Banaras Hindu University Announces ANRF Life Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology Fellowship

Applications are invited from eligible and motivated candidates for the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in an Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)-funded Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG) project, Government of India, under the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. L. S. Songachan, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.

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Project Title : Multi-omics Dissection of Rhizophagus irregularis Symbiosis for Enhanced Heavy Metal Tolerance and Phytochemical Yield in Withania somnifera
Project Description : This project investigates the role of Rhizophagus irregularis symbiosis in enhancing heavy metal tolerance and maintaining or improving phytochemical production in Withania somnifera under cadmium and arsenic stress through an integrated multi-omics approach involving transcriptomics, proteomics, bioactive peptide characterization, and metabolomics.
Funding Body : Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Government of India Scheme: Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG) (File No. ANRF/IRG/2025/000765/LS; BHU Project Code: P-07/1373)
Host Laboratory : Mycorrhizal Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi – 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India

Job Role : The selected Junior Research Fellow will contribute to research on AMF–plant symbiosis and heavy metal stress tolerance in Withania somnifera. The work will involve plant and AMF experimentation, assessment of physiological and biochemical responses, heavy metal analysis, and multi-omics approaches, including transcriptomics, proteomics, peptide analysis, metabolomics, and bioinformatics.

Project Duration : Thirty-six (36) months / Three (03) years

Fellowship : ₹37,000/- per month + 20% HRA for the first two years (JRF) and ₹42,000/- per month + 20% HRA for the third year (SRF), as per ANRF norms.

Age Limit : As per ANRF guidelines.

Essential Qualifications : Applicants must be NET or GATE qualified and hold an M.Sc. degree in Botany / Microbiology / Biotechnology / Biochemistry / Applied Microbiology / Plant Science / Life Science, with at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade.

Desirable Skills
Preference may be given to candidates with relevant experience in plant–microbe interactions, mycorrhizal biology, plant stress physiology, molecular biology, omics approaches, bioinformatics, and related laboratory techniques.

General Instructions
1. Mere fulfilment of the prescribed minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee that a candidate will be shortlisted for the interview. Candidates will be shortlisted based on their academic credentials, research experience, technical expertise, desirable qualifications, merit, and the specific requirements of the project.
2. Only shortlisted candidates will be informed about the interview schedule via e-mail. Therefore, applicants must provide a valid e-mail address and mobile number in their application.
3. Shortlisted candidates will be required to appear for the interview in person with an updated CV, original certificates, and one set of self-attested photocopies of all relevant documents for verification. An online interview may also be considered in exceptional circumstances upon proper justification.
4. Candidates possessing relevant desirable skills and research experience related to the project may be given preference.
5. Applicants shall be solely responsible for the authenticity and accuracy of the information, documents, and photographs submitted. Any discrepancy detected at any stage of the selection process or during the tenure of the project may result in the cancellation of candidature or termination of the appointment.
6. The Principal Investigator reserves the right to accept or reject any application, restrict the number of candidates called for the interview, or not fill the position if a suitable candidate is not available.
7. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
8. The appointment will be purely temporary and contractual. The initial appointment will be for one year and may be extended annually up to the completion of the project, subject to satisfactory performance and the continuation of project funding.
9. Either the Principal Investigator or the selected candidate may discontinue the engagement by giving one month's written notice.
10. The selected candidate is expected to join the project within 15 days from the date of the offer of appointment.

Procedure for Application
1. Interested and eligible candidates must complete the prescribed Google Form on or before the last date.
2. Candidates must also duly complete the Application Form (Annexure-I). The duly completed Annexure-I, along with all required supporting documents, must be sent via email to lssongachan@gmail.com on or before the last date.
3. The following documents must be submitted along with Annexure-I:
• Recent passport-size photograph.
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Self-attested copies of all academic certificates and final marksheets.
• Self-attested copy of the valid NET/GATE qualification certificate.
• Caste certificate, if applicable, and other relevant supporting documents.
4. Completion of the Google Form and submission of the duly completed Annexure-I along with all required supporting documents via email are both mandatory. Applications will be considered only if both requirements are completed. Incomplete applications or applications submitted without the required documents will be rejected

Last Date of Application : 3rd October 2026, 11:59 PM