The applications for Research Associateship in modern areas of Bio-Technology and related streams of Life Sciences can be submitted online till October 26.

As many as 75 persons will be awarded the fellowship. The research programmes are slated to begin on January 1 and July 1, respectively.

The project, which facilitates full-time research in premier universities and research institutions across the country, aims to build a robust postdoctoral base for the growth of biotechnology while also developing a critical mass of young scientists. The financial assistance for the initiative is being extended by the Union Ministry of Science and Technology.

The applicants should have a Ph.D. or MS/MD in science or engineering. They are also required to exhibit strong aptitude in pursuing research projects. Those selected in the primary round will be invited for a presentation and interview at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru in November.

Candidates who qualify will be eligible for a monthly stipend of Rs 47,000—54,000, alongside an annual contingency grant of Rs 50,000. Applications by those who have submitted their thesis too will be considered for selection. Such candidates, however, will be given a monthly stipend of Rs 35,000 till they earn their Ph.D./ MD/MS degree.

The applicants should be aged below 40 years as of October 26. The female candidates, however, have been granted an exemption of five years in age. People who are employed currently too can apply. They, however, will have to resign from the job to commence the research upon being selected. The candidates will not be permitted to conduct their research in institutions where they already pursued their PhD/MS/MD programmes. Only two persons will be permitted under one mentor. People who have retired from service too can work as mentors by ensuring access to laboratory facilities.

The Associateship is for a period of two years and can be extended up to four years based on performance. The referees are required to upload the recommendation letters by October 26. Those who have availed of the fellowship earlier need not apply.

For more details, visit the website http://ra.dbtindia.gov.in.

In case of inquiries, contact the DBT-HRD Project and Management Unit, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana. Phone 01292848540 or mail to ra.dbt@rcb.res.in.