ARI Scientist Recruitment 2026: 4 Posts, Apply by March 15

The MACS-Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), an autonomous institution under the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, has released a recruitment notification (ADVT/ No. Rect.P/ Scientists-02/2025-26) for various Scientist posts. This is an excellent opportunity for eligible Indian citizens to join a premier research institute dedicated to advancing science and technology. A total of 4 Scientist vacancies are open across different disciplines, including Business Development, Bioenergy, Paleobiology, and Bioinformatics. Interested candidates must apply online by March 15, 2026, and also submit a hard copy of their application along with supporting documents.

Quick Overview

Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must ensure they meet the specific educational qualifications and age limits for each post as of the closing date of application.

Educational Qualification & Experience

For Scientist-E (Business Development)

• Essential:
  1. Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Business Administration, or a related field focusing on innovation management.
  2. Ten years research and development experience in the domain areas of Biotechnology, Microbiology, Business Administration, or a related field from Academic Institutions or Science and Technology Organisations or research Institute or an Industrial Establishments.
• Desirable: At least 3-5 years of experience in intellectual property management, technology commercialization, or industry liaison roles; proven expertise in patent drafting, licensing negotiations, and business development in the biotechnology or bioprocess sector; strong understanding of market analysis, business model development, and revenue generation strategies; excellent communication and networking skills; experience in organizing outreach activities; original published work of high standards in journals of international repute; National/International Patents.

For Scientist-C (Bioenergy)

• Essential:
  1. Ph.D. in Microbiology or Biochemical Engineering with a focus on bioenergy.
  2. Five years research and development experience in the domain areas of Microbiology or Biochemical Engineering with a focus on bioenergy from Academic Institutions or Science and Technology Organisations or research Institute or an Industrial Establishments.
• Desirable: At least 3-5 years of post-doctoral or industrial experience in microbial process development and scale-up; proven expertise in operating and optimizing bioreactors for biofuel production; hands-on experience in strain improvement using genetic engineering; demonstrated field experience in pilot-scale or industrial bioprocess operations; strong publication record and ability to secure research funding; original published work of high standards; National/International Patents.

For Scientist-B (Paleobiology)

• Essential:
  1. Master’s Degree in Geology or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university.
  2. Three years research and development experience in the domain areas of Geology or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university from Academic Institutions or Science and Technology Organisations or research Institute or an Industrial Establishments.
• Desirable: A Ph.D. in a relevant area; research experience in Palaeosciences; experience in Mesozoic Mollusca and allied biostratigraphy; publications in journals with JCR impact factor and/or a patent; original published work of high standards.

For Scientist-B (Bioinformatics)

• Essential:
  1. Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biotechnology, or related fields from a recognized university.
  2. Three years research and development experience in the domain areas of Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biotechnology, or related fields from Academic Institutions or Science and Technology Organisations or research Institute or an Industrial Establishments.
• Desirable: Ph.D. in Bioinformatics or related areas with expertise in NGS data analysis, transcriptomics, proteomics, or systems biology; proficiency in programming languages (e.g. Python, R); experience in molecular techniques such as PCR, RNA-Seq or protein modeling; publications in journals with a JCR impact factor and/or a patent; original published work of high standards.

Age Limit

Age Relaxation:

• Relaxable for SC/ST/OBC and other categories as per Central Government instructions.
• Relaxable up to five years for Government servants and employees of Autonomous Research Organisations/Research Institutes/Universities.

Application Fee

• General/OBC/EWS Candidates: Rs. 500/-
• SC/ST/Women Candidates: Exempted from fee payment.

The fee must be paid online through https://www.onlinesbi.sbi/sbicollect/ (Educational Institutions-Category-Agharkar Research Institute-Payment Category-Others). Candidates must attach the receipt of online payment and indicate the online receipt number in the application form.

Important Dates

*Remote Areas include Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Ladakh Division of J & K State, Lahaul and Spiti District and Pangi Sub Division of Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Island and Lakshadweep.

Selection Process

1. Online Application & Scrutiny: Candidates will first apply online and submit the hard copy of their application. Applications will be scrutinized based on essential and desirable qualifications.
2. Shortlisting: If a large number of applications are received, ARI may restrict the number of candidates called for interview through a shortlisting process based on well-defined criteria, which may include desirable qualifications and/or higher experience.
3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. Outstation candidates called for interview will be paid second class rail/sleeper class rail fare.
4. Final Selection: Selection will be based on performance in the interview. A reserve panel will be prepared, valid for one year.
5. Probation Period: Two years for Scientist-B, and one year for Scientists C & E, extendable at the discretion of the Competent Authority.

How to Apply

Candidates must follow a two-step application process: online submission and then hard copy submission.

1. Online Application: Visit the official application link: http://arijob.ourlib.in.
2. Fill out the online application form with all required details. Ensure accuracy as incomplete or partially filled forms will be rejected.
3. Pay the application fee (if applicable) online through SBI Collect and note down the transaction details.
4. Submit the online application. It is advisable to apply much before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
5. Hard Copy Submission: After successful online submission, take a printout of the duly filled online application form.
6. Attach self-attested copies of all necessary qualifications, certificates (educational, date of birth, disability, community/caste, experience), and a passport-size photograph.
7. Include a list of publications/patents (4 best papers authored in the last 5 years with details like authors, title, journal, volume, pages, year, citation count, impact factor).
8. Candidates working in Government/PSU/Autonomous organizations must submit a ‘No Objection Certificate (NOC)’ from their employer in the prescribed format.
9. Superscribe the envelope with “Application for <Post Code>” (e.g., “Application for Scientist E/2026”).
10. Send the printout of the application along with all supporting documents by hand/post/Speed post/courier to:
    The Director,
    Agharkar Research Institute,
    Gopal Ganesh Agarkar Road,
    Pune – 411 004
11. Ensure the hard copy reaches the institute within 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in ‘Employment News’ (45 days for remote areas).

Important Links

Job Profile & Career Scope

Working as a Scientist at MACS-ARI involves engaging in cutting-edge research and development activities within your specialized domain. These positions offer a stable career path with the Government of India, ample opportunities for scientific contribution, and professional growth in a collaborative research environment.

• Scientist-E (Business Development): This role focuses on translating research innovations into commercial products/services. Duties include patent facilitation, technology commercialization, revenue generation through analytical services and training programs, popularization of ARI technologies, and liaising with industry partners. This is a high-impact role at a senior level, requiring a blend of scientific acumen and business strategy.
• Scientist-C (Bioenergy): Responsibilities involve designing and optimizing microbial processes for biofuel production, scaling up bioprocesses from lab to industrial levels, strain improvement using genetic engineering, and overseeing large-scale microbial culture production. This role contributes directly to sustainable energy solutions and requires strong expertise in bioprocess engineering and microbiology.
• Scientist-B (Paleobiology): This position entails curation and management of fossil collections, research in Paleobiology (with emphasis on Foraminifera), operation of analytical techniques (microscopy, SEM, ICP-MS), understanding bioinformatics and molecular ecology, and publishing research findings. It offers a chance to contribute to understanding Earth’s history and climate.
• Scientist-B (Bioinformatics): Duties include data analysis and interpretation of complex genomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic datasets, complementing existing expertise, advancing multi-omics integration, supporting funded projects, and capacity building/training in computational biology. This role is crucial for leveraging computational tools in biological research.

Career growth within a research institute like ARI typically involves progression through different Scientist grades, leading to leadership roles in specific research groups or administrative positions. Scientists are encouraged to publish research, secure grants, and mentor junior researchers.

Preparation Tips

For these Scientist positions, the selection heavily relies on your academic background, research experience, publications, and performance in the interview. Here are some tips:

Document Preparation

• Organize Certificates: Ensure all your educational certificates, mark sheets, experience letters, caste/community certificates, and any disability certificates are in order. Have both originals and self-attested photocopies ready.
• Experience Letters: Make sure your experience certificates clearly mention your date of joining, date of relieving, and the post held.
• Publications/Patents: Prepare a detailed list of your publications and patents, highlighting your 4 best papers as requested. Have copies ready.
• NOC: If you are a government employee, start the process of obtaining your No Objection Certificate well in advance.

Interview Preparation

• Review Your Research: Be thoroughly prepared to discuss your Ph.D. thesis, research projects, publications, and any patents in detail. Understand the methodology, results, and implications.
• Understand the Job Description: Carefully read the specific job description for the post you are applying for. Be ready to explain how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities and desirable qualifications.
• Domain Knowledge: Refresh your knowledge in your core subject area and related fields. For Business Development, understand innovation management and IP. For Bioenergy, focus on microbial processes and scale-up. For Paleobiology, be strong in geology and fossil analysis. For Bioinformatics, be proficient in data analysis and programming.
• ARI’s Work: Familiarize yourself with the research activities and thematic areas of MACS-ARI. This shows your genuine interest in the institute.
• Behavioral Questions: Be ready for questions about your problem-solving skills, teamwork, ability to handle challenges, and future research plans.
• Presentation: If asked, be prepared to give a brief presentation on your research work or a relevant topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the last date to apply for ARI Scientist Recruitment 2026?

The last date for online application is March 15, 2026. The hard copy of the application along with supporting documents must be received within 30 days (45 days for remote areas) from the date of publication of the advertisement in ‘Employment News’.

Q2: Is there an application fee for all candidates?

No, an application fee of Rs. 500/- is applicable for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. SC/ST and women candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.

Q3: How do I submit my application?

You need to first apply online through the link http://arijob.ourlib.in. After submitting online, take a printout of your application, attach self-attested copies of all required documents, and send it by post/courier to The Director, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune.

Q4: What documents are required for the hard copy submission?

You need to send the printout of your online application along with self-attested copies of educational qualifications, experience certificates, date of birth proof, caste/community certificate (if applicable), disability certificate (if applicable), passport-size photograph, and a list of publications/patents. Government employees must also include an NOC.

Q5: Is there any age relaxation for reserved categories?

Yes, age relaxation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and other categories is applicable as per the instructions issued by the Central Government from time to time. Government servants also get up to five years of relaxation.

Q6: What is the selection process for these Scientist posts?

The selection process involves shortlisting based on qualifications and experience, followed by an interview. The final selection will be based on the candidate’s performance in the interview.

Q7: Can I apply for multiple posts?

The notification specifies individual posts by Sr. No and Post Code. Candidates should apply for the post for which they are most qualified and eligible. It’s generally advisable to apply for one suitable post unless the notification explicitly allows multiple applications with separate forms and fees.

Q8: What if my application is incomplete or the hard copy is not sent?

Incomplete/partially filled application forms will not be considered. Mere online filling of the application is not sufficient; mandatory submission of the online printout along with supporting documents by the closing date is required. Failure to do so will lead to rejection of candidature.

Q9: Where will the selected candidates be posted?

The place of work is primarily Pune, at the Director’s Office ARI or specific research groups (e.g., Bioenergy Group). Selected candidates are liable to serve anywhere in India and abroad.