Agharkar Research Institute looking for Microbiology / Biotechnology or Life Sciences candidates

Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. It was established in 1946 as Maharashtra Association for the Cultivation of Science (MACS) and was registered under the Societies Registration Act. 1850. Later, as the research activities started expanding, the MACS Research Institute was given a separate identity. The institute was renamed as ARI in 1992 to honour its founder Director, late Professor S. P. Agharkar.

Post : Project Associate I (1 No.)

Applications are invited from eligible candidates for the temporary post of Project Associate (1 No.) under SP-384 in the Biodiversity & Paleobiology (Fungi) Group of this Institute.

Funding Agency, Title, Period of the Project & Post Code : ANRF-SP-384: “Decoding the dark taxa in symbiosis; exploring the endolichenic fungi through polyphasic taxonomy and harnessing their bioprospecting potential for breast cancer therapeutics” Period up to : 20/03/2029
Post Code : ANRF-03-2026-27-PA-I

Name of the Co-Ordinator/ Principal Investigator’s : Dr. Rajesh Kumar K.C., Scientist E, PI
Dr. Virendra Gajbhiye, Scientist E, Co-PI
Group / Division : Biodiversity and Palaeobiology (Fungi) Group

Qualifications
(i) Master’s degree (1st Class) in Botany/Microbiology/Biotechnology or Life Sciences. (ii) CSIR/UGC/ICMR including Lectureship (Assistant Professorship) OR GATE. National Level examination DST, DBT, DAE, DOS, DRDO, MHRD, ICAR, IIT, IIsc., IISER etc.
Desirable : Experience in molecular techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing), familiarity with phylogenetic and bioinformatics tools, and exposure to metabolomics methods such as LC-MS or HPLC. Knowledge of bioactive compound screening, particularly for anticancer studies, along with strong scientific writing, data analysis, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment, is preferred.

Monthly stipend : Rs. 37000/- + HRA

Age limit (as on date of interview) : 50 Years as of the closing date of the advertisement. (Relaxation will be applicable for the OBC, SC, ST, etc. categories according to the Government of India regulations.)

Terms & Conditions :
1. Candidates fulfilling the above conditions may apply online application the link (http://arijob.ourlib.in) and attach with self-attested scanned certificates, a recent Passport size photograph, a caste certificate issued by a competent authority (for reserved category), receipt of online payment of fees (if applicable) on or before 22.06.2026
2. Non-refundable application fee of Rs. 100/- (except SC/ST/Divyang/Women Candidates) to be paid online through onlinesbi.sbi/sbicollect/ (Steps to follow: Educational Institutions → Categogy → Agharkar Research Institute-MACS→ Payment Category→ Application Fee→ Enter Necessary fields / details etc.). Candidates should attach indicate the online receipt number in the application form. The Institute is not responsible for any incomplete/pending/failed transactions of online application fee payments, and they may contact the concerned bank in this regard.
3. The prescribed essential qualifications are minimum and the mere possession of the same does not entitle candidates to be called for interview. The consideration of qualifications as equivalent’ to the essential and desirable qualifications stated above shall be the discretion of the relevant committee constituted for scrutinizing the applications. If the number of applications received in response to advertisement is large, the Institute may restrict the number of candidates to be called for interview to a reasonable limit through a shortlisting process based on a well-defined criterion which may include possessing of desirable qualifications and / or experience more than that prescribed in the advertisement and/or qualifications/ experience in a particular field as per the specific requirement.
4. In the case of deserving and exceptionally qualified candidates, desirable qualifications are relaxed at the discretion of the Competent Authority.
5. The Positions/ requirements are purely on contractual basis. The seklected candidates may be assigned to another project based on Institutional requirement.
6. The Candidate has the option to appear for an interview in Hindi language as well

Last date for receipt of Online Application : 22.06.2026
Display of the shortlist of candidates for interview : 24.06.2026
Day, Date & time of Interview : 29.06.2026 at 10:30 am onwards
Note : No T.A. is admissible for interviews, and selected candidates will have no right for appointment against any ARI or funding agency’s post/s.

ADVT/RecT/ANRF/03/SP-384/2026-27