NCCS invites applications for various extramural projects - Pharma, Life Sciences candidates Apply

The BRIC-National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) is an autonomous institution of Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, for a mandate of basic research, teaching & training, and as a national repository for cell lines/hybridomas etc. The Centre is located in the midst of academically enriched environment of Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Pune.

NCCS invites applications for following posts on various extramural projects purely on temporary basis.

Research Associate – I (RA-I)
Sr. No. : 01
Number of posts : 01 (One)
Name of the Project : Characterization of Pseudogene-like CTs in Ovarian Cancer.
Name of the PI : Dr. Sharmila Bapat
Essential Qualification & Experience : Ph.D/MD/MS/MDS or equivalent degree or having 3 years of research, teaching and design and development experience after MVSc/M.Pharm/ME/M.Tech with at least one research paper in Science Citation Indexed (SCI) journal.
Desirable Experience : Hands on experience with various cloning techniques, protein expression,
mammalian cell culture, IP studies, RNA-protein interaction studies.
Project Tenure : Up to 23.01.2027
Total Monthly Emoluments : Rs. 47000 + HRA
Age limit : Not more than 40 years as on the closing date of application.

Project Associate - I
Sr. No. : 02
Number of posts : 01 (One)
Name of the Project : Characterization of Pseudogene-like CTs in Ovarian Cancer.
Name of the PI : Dr. Sharmila Bapat
Essential Qualification & Experience : Master’s Degree in Natural or Agricultural Sciences / MVSc or bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology or Medicine from a recognized University or equivalent.
Desirable Experience : Hands on experience with various cloning techniques, protein expression, mammalian cell culture, RNA-protein interaction studies.
Project Tenure : Up to 23.01.2027
Total Monthly Emoluments : (i) Rs. 31000/- + HRA to Scholars who are selected through: (a) National Eligibility Tests – CSIR-UGC NET including lectureship (Assistant Professorship) or GATE or (b) A selection process through National level examinations conducted by Central Government Departments and their Agencies and Institutions. (ii) Rs. 25000/- + HRA for others who do not fall under (i) above.
Age limit : Not more than 35 years as on the closing date of application.

Project Technical Support - III
Sr. No. : 03
Number of posts : 02 (Two)
Name of the Project : Effects of low and high dose oral methylcobalamin treatment on gut microbiome.
Name of the PI : Dr. Dhiraj Dhotre
Essential Qualification & Experience : Three Years Graduate degree* in relevant subject / field + Three years experience *(Biotechnology/Biochemistry/ Microbiology/ Bioinformatics / Biomedical Science or any relevant field associated with Life Sciences) OR PG in relevant subject/field* *(Biotechnology/Biochemistry/ Microbiology/ Bioinformatics / Biomedical Science or any relevant field associated with Life Sciences)
Note : As per the project requirement, the candidates holding degrees other than in the above fields will not be considered for the said project.
Desirable Experience :
• Proven hands-on experience in microbial DNA extraction from challenging clinical samples (specifically stool/fecal matrices).
• Demonstrated experience in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation (Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, or Ion Torrent platforms) and quality control assessment (e.g., Qubit, Bioanalyzer/TapeStation).
• Familiarity with maintaining strict molecular biology laboratory logs, safety protocols, and sample inventory.
• Experience in microbiology techniques, handling of anaerobic bacteria and experience in characterization of probiotic strains will be added advantage. OR
• Strong proficiency in command-line environments (Linux/Unix bash scripting) and programming languages commonly used in data science (Python and R).
• Experience running standard metagenomic pipelines for taxonomic classification (e.g., Kraken2, MetaPhlAn) and functional annotation (e.g., HUMAN, Prokka).
• Experience handling large-scale biological datasets, data visualization (ggplot2), and applying statistical methods to analyze microbial diversity (alpha/beta diversity shifts between treatment groups).
• Experience in developing workflows, pipelines using SnakeMake, Next Flow will be an added advantage
Project Tenure : One year [Extendable for two years based on Annual review.]
Total Monthly Emoluments : Rs. 28,000/- + HRA
Age limit : Not more than 35 years as on the closing date of application.

Senior Project Associate (SPA)
Sr. No. : 04
Number of posts : 02 (Two)
Name of the Project : Exploring the Marine Ecosystems for Novel Bioresources with Human Health and Industrial Significance. Name of the PI : Dr. Avinash Sharma
Essential Qualification & Experience : (i) Master’s Degree in Natural or Agricultural Sciences / MVSc or bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology or Medicine from a recognized University or equivalent; and
(ii) Four years’ experience in Research and Development in Industrial and Academic Institutions or Science and Technology Organisations and Scientific activities and services. OR Doctoral Degree in Science / Engineering / Technology / Pharma / MD / MS from a recognized University or equivalent
Desirable Experience : Post 1: Proven expertise in metagenomic data analysis and genome sequencing, with a demonstrated record of high-impact publications in relevant scientific journals.
Post 2 : Experiencing in handling HPLC, strain optimization, and cloning.
Project Tenure : Up to 31.03.2027
Total Monthly Emoluments : Rs. 42,000/- + HRA
Age limit : Not more than 40 years as on the closing date of application

Technician
Sr. No. : 05
Number of posts : 01 (One)
Name of the Project : Exploring the Marine Ecosystems for Novel Bioresources with Human Health and Industrial Significance.
Name of the PI : Dr. Avinash Sharma
Essential Qualification & Experience : B.Sc. / 3 years Diploma in Engineering & Technology.
Desirable Experience : Cultivation of microorganism, DNA extraction, and sequencing experience is plus.
Project Tenure : Up to 31.03.2027
Total Monthly Emoluments : Rs. 20,000/- + HRA
Age limit : Not more than 50 years as on the closing date of application.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS :
) Last Date of Receipt of Application through Google Form is 26 June, 2026.
2) An applicant can submit ONLY one form. However, if they wish to apply for more than one position, they may highlight this under the preference section in the Google form.
3) Once submitted, application cannot be edited or resubmitted. Applicant needs to make sure the correctness of all entries before clicking the 'submit' button.

4) The mandatory documents need to be uploaded as applicable. (Size limit 1 MB per document in PDF/Image file) 1. Birth Certificate 2. SSC Marksheet 3. HSC Marksheet 4. Diploma Degree 5. Graduation Degree 6. Post Graduate Mark Sheet 7. Ph.D Degree Certificate 8. Copies of NET/GATE/National Level examinations conducted by Central Government Departments and their Agencies and Institutions such as DST, DBT, DAE, DOS, DRDO, MoE, ICAR, ICMR, IIT, IISc, IISER, NISER, etc and other relevant documents, if applicable. Sr. No. 05 Name of the Post: Technician Number of posts: 01 (One) Name of the Project: Exploring the Marine Ecosystems for Novel Bioresources with Human Health and Industrial Significance. Name of the PI: Dr. Avinash Sharma Essential Qualification & Experience: B.Sc. / 3 years Diploma in Engineering & Technology. Desirable Experience: Cultivation of microorganism, DNA extraction, and sequencing experience is plus. Project Tenure: Up to 31.03.2027 Total Monthly Emoluments: Rs. 20,000/- + HRA Age limit: Not more than 50 years as on the closing date of application. Page 7 of 9 9. Work Experience Certificates signed and sealed on letter head by the Competent Authority. 10. Photograph (Passport size) Following Certificates, if applicable: 11. Caste (SC/ ST/ OBC) 12. Non-Creamy Layer (OBC) 13. Physically Handicapped (PH) The applicant must name every PDF/Image file with his/her First Name, Last Name and Name of the document (First Name_Last Name_Document Name). The candidates need to have a Gmail account to fill the online form.

5) Applicants must upload all relevant documents under the appropriate sections of the application form. Failure to upload the essential qualifying degree certificate as specified in the advertisement, proof of age, relevant certificates supporting claims for age relaxation, proof of experience wherever applicable, photograph, and other required documents will result in immediate rejection of the application. No further communication in this regard will be entertained by NCCS.
6) Candidates are required to make their own accommodation arrangements in Pune during the period to ensure timely attendance at the laboratory. NCCS will not provide accommodation facilities.
7) In the event of selection, candidates will be informed via email, and the list of selected candidates will also be published on the NCCS website. Selected candidates must confirm their joining date, accept the offer, and report for joining within 30 days from the date of publication of the selection notification on the NCCS website.
8) The joining formalities will be completed only after in-person verification of the original documents. Failure to produce the original documents for verification will result in cancellation of the offer of appointment.

The duration of offer will be determined based on fund availability.

Other important Points
1. The Director, NCCS reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process, if required.
2. The prescribed educational essential qualifications and experience are the bare minimum and mere possession of same does not entitle candidates to be called for the Interviews. The Centre reserves the right to call for Interviews only those candidates who in its opinion are likely to be suitable.
3. Candidates not having Final / Provisional Degree certificate as per the Essential qualification signed by the Institutional/ University Competent authority are not eligible to apply and such applications will be summarily rejected.
4. The above advertised positions are filled up purely on temporary basis for the limited time on the extramural projects funded by various funding agencies. The position will automatically co-terminus on the completion of the candidate’s tenure. The appointed person shall have no claim of appointment/absorption in funding agency or in NCCS, Pune.
5. Fellowship/Emoluments: Emoluments to the research personnel engaged under project will be made in accordance with the sanction order or latest O.M from DST, 1CMR, ANRF etc., whichever the case may be.
6. Age relaxation will be considered as on 26.06.2026 if required and supported by relevant certificates. Age relaxation will be as per Government of India rules. OBC candidates must produce latest/valid non-creamy layer certificate.
7. No TA/DA will be admissible for attending the interview.
8. Canvassing in any form and/or bringing in any influence will be treated as disqualification for the post.
9. The posts advertised shall be need based without any commitment for its filling.