IIT Madras Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 — Job Details

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), an Institute of Eminence, has released a recruitment notification for the position of Project Associate-I. This vacancy, identified under Advertisement Number Advt.55/2026, offers a significant opportunity for researchers in the field of Biotechnology and Biological Engineering to work on high-impact projects. The selected candidate will be involved in an ANRF-ARG-funded project focusing on disease modeling of pancreatic tumors using engineered mammalian cells. This role is based in the Department of Chemical Engineering and provides a platform for professional growth in a premier academic environment. With a monthly remuneration of Rs. 37,000 plus HRA, this position is designed for motivated individuals who have qualified national-level examinations like GATE or CSIR-UGC NET. Interested candidates must ensure they meet the specific technical requirements, including hands-on experience in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture, before proceeding with the application process which concludes on May 13, 2026.

Quick Facts

About the recruitment

The IIT Madras Project Associate-I recruitment is a temporary, contract-based appointment. The project is supervised by Prof. Rashmi P. Mohanty in the Department of Chemical Engineering. The primary objective of the research is the disease modeling of pancreatic tumors.

Project Scope and Job Description

The role involves a heavy emphasis on molecular biology and engineering. The selected Project Associate will be responsible for:

1. Designing and constructing plasmids using advanced techniques such as Golden Gate or Gibson assembly.
2. Transfecting constructed plasmids into mammalian cells to simulate pancreatic tumor environments.
3. Validating tumor environment formation through characterization techniques including microscopy and flow cytometry.

The duration of the post is initially for one year, which may be extended based on the candidate's performance and the requirements of the project. This is a full-time research role located at the Chennai campus of IIT Madras.

Important Dates

Candidates must adhere to the following timeline to ensure their application is considered. While multiple dates appear in different administrative contexts, the final deadline for this specific cycle is clearly defined.

• Notification Date: April 2026
• Last Date for Online Application: May 13, 2026
• Walk-in Interview Date: May 13, 2026 (as per specific instructions for Chennai)

It is recommended that candidates complete their online registration well before the deadline to avoid any technical issues on the official ICSR IIT Madras portal.

Vacancy Details

There is currently 1 (one) vacancy available for the post of Project Associate-I.

Key Information Table

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for the Project Associate-I position are stringent, requiring both academic qualifications and specific technical skills.

Educational Qualifications

Candidates must possess one of the following degrees from a recognized University or Institute:

• BTech in Biotechnology, Biological Engineering, or related disciplines.
• MTech in Biotechnology, Biological Engineering, or related disciplines.
• MSc in Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or related disciplines.

Mandatory National Level Exams

In addition to the degree, candidates must have qualified in at least one of the following:

• CSIR-UGC NET (including Lectureship/Assistant Professorship).
• GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering).

Technical Experience

Applicants must demonstrate hands-on research experience in the following areas:

• Molecular Biology: Proficiency in plasmid design and construction (Golden Gate/Gibson assembly).
• Cell Culture: Experience in mammalian cell culture techniques and transfection protocols.
• Characterization: Familiarity with microscopy and flow cytometry for biological validation.

Age Limit

Specific age limit figures are not explicitly detailed in the summary. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification PDF (Advt.55/2026) for the upper age limit and any applicable relaxations for SC, ST, and OBC candidates as per Government of India norms.

Application Mode

The application mode is listed as a combination of online registration and a walk-in interview process.

• Application Fee: There is no application fee mentioned in the official source (Nil for all categories).
• Location: The selection activities will take place in Chennai.

Candidates should ensure they have digital copies of their certificates ready for the online portal before attending the walk-in session.

Selection Process

The selection for the Project Associate-I position involves multiple stages to ensure the technical competence of the candidate.

1. Shortlisting: Initial screening based on academic qualifications and NET/GATE scores.
2. Test/Interview: A technical interview or a shortlisting test focusing on molecular biology and cell culture techniques.
3. Document Verification: Verification of original certificates, experience letters, and identity proofs.

Candidates will be evaluated on their understanding of the research project's objectives and their ability to handle the specific tools mentioned in the job description.

Application process reference

Follow these steps to application window closed for the IIT Madras recruitment:

1. Visit the official ICSR IIT Madras careers page at https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in/careers/about.php.
2. Navigate to the 'Current Openings' section and locate Advertisement Number Advt.55/2026.
3. Read the official notification PDF thoroughly to understand the project requirements.
4. Register on the portal if you are a new user or log in with your credentials.
5. Fill in the application form with accurate personal and educational details.
6. Upload the necessary documents, including your CV, degree certificates, and NET/GATE scorecards.
7. Submit the application online by the deadline of May 13, 2026.
8. For the walk-in interview, carry a printed copy of the application form and original documents to the designated venue in Chennai on the specified date.

Why this matters

Working at IIT Madras as a Project Associate-I offers unparalleled exposure to high-end research infrastructure. For a researcher in biotechnology, this role provides the chance to contribute to cancer research (pancreatic tumor modeling) under the guidance of experienced faculty. The consolidated salary of Rs. 37,000 plus HRA is competitive for project-based roles in India. Furthermore, the experience gained here is highly valued in both academia and the biopharmaceutical industry, serving as a strong foundation for those planning to pursue a PhD or R&D careers in the future.

Summary

The IIT Madras Project Associate-I recruitment (Advt.55/2026) is a prestigious opportunity for biotechnology researchers. Eligible candidates should complete their applications by May 13, 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the official website at https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in/careers/about.php.