position will not entitle the candidate to any future positions at RGCB (permanent or otherwise). As with all project positions at RGCB, the position will be co terminus with end of the project.

Applications which are not in the prescribed format will summarily be rejected. Only those fulfilling the above criteria need apply. Applicants will be shortlisted for the selection interview based on eligibility criteria. Selection of suitable candidates will be made based on qualifications and performance in the selection interview.