Key skills

Gene expression

Cloning

qRT-PCR

Constructs preparation

Gateway cloning

Golden gate cloning

Bacterial transformation

Additional/Preferred Skills

DNA isolation

PCR

RNA isolation

Gene Editing

Tissue culture

media preparation

Preferred Qualifications

Master of Science in Biotechnology

National Project Workforce - Junior Research Fellow

ICRISAT invites applications from dynamic and motivated Indian nationals for the position of National Project Workforce - Junior Research Fellow, to support the Trait Discovery and Delivery Department under the Global Research Program - Accelerated Crop Improvement. The incumbent will be responsible for gene expression analysis, construct preparation, and molecular characterization of gene-edited sorghum plants, along with any additional tasks assigned by the supervisor. The position is based at ICRISAT Headquarters, Patancheru, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa with a wide array of partners throughout the world. Covering 6.5 million square kilometers of land in 55 countries, the semi- arid or dryland tropics has over 2 billion people and 644 million of these are the poorest of the poor. ICRISAT and its partners help empower these disadvantaged populations to overcome poverty, hunger and a degraded environment through better agricultural production systems.

ICRISAT is headquartered at Patancheru near Hyderabad, India, with two regional hubs and eight country offices in sub-Saharan Africa. ICRISAT envisions a prosperous, food-secure and resilient dryland tropics. Its mission is to reduce poverty, hunger, malnutrition and environmental degradation in the dryland tropics. ICRISAT conducts research on its mandate crops of chickpea, pigeonpea, groundnut, sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet in the arid and semi-arid tropics. The Institute focuses its work on the drylands and in protecting the environment. Tropical dryland areas are usually seen as resource-poor and perennially beset by shocks such as drought, thereby trapping dryland communities in poverty and hunger and making them dependent on external aid. Please visit - www.icrisat.org

Responsibilities:

Purpose

  • To perform scientific research on sorghum transformation, gene editing, molecular characterization of the transformed plants, data analysis, and interpretation.

  • Perform cloning, gene expression analysis, growth, and maintenance of transformed plants in the greenhouse.

  • To help and support the various research activities in the greenhouse and field experiments related to gene-editing.

  • To assist the scientist in preparing the reports and manuscripts

Engagement

  • Collaborate with research staff and technicians within and from other clusters/disciplines per the project requirement.

Delivery

  • Execute experiments related to sorghum transformation and gene editing in adherence to the defined schedules and timeline and in compliance with the institute policies.

  • Reporting and maintaining accurate and high-quality data files required to prepare project reports.

  • Support the scientist in writing technical reports.

  • Responsible for completing the assigned activities.

  • Demonstrated proficiency in bioinformatics, particularly RNA-seq data analysis

  • To coordinate with other staff members to assist in general upkeep of the lab/ lab equipment if needed.

Eligibility and Qualifications:

Education

  • Postgraduate degree in Biology/Biotechnology or a related field, with a valid GATE/NET qualification as per DBT norms

Experience

  • Minimum 1–4 years of hands-on experience in plant tissue culture and molecular biology with working experience in CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing are desirable. and Bioinformatics will be added advantage.

Technical Skills

  • Demonstrated technical competency in molecular biology techniques, including RNA isolation, qRT-PCR, cloning (Gateway and Golden Gate), construct preparation, Sanger sequencing analysis, plant tissue culture, and crop transformation.

  • Proficiency in English communication skills (both written and spoken)

  • Proficiency in basic Computer skills

  • Should be a good team player and adaptable to working in a multicultural team with ability to coordinate across programs

  • Ability to deal tactfully under pressure situations, deliver under tight schedules, and maintain a high degree of confidentiality

General:

This is a contractual role for a period of 36 months (3 years).

How to apply:

The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Shortlisting will start from 01 June 2026. All Applicants should apply with their latest Resume, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining a progressive and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status or whether they have a disability.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.