Comprehensive Overview & Notification Background
The National Institute of Immunology (NII), an autonomous research institute under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, has officially announced its recruitment drive for the post of Project Research Scientist-I (Non-Medical). NII is widely recognized as a premier institute dedicated to advanced research in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, and related scientific disciplines. This recruitment initiative offers an extraordinary opening for motivated researchers, scientists, and scholars possessing high academic achievements to contribute to cutting-edge biomedical and immunological research projects.
Interested candidates who fulfill the prescribed educational qualifications and age criteria are invited to submit their online applications on or before 29 October 2026. Candidates are strongly advised to go through all eligibility conditions, guidelines, and selection procedures mentioned in this article before filling out the application form.
Vacancies Breakdown & Educational Eligibility Criteria
The post of Project Research Scientist-I (Non-Medical) requires strong technical expertise, scientific acumen, and formal qualification in relevant biological sciences. Below are the detailed post details and required qualifications:
| Post Name | Educational Qualification | Desirable Skills / Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Project Research Scientist-I (Non-Medical) | First Class Master’s Degree (M.Sc. / M.Tech) in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, or related disciplines; OR Second Class M.Sc. + Ph.D. degree in a relevant subject. | Hands-on research experience in cell culture, molecular biology techniques, animal handling, immunology assays, recombinant DNA technology, structural biology, or computational biology. Prior peer-reviewed research publications in reputed journals will be given preference. |
Age Limit, Age Relaxation Rules, & Reservation Policy
Applicants must ensure that they satisfy the upper age limit requirements as on the closing date of the application form (29 October 2026):
- Maximum Age Limit: 35 Years for General/Unreserved candidates.
- Age Relaxation for SC/ST: Up to 5 years.
- Age Relaxation for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Up to 3 years.
- Age Relaxation for PWD & Female Candidates: As per Government of India guidelines and research project funding agency norms.
Pay Scale, Salary Structure, Allowance, & Perks
Selected candidates for the position of Project Research Scientist-I (Non-Medical) will receive a consolidated monthly remuneration according to standard institute and funding agency (such as ICMR/DBT/DST) guidelines:
- Emoluments: Rs. 56,000/- per month + House Rent Allowance (HRA) as applicable based on Delhi city category rules.
- Tenure: The appointment is purely temporary and contractual in nature, initially for a period of one year, extendable based on performance review and project duration.
- Perks: Access to world-class research facilities, advanced instrumentation laboratories, scientific seminars, and academic exchange opportunities.
Selection Process
The recruitment for the Project Research Scientist-I post involves a multi-stage evaluation process designed to select the best academic talent:
- Application Screening & Shortlisting: Applications received will be thoroughly screened by an expert selection committee. Shortlisting will be based on academic performance, research experience, publication record, and relevance to the project requirements.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to appear for a personal interview (in-person or online depending on institute directives). The interview will evaluate subject domain knowledge, understanding of scientific methodology, problem-solving capabilities, and research motivation.
- Document Verification: Original testimonials, degree certificates, experience certificates, and identity proofs will be verified prior to formal engagement.
Detailed Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Generally, direct recruitment for temporary research positions does not involve a written entrance examination. However, in the event of receiving a large volume of applications, NII reserves the right to conduct a written screening test.
| Evaluation Component | Primary Criteria | Weightage / Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications & Marks | Consistent First Class Academic Record (10th, 12th, B.Sc, M.Sc/M.Tech) | 30% Weightage |
| Research Experience & Publications | Lab skills, technical competence, published papers in SCI journals | 30% Weightage |
| Personal Interview | Technical performance, domain knowledge, research proposal defense | 40% Weightage |
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply
Eligible candidates can complete their online application process by following the step-by-step instructions outlined below:
- Visit the official website of National Institute of Immunology: www.nii.res.in.
- Navigate to the 'Careers' or 'Vacancies / Project Appointments' section on the homepage.
- Locate the notification link for Project Research Scientist-I (Non-Medical) Recruitment 2026 and download the official advertisement.
- Carefully review all instructions and eligibility terms.
- Fill out the prescribed online application form with personal details, educational qualifications, research experience, and contact information.
- Upload self-attested scanned copies of required documents, including degree certificates, mark sheets, curriculum vitae (CV), and publication lists.
- Verify all filled information carefully before submitting the online form.
- Submit the form and save/print a copy of the final application submission receipt for future reference.
Important Guidelines & Documents Required for Verification
Candidates must keep the following original documents ready along with self-attested photocopies for verification:
- Secondary School Certificate (10th) as proof of Date of Birth.
- Bachelor's and Master's Degree Certificates along with consolidated mark sheets.
- Ph.D. Degree / Provisional Certificate (if applicable).
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) in the prescribed Central Government format.
- Experience Certificates from previous employers or research institutes.
- Copy of best published research papers / manuscripts.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting technical expertise.
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or PAN Card).