Senior Research Fellow in Pigeonpea Breeding (National Mission on High Yielding Seeds, 2 Posts), ICAR-IARI New Delhi

Job Description

The Division of Genetics at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, is holding a walk-in interview on 22 September 2026 for two Senior Research Fellow posts in pigeonpea breeding under the pigeonpea component of the ICAR-funded National Mission on High Yielding Seeds (NMHYS, project 12-289F).

At a glance

• Position: Senior Research Fellow (two posts)
• Where: Division of Genetics, ICAR-IARI, Pusa, New Delhi
• Pay: Rs 37,000 plus HRA per month in years one and two, Rs 42,000 plus HRA in year three
• Duration: initially up to 31 March 2027, extendable with the project
• Interview: 22 September 2026, 10:00 AM onwards (walk-in)

Pigeonpea (arhar or tur) is one of India’s main pulse crops, and the National Mission on High Yielding Seeds, as its name says, is about producing seed of high-yielding varieties. The advertisement looks for candidates with molecular breeding and biotechnology experience, which points to breeding work supported by markers.

Why this role matters

Better seed is one of the quickest ways to raise pulse yields, and India still imports pulses to meet demand. An SRF in this programme works alongside breeders who develop and multiply improved pigeonpea lines, useful experience for a career in crop improvement or seed science.

About the SRF pigeonpea breeding posts at IARI

• Breeding and seed work in the pigeonpea component of the National Mission on High Yielding Seeds
• Molecular breeding and biotechnology tasks, and computer work, the experience the advertisement prefers

The advertisement does not list duties; the points above follow from the project name and its desirable experience.

Eligibility

• A master’s degree in genetics, plant breeding, genetics and plant breeding, or biotechnology, with a four- or five-year bachelor’s degree
• With a three-year bachelor’s degree, UGC/CSIR/ICAR NET or equivalent, or a PhD in one of these subjects, as ICAR guidelines prescribe
• Desirable: experience in molecular breeding and biotechnology, and proficiency with computers
• Age: at most 35 (five years’ relaxation for SC/ST and women, three years for OBC)

Only candidates who meet the essential qualifications are considered, and no TA/DA is paid. The post is temporary and ends with the project, with no claim to a regular post at ICAR or IARI. Candidates who have a relative working at ICAR or IARI must declare it in writing; the advertisement says such candidates will not be allowed to appear in the interview. The declaration about relatives must reach the Head, Division of Genetics, by 22 September 2026. The same advertisement also has a Young Professional-I post (graduate in agricultural sciences, Rs 30,000 a month fixed); this listing covers the two SRF posts.

Pay and duration

• Rs 37,000 per month plus HRA in the first and second years
• Rs 42,000 per month plus HRA in the third year, as applicable under ICAR norms
• Initially up to 31 March 2027, extendable until the project ends subject to satisfactory performance

How to apply

Attend the walk-in interview on 22 September 2026 from 10:00 AM at the Division of Genetics, ICAR-IARI, Pusa, New Delhi. Bring the filled and signed application form from the advertisement with an attested recent photograph pasted on it, original certificates from matriculation onwards, date-of-birth proof, NET or equivalent certificate, degree certificate, one set of self-attested photocopies, proof of experience and publications, and the signed declaration.

Key dates

• Advertisement posted on the IARI jobs page on 25 August 2026
• Walk-in interview: 22 September 2026, 10:00 AM onwards

Please read the official ICAR-IARI advertisement (Division of Genetics) before applying, and browse more Senior Research Fellow jobs on ResearchJobs.in.