IIT Madras Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026: 1 Post, Apply by April 29

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) through its Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (ICSR) has released an official notification for the recruitment of Project Associate-I. This is a golden opportunity for eligible candidates looking for a temporary research position in a prestigious institution. Interested applicants must possess the required educational qualifications and relevant experience, along with a valid NET or GATE score. The application process is entirely online, and candidates are advised to apply well before the deadline of April 29, 2026.

Quick Overview

Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• BTech/MTech/MSc in Biotechnology/Biological Engineering/Biological Sciences/related disciplines.
• The candidate must have qualified National Eligibility Tests – CSIR-UGC NET including Lectureship (Assistant Professorship) or GATE.

Age Limit

Age limit details are not mentioned in the official notification. Candidates are advised to refer to the IIT Madras recruitment rules or contact the recruitment cell for clarification.

Experience

• Demonstrated hands-on research experience in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture is essential.

Application Fee

The official notification does not specify any application fee for this recruitment. Candidates should proceed with the online application without expecting a fee payment, or check the application portal for any update.

Important Dates

Selection Process

The selection process for the IIT Madras Project Associate-I position will involve the following stages:

1. Short-listing of Candidates: Candidates will be short-listed for Test/Interview based on the information provided in their online applications. The Institute reserves the right to restrict the number of candidates.
2. Test/Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a Test and/or Interview. The mode of screening and testing will be decided by the Institute.
3. Document Verification: Candidates will need to present original documents for verification during the test/interview stage.
4. Final Selection: Based on performance in the test/interview and document verification, the final selection will be made.

How to Apply

Candidates must apply online for the IIT Madras Project Associate-I position by following these steps:

1. Visit the official ICSR IIT Madras recruitment portal: https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in/careers/current_openings.php
2. Look for Advertisement No. ICSR/PR/Advt.55/2026 and click on the relevant link for Project Associate-I.
3. Register yourself using a valid email ID. Ensure the email ID is active as all correspondence will be made through it.
4. Fill out the online application form with all the required personal, educational, and experience details accurately.
5. Upload any necessary documents as specified (not explicitly mentioned in PDF but common practice).
6. Review your application carefully before submission as it cannot be edited or reverted once submitted.
7. Submit the application form.
8. Take a printout of the submitted application form for your records. This printout will be required at the time of document verification/test/interview.

Important Links

Job Profile & Career Scope

As a Project Associate-I at IIT Madras, you will be involved in a cutting-edge research project focusing on disease modeling of pancreatic tumors. Your primary duties will include:

• Designing and constructing plasmids using molecular biology techniques like Golden Gate or Gibson assembly.
• Transfecting constructed plasmids into mammalian cells.
• Validating tumor environment formation using characterization techniques such as microscopy and flow cytometry.
• Assisting the Co-ordinator, Prof. Rashmi P. Mohanty, in research activities and data analysis.

This temporary position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in a premier institution. It can serve as a strong foundation for pursuing higher studies (Ph.D.) or future research roles in academia or industry, especially in biotechnology, molecular biology, and cancer research. The experience gained in advanced molecular biology and cell culture techniques will be invaluable for a career in biomedical research.

Preparation Tips

For this Project Associate-I role, your preparation should focus on demonstrating your expertise in the required technical skills and research aptitude.

For Interview

• Revise Core Concepts: Be thorough with molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, genetic engineering techniques (plasmid design, Golden Gate/Gibson assembly, transfection), and characterization methods (microscopy, flow cytometry).
• Understand the Project: Read the job description carefully and try to understand the project’s objectives and methodology. Be prepared to discuss how your skills align with the project needs.
• Showcase Experience: Prepare to discuss your previous research experience in detail, highlighting your hands-on skills, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Emphasize your contribution to previous projects.
• Communication Skills: Practice explaining complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely. Be ready to answer questions about your motivations for joining the project and your long-term career goals.

For Document Verification

• Keep all original educational certificates (B.Tech/M.Tech/M.Sc mark sheets and degrees), NET/GATE score card, and experience certificates ready.
• Have self-attested photocopies of all documents.
• Carry a valid photo ID proof (Aadhar Card, Passport, Driving License, etc.).
• Ensure you have the printout of your online application form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is this a permanent position at IIT Madras?

No, this is a temporary position initially for one year, extendable based on performance, and is purely on a contract basis. It does not confer any right for further extension, regularization, or permanency at the Institute.

Q2: What is the last date to apply for the Project Associate-I post?

The last date for submission of the online application is April 29, 2026.

Q3: Is there an application fee for this recruitment?

The official notification does not mention any application fee. Candidates should check the online application portal for any updates regarding fees.

Q4: What are the essential qualifications for this post?

Candidates must have a BTech/MTech/MSc in Biotechnology/Biological Engineering/Biological Sciences or related disciplines, qualified CSIR-UGC NET (including Lectureship) or GATE, and demonstrated hands-on research experience in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture.

Q5: How will candidates be short-listed for the interview?

Candidates will be short-listed based on the information provided in their online applications. The Institute reserves the right to restrict the number of candidates for test/interview based on qualifications, experience, and academic achievements.

Q6: Can I apply for multiple positions with one application?

The system will accept a single application per registered login ID (email) for an advertisement. If you wish to apply for multiple positions under the same advertisement (if available), you must select them before submitting the application.

Q7: What if I face technical issues during online application?

For any technical issues during application submission, you can send an email to icsrrecruitment6@icsrpis.iitm.ac.in or icsrrecruitment@icsrpis.iitm.ac.in, or contact 044-2257 8843 on working days (Monday to Friday) from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (except National Holidays).

Q8: Is prior experience mandatory for this role?

Yes, demonstrated hands-on research experience in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture is essential for this Project Associate-I position.