ICAR-CIFE Research Associate and JRF Recruitment 2026

ICAR-CIFE Research Associate and JRF Recruitment 2026: A Premier Opportunity in Fisheries Biotechnology

The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE), a distinguished deemed university under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has released an official notification for the recruitment of Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions. These contractual roles are part of a vital project funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), focusing on advanced research in fisheries science and aquaculture. This recruitment drive offers an excellent opportunity for qualified professionals and aspiring researchers to contribute to cutting-edge scientific endeavors in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

ICAR-CIFE is renowned for its contributions to fisheries education, research, and extension, playing a crucial role in the development of the fisheries sector in India. Candidates looking to advance their careers in a dynamic research environment, particularly in the field of Fish Biotechnology, are encouraged to review the details for these 2 vacancies. For those interested in public sector research opportunities, you can also check more Post Graduate jobs in Maharashtra.

Vacancy Details: Research Associate and Junior Research Fellow

ICAR-CIFE is looking to fill a total of 2 contractual posts across two distinct research categories. These positions are critical for the successful execution of the DBT-funded project on genome editing and cell culture in fisheries.

Eligibility Criteria: Education and Age Limits

Aspiring candidates must meet specific educational and age criteria as of the last date of application submission, 07 November 2026. Age relaxations will be applicable as per Government of India norms for eligible categories.

Educational Qualifications:

• For Research Associate (RA): Applicants must hold an M.F.Sc. in Fish Biotechnology or an M.Sc. in Life Science / Biotechnology. A crucial requirement for RA is a minimum of 3 years of demonstrable research experience in Genome Editing, Cell Culture, or Biotechnology, coupled with at least 2 research publications in a relevant field.
• For Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Candidates should possess an M.F.Sc. in Fish Biotechnology or an M.Sc. in Life Science / Biotechnology.

Age Limit (as on 07 November 2026):

• For Research Associate (RA): The maximum age limit is 40 years for men and 45 years for women.
• For Junior Research Fellow (JRF): The maximum age limit is 35 years for men and 40 years for women.

Age relaxation benefits will be extended to candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and Ex-Servicemen categories as per existing Government of India guidelines. Supporting certificates will be required during document verification.

Remuneration & Contractual Details

These positions offer an attractive monthly remuneration, reflecting the specialized nature of the research work. Both roles are contractual, providing a focused opportunity for research contribution at ICAR-CIFE in Mumbai.

• Research Associate (RA): Selected candidates will receive a consolidated stipend of Rs. 61,000 per month, in addition to a 30% House Rent Allowance (HRA).
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): The monthly emoluments for JRF will be Rs. 37,000 per month for the first two years. In the third year of service, the stipend will increase to Rs. 42,000 per month.

The engagement for both posts is contractual with an initial duration of 3 years, specifically for the duration of the DBT project.

Selection Methodology: Shortlisting and Interview

The selection process for the Research Associate and Junior Research Fellow positions at ICAR-CIFE will involve a multi-stage assessment designed to identify the most suitable candidates with strong academic and research backgrounds.

• Stage 1: Shortlisting based on Academic Record and Research Profile: Candidates will first be shortlisted based on their submitted application forms, which will be evaluated for academic performance, relevant research experience, and publications (especially for RA).
• Stage 2: Interview: Only shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview. This interview will assess the candidate's subject knowledge, research aptitude, communication skills, and overall suitability for the project.
• Stage 3: Final Selection and Document Verification: The final selection will be based on the candidate's performance in the interview. Successful candidates will then undergo a thorough document verification process where all original certificates will be cross-checked against the submitted copies.

Application Fee

Candidates will be pleased to note that no application fee is required for applying to these Research Associate and Junior Research Fellow positions at ICAR-CIFE. This applies to all categories, including General, OBC, EWS, SC, and ST candidates.

Important Dates to Remember

Candidates must adhere to the following crucial dates to ensure their application is considered for the ICAR-CIFE recruitment:

• Application Commencement Date: 19 October 2026
• Last Date to Submit Application by Email: 07 November 2026
• Date of Interview: 16 November 2026 (from 11:00 AM onwards)

Applicants are strongly advised to mark these dates and ensure timely submission to avoid any last-minute issues.

How to Apply: Email Application and Walk-in Interview Process

The application process for the ICAR-CIFE Research Associate and Junior Research Fellow posts is a two-step procedure involving email submission and a subsequent walk-in interview for shortlisted candidates.

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Download Application Form: Obtain the prescribed application form from the official notification PDF available on the ICAR-CIFE website. The link is provided below in the Important Links section.
2. Fill Application Details: Complete the application form diligently with all personal details, category information, educational qualifications, NET/GATE status (if applicable), details of research publications, and relevant work experience.
3. Attach Photograph and Sign: Paste a recent passport-size photograph in the designated space on the form and sign the declaration.
4. Prepare Enclosures: Gather self-attested copies of all necessary certificates, including educational mark sheets from 10th standard onwards, proof of age, category/relaxation certificate (if applicable), experience certificates, and copies of research publications (if any).
5. Email Submission: Send the duly filled application form along with the scanned copies of all self-attested enclosures to the email address [email protected]. Ensure your email reaches before or on the deadline of 07 November 2026.
6. Interview Attendance: Only eligible candidates who are shortlisted based on their email applications will be informed and expected to attend the walk-in interview. The interview will be held on 16 November 2026 from 11:00 AM onwards at the ICAR-CIFE, Yari Road campus, Mumbai.

Essential Documents for Interview and Verification

Candidates attending the interview must bring the following documents for verification. Failure to produce original documents may lead to disqualification.

• Duly Filled Application Form: The same form that was emailed.
• Recent Passport-size Photograph: Carry a few extra copies.
• Educational Certificates and Mark Sheets: From Class 10th onwards (original and self-attested copies).
• Proof of Age: Such as 10th class mark sheet or birth certificate.
• Category/Relaxation Certificate: If applicable (SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Ex-SM – original and self-attested copies).
• Experience Certificates: Original documents supporting research experience, especially for RA post.
• Research Publications: Copies of published research papers, if any.
• NET/GATE Status Proof: If applicable.
• Photo ID Proof: (e.g., Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Driving License, Passport).

Candidate Advisory & Important Precautions

This walk-in interview opportunity is significant for those passionate about research in fisheries biotechnology. Similar walk-in interviews are common in research institutions, for example, candidates can also check ACTREC Ad-hoc Consultant (Pathology) Walk-in Interview 2026 recruitment details for other opportunities. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply well before the deadline and prepare thoroughly for the interview. For more job opportunities and to explore all latest Maharashtra Government Jobs, keep visiting ApplySarkariJob.com.