RCB Project Research Scientist-I Recruitment 2026: Apply by Apr 22

The Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), an institution established by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, under the auspices of UNESCO, has announced a recruitment notification (Advt. No. 09/Project/2026/HR) for the position of Project Research Scientist-I. This is a crucial opportunity for eligible candidates with an M.Sc. in Biotechnology to contribute to an important research project titled ‘Sialidase-Based Detection of Vaginal Dysbiosis and Monitoring of Vaginal Health: Development of an indigenous Rapid Diagnostic Kit’. Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply online before the deadline on April 22, 2026. The selection process will involve an interview for shortlisted candidates.

Quick Overview

Vacancy Details

The recruitment is for a single position dedicated to a specific research project:

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this position:

Educational Qualification

• Essential: M.Sc. or any other equivalent course in Biotechnology with at least 60% marks.
• Desirable: Experience in handling fungal culture. Skills in microbiology, molecular biology tools, and protein expression are also requisite. Candidates should also be hardworking and possess good interpersonal skills.

Age Limit

The official notification does not specify an age limit for this position. Candidates are advised to refer to general RCB recruitment guidelines or contact the recruiting authority for clarification if needed.

Experience

• While not strictly essential, experience in handling fungal culture, proficiency in microbiology, molecular biology tools, and protein expression is highly desirable.

Application Fee

Details regarding the application fee are not mentioned in the official notification. Candidates should check the online application portal or the official website for any fee requirements during the application process.

Important Dates

Selection Process

The selection process for the Project Research Scientist-I position at RCB will involve the following stages:

1. Online Application: Candidates must submit their applications online by the specified deadline.
2. Shortlisting: Applications will be screened based on essential and desirable qualifications. Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email by 28th April 2026.
3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be required to appear for an interview on 06th May 2026 at 10:00 AM. The interview will assess the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and suitability for the project.
4. Document Verification: Original documents will be verified during the interview process.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates must apply online by following these steps:

1. Visit the official website of the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) at www.rcb.res.in or use the direct application link provided in the notification.
2. Look for the ‘Careers’ or ‘Recruitment’ section on the homepage.
3. Find the advertisement for ‘Project Research Scientist-I’ (Advt. No. 09/Project/2026/HR).
4. Click on the ‘Apply Online’ link associated with the advertisement.
5. Register yourself if you are a new user, or log in if you already have an account.
6. Fill out the application form carefully with all the required personal, educational, and experience details.
7. Upload scanned copies of the necessary documents, including your M.Sc. Degree certificate and Certificate of experience (if applicable), as per the specified format and size.
8. Review all the entered information before final submission to avoid any errors.
9. Submit the application form. It is advisable to take a printout of the submitted application for future reference.

Required Documents

Candidates are required to upload the following documents during the online application process. It is also crucial to carry the original documents for verification during the interview.

• M.Sc. Degree certificate (and mark sheets).
• Certificate of experience (if applicable).
• Proof of Date of Birth (e.g., 10th class mark sheet/certificate).
• Caste Certificate (if applying under a reserved category, as per Government of India norms).
• Any other relevant academic or professional certificates.
• A recent passport-size photograph.
• Signature.

Note: Always ensure that the uploaded documents are clear, legible, and in the specified file format and size.

Important Links

Job Profile & Career Scope

The Project Research Scientist-I at RCB will be primarily involved in the research project focusing on the ‘Sialidase-Based Detection of Vaginal Dysbiosis’. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on an indigenous rapid diagnostic kit development, contributing directly to public health. The responsibilities typically include:

• Conducting experiments related to fungal culture, microbiology, molecular biology, and protein expression.
• Data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Maintaining laboratory records and preparing reports.
• Collaborating with the Principal Investigator and other team members.
• Contributing to scientific publications and presentations.

Career in project-based research roles like this often leads to:

• Specialization in specific research areas.
• Opportunities for higher studies (Ph.D.).
• Transition to permanent research positions in academia or industry.
• Development of critical research skills and scientific temperament.

The initial one-year duration, with the possibility of extension, provides a valuable platform for aspiring researchers to gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge biotechnology domain under the guidance of experienced scientists.

Preparation Tips

Since the selection is primarily based on an interview, your preparation should focus on demonstrating your scientific knowledge, research aptitude, and suitability for the specific project.

For the Interview

• Understand the Project: Thoroughly read and understand the project title and its objectives. Be prepared to discuss its significance, potential challenges, and your approach.
• Revise Core Concepts: Brush up on fundamental concepts in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Protein Expression, as mentioned in the desirable qualifications.
• Highlight Experience: If you have experience in fungal culture or related techniques, be ready to discuss your work in detail, including methodologies, results, and challenges faced.
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Expect questions related to lab techniques, experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving scenarios relevant to the project.
• Soft Skills: The notification emphasizes being a ‘hardworking and team player with interpersonal skills’. Be ready to provide examples demonstrating these qualities.
• Research the PI: Familiarize yourself with the research work of Dr. Nidhi Adlakha, the Principal Investigator, which can help you align your answers and show genuine interest.
• Prepare Questions: Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interview panel about the project, team, or lab environment. This shows engagement and enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a project-based position, initially for a period of up to one year. The duration may be extended based on performance and project requirements.

Q2: Can candidates from other states apply?

Yes, as a central government institution, RCB recruits candidates from across India, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Q3: What if I don’t have experience in fungal culture but meet essential qualifications?

Experience in fungal culture is listed as ‘desirable’. While essential qualifications (M.Sc. with 60%) are mandatory, desirable skills will give an edge. If you lack specific experience, emphasize your quick learning ability and strong foundational knowledge in related areas.

Q4: Will there be a written exam for this position?

No, the notification clearly states that shortlisted candidates will be informed for an interview. There is no mention of a written examination.

Q5: What documents should I carry for the interview?

You must carry all original documents related to your educational qualifications (M.Sc. degree, mark sheets), experience certificates, proof of date of birth, and any other relevant certificates (e.g., caste certificate) for verification during the interview.

Q6: How will I know if I am shortlisted for the interview?

Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email by 28th April 2026, 5:00 PM. Ensure your email address provided in the application is correct and regularly check your inbox and spam folder.

Q7: What is the exact location of the interview?

The notification specifies the interview will be held at 10.00 AM on 06th May 2026. The venue will likely be the Regional Centre for Biotechnology campus in Faridabad, Haryana. Specific details will be communicated to shortlisted candidates via email.

Q8: Is there any travel allowance for attending the interview?

The notification does not mention any provision for travel allowance (TA/DA) for attending the interview. Typically, candidates are expected to bear their own travel expenses for such project-based interviews unless otherwise specified.