Research positions under an ICMR-funded project at AIIMS

Applications are invited from highly motivated Indian nationals for the position Project Research Scientist- I in ICMR funded research project with the following details

Post : Project Research Scientist-I (One Post)

Title of the project : “Developing PolQ - Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) for treatment of head- neck cancers by inhibiting microhomology mediated end joining DNA repair pathway”
Principal Investigator : Dr. Ashwin Kotnis, Professor, Dept of Biochemistry, AIIMS Bhopal.

Brief Project Description : Head and neck cancers (HNC) in India often recur and resist chemotherapy due to reliance on the microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) DNA repair pathway. POLQ, a key MMEJ enzyme, is overexpressed in HNC and represents a promising therapeutic target. This interdisciplinary collaboration will design and screen novel POLQ-targeting PROTACs using AI-driven compound libraries, followed by synthesis, characterization, and testing in HNC cell lines. The study will evaluate their ability to enhance chemo- and radiosensitivity, disrupt MMEJ activity in cell-free extracts, and explore synthetic lethal interactions with homologous recombination repair. The project aims to develop efficient, indigenous POLQ-PROTACs for precision cancer therapy and deepen understanding of POLQ-mediated MMEJ in HNC.

Essential Qualifications : Post Graduate Degree, including the integrated PG degrees/for Engineering / IT / CS - Four Years Graduate degree.

Desirable Demonstrable : hands-on experience Molecular and cell biology techniques, Gene cloning, Protein purification, handling clinical samples, combinatorial chemistry, biostatistics and bioinformatics is desirable. Preference will be given to Ph.D. degree holders with publications.

Consolidated Remuneration : ₹ 56000/- per month + 20% HRA (Rs 11200) = ₹ 67,200/-

Age limit : Below 35 years (as on the last date of application). Age relaxation for SC/ST candidates will be applicable as per rule. Tenure Up to 13/03/2027 (extendible for one year further depending on disbursal of fund from ICMR)

Terms & Conditions
1. It is candidates’ responsibility to ascertain and ensure their eligibility as per the prescribed qualification and experience. Any misinformation detected at any stage will make the candidate liable for legal action. Permission to appear in the selection process does not approve the eligibility of the candidate. Even after qualifying the selection process the candidate may be rendered disqualified at the time of document verification if he/ she does not fulfil essential eligibility criteria.
2. Tenure: The assignment will be governed as per the rules / instructions received from the ICMR/competent authority from time to time. This appointment will not vest any right to claim by the candidate for regular appointment or permanent absorption in AIIMS Bhopal or ICMR or for continued contractual appointment.
3. Expiry of Contract: The contractual appointment can be terminated at any time by either side by giving 30 days’ notice or salary in lieu thereof.
4. Leave: The leave entitlement of the appointee shall be governed in terms of the ICMR leave policy governing extramural research projects as amended from time to time.
5. Accommodation: No hostel or any other accommodation will be provided by the Institute/ Principal Investigator. 6. The candidate who is already in government service shall submit 'No Objection Certificate" from the present employer at the time of walk-in-Interview
7. The prescribed qualification is minimum and mere possessing the same does not entitle any candidate for selection. 8. The candidate should bring along original certificates in support of his/her age, educational/professional qualification, experience etc., two recent passport size colour photographs and a one set of self-attested photocopies of the relevant documents failing which he/she will not be allowed to participate in the walk-in-written test.
9. The candidate applying in response to his advertisement should satisfy themselves regarding their eligibility in all respects.
10. No travelling or other allowances will be paid to the candidate for appearing in the written examination or for joining the post.

11. Canvassing of any kind will lead to disqualification.
12. He / She can be posted at any place as per the requirement of the project, including rural areas/field sites.
13. He / She is expected to conform to the rules of conduct and discipline as applicable to the institute employees.
14. The decision of the competent authority regarding the selection of the candidate will be final and no representation will be entertained in this regard.
15. The candidate should not have been convicted by any Court of Law.
16. In case any information given or declaration by the candidate is found to be false of if the candidate has willfully suppressed any material information relevant to his appointment, he/she will be liable to be removed from the service and any action taken as deemed fit by the appointing authority.
17. Applications incomplete in any aspect will be summarily rejected.
18. The Competent Authority reserves the right of any amendment, cancellation and changes to this advertisement as a whole or in part without assigning any reason or giving notice. 19. All information/updates pertaining to this advertisement, including date of Interview, result, joining etc, will be displayed on the AIIMS Bhopal website which is aiimsbhopal.edu.in
20. No individual intimation may be sent by the AIIMS Bhopal to applicants. It will be the responsibility of applicants to keep abreast of the developments by visiting the institute's website regularly.
21. All disputes will be subject to jurisdictions of Court of Law at Bhopal.

Interested candidates have to send a scanned copy of the duly filled application form (which can be downloaded from http://aiimsbhopal.edu.in/jobs.aspx) to researchstaff2023@gmail.com by Monday, 8th June 2026.

DO NOT SEND HARD COPY OF THE APPLICATION FORM.

Date and Time of Written Test/Interview : Depending upon number of applications received candidates will be shortlisted for written test/interview Date, Time and Venue of test would be intimated to concerned candidates. Tentatively the written exam and/or interview may be held on 11th June 2026 at AIIMS Bhopal. When called, the candidates shall report for appearing in the interview and /or written exam with :
1. Duly Filled Application Form
2. Original and attested photocopies of all documents, certificates, degrees and mark sheets (Xth class onwards).
3. Copies of certificates/testimonials/documents/ detailed CV which the candidate may wish to bring to the knowledge of the selection committee.