Junior Research Fellow in Millet Biochemistry and Omics (Global Centre of Excellence on Millets), ICAR-IARI New Delhi
Job Description
The Division of Biochemistry at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, is holding an in-person walk-in interview on 6 October 2026 for a Junior Research Fellow in millet biochemistry on an omics project that studies pearl millet genotypes for rancidity and develops nutrient-rich processed products with better bioavailability and shelf life.
At a glance
- Position: Junior Research Fellow (one post)
- Where: Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
- Pay: Rs 31,000 plus 27% HRA per month in years one and two, Rs 35,000 plus HRA in year three
- Duration: initially up to 31 March 2027, extendable with the project
- Interview: 6 October 2026, walk-in, in person
The project is titled “Omics-based Interventions for Characterizing the Pearl Millet Genotypes for Rancidity and Development of Nutri-Rich Processed Products with Improved Bioavailability, and Shelf Life” and runs under IARI’s Global Centre of Excellence (GCoE) on Millets (code 12-258 TG3361). Pearl millet flour turns rancid soon after milling, which limits how long it can be stored and sold; knowing which genotypes resist this, and why, is a step towards longer-lasting millet foods.
Why this role matters
Millets are being promoted in India for nutrition and climate resilience, and short shelf life is one of the practical barriers to using them more widely. The post combines omics, gene work and food biochemistry, a useful mix for a PhD in plant biochemistry or nutrition.
About the JRF millet biochemistry post at IARI
- Omics-based characterisation of pearl millet genotypes that differ in rancidity
- Gene cloning and characterisation, heterologous expression of genes, and biochemical and metabolomics techniques, the experience the advertisement prefers
- Work towards nutrient-rich processed millet products with better bioavailability and shelf life, as the project title describes
The advertisement does not list day-to-day duties; the points above follow from the project title and its desirable experience.
Eligibility
- M.Sc. in plant biochemistry, plant molecular biology, biotechnology or plant physiology from a recognised institution, with a four- or five-year bachelor’s degree
- Candidates with a three-year bachelor’s and a two-year master’s degree must have NET, under the ICAR/IARI office memorandum of 13 July 2015 cited in the advertisement
- Desirable: gene cloning and characterisation, heterologous gene expression, basic biochemical techniques and handling metabolomics instruments
- Age: at most 35 on the interview date (three years’ relaxation for OBC, five years for SC/ST and women)
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. A no-objection certificate is needed from a current employer, and the institute may decide not to fill the post. The same advertisement also invites a Young Professional-II for a separate wheat project (CABin). Its table heading still shows an interview date of 29 December 2025, while the text of the advertisement gives 6 October 2026.
Pay and duration
- Rs 31,000 per month plus 27% HRA in the first and second years
- Rs 35,000 per month plus 27% HRA in the third year, following ICAR norms
- Temporary and co-terminus with the project, which the advertisement says is approved up to 31 March 2027 and likely to be extended
How to apply
Attend the walk-in interview on 6 October 2026 at the Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. Bring two copies of the application in the format of Annexure 1 of the advertisement, a biodata with an attested recent passport-size photograph, and attested copies of your 10th, 12th, undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD (if any) and NET/GATE certificates, plus the originals. The selected candidate must produce all originals and a medical certificate at joining. The advertisement gives ranjeetranjaniari@gmail.com for queries; it does not state a reporting time, so check it before travelling.
Key dates
- Advertisement posted on the IARI jobs page on 14 September 2026
- Walk-in interview: 6 October 2026, in person
Please read the official ICAR-IARI advertisement (Division of Biochemistry) before applying, and browse more Junior Research Fellow jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
Official advertisement: iari.res.in
How to prepare for this application
- Why millet goes rancid: revise lipase and lipoxygenase activity, free fatty acids and oxidation in stored flour, and how rancidity is measured.
- Omics basics: be ready to explain a metabolomics workflow (sample preparation, GC-MS or LC-MS, data analysis) and how it links to genotypes.
- Molecular skills: describe any cloning, expression or enzyme assay you have done, with the controls you used.
- Nutrition angle: read up on bioavailability of iron and zinc in pearl millet and what processing can do to it.
- Paperwork: carry two copies of the Annexure 1 form, the attested set and every original; NET proof is essential if you have a three-year bachelor's degree.
About ICAR-IARI
The ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), widely known as the Pusa Institute, is the flagship research and teaching institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), based on the Pusa campus in New Delhi. It is a deemed university whose Graduate School trains master's and PhD students, and its divisions cover crop improvement, plant protection, horticulture, natural resources and agricultural technology. Its breeding programmes have released many varieties of wheat, rice, pulses, vegetables and fruit. Project fellowships at IARI are a common first step into agricultural research and PhD programmes.
