RGCB Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

Introduction to RGCB Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), operating under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, has officially released the recruitment notification Advt No: 05/2026. This central government scientific opportunity invites applications for 1 post of Junior Research Fellow. Candidates seeking advanced scientific career paths in premier national institutions will find this temporary position highly rewarding.

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

RGCB is a leading premier research institution located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, focusing on cutting-edge biotechnology and molecular biology research. Candidates interested in similar high-level scientific roles can also explore RPCAU Test Engineer and Senior Research Fellow Walk-in Interview 2026 recruitment details for alternative research career openings across the country. The current RGCB opening offers an excellent environment for professionals aiming to contribute to molecular biology and cellular research.

Eligibility Requirements & Qualification Criteria

Aspirants must verify their academic credentials and experience against the strict standards prescribed in the official notification before submitting their applications. Meeting these criteria is mandatory for application shortlisting.

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a 4-year B.S. programme, BPharm, MBBS, Integrated BS-MS, MSc, BE, BTech, or equivalent degree with a minimum of 55% marks. Additionally, candidates must have passed the NET/GATE test in any branch of Life Sciences.
• Required Experience: A minimum of 2 years' experience in molecular biology techniques, cloning, transfection and transduction, and animal cell culture is strictly mandatory.
• Age Limit: The maximum age limit is 28 years as on 09 October 2026.
• Age Relaxation: Category-wise relaxations are applicable as per Government of India norms, providing up to 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST, and respective relaxations for PwD and Ex-Servicemen categories.

Stipend, Salary Structure & Benefits

Selected candidates for the Junior Research Fellow position will receive competitive financial remuneration backed by central government research funding guidelines. The compensation package ensures financial stability while pursuing high-end research projects.

• Monthly Stipend: ₹37,000 per month.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): 16% HRA added to the basic stipend, bringing the total gross and in-hand monthly emoluments to ₹42,920.
• Employment Nature: Temporary and contractual position governed by project terms at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Selection Process & Interview Methodology

The recruitment methodology for this scientific position is structured to evaluate both academic rigor and practical laboratory expertise. No traditional written examination is conducted for this post.

• Stage 1 - Shortlisting of Applications: Submissions are thoroughly evaluated based on educational qualifications, NET/GATE scores, and verified molecular biology laboratory experience.
• Stage 2 - Online Selection Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in an online selection interview conducted by a panel of experts.
• Stage 3 - Document Verification: Final appointment is contingent upon the successful verification of original testimonials, category certificates, and experience proofs.

Important Dates & Application Schedule

Candidates must take careful note of the schedule to avoid missing deadlines. Timely online submission is mandatory for candidature consideration.

• Notification Release Date: 09 October 2026
• Application Start Date: 09 October 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 09 October 2026
• Application Fee: Completely exempted / ₹0 across all categories.

Step-by-Step Online Application Guide

Eligible candidates should follow these structured steps to complete their online submission successfully through the official portal:

• Step 1: Navigate to the official RGCB application portal at https://rgcb.res.in/tempposition/.
• Step 2: Download and thoroughly read the official notification PDF (Advt No. 05/2026) to confirm your eligibility.
• Step 3: Register on the portal using a valid email address and mobile number, then log in to access the application form.
• Step 4: Fill in all personal, educational, and professional experience details accurately, ensuring complete alignment with your official certificates.
• Step 5: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-sized photograph, signature, educational marksheets, NET/GATE score card, and relevant molecular biology experience certificates.
• Step 6: Review the completed form carefully and submit it online before the deadline of 09 October 2026. Save and print a physical copy of the final submitted application for future records.

Essential Documents Checklist

Keep the following documents ready in the prescribed digital formats before beginning the online application process:

• Valid Photo Identity Card (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Driving License)
• Recent passport-sized color photograph
• Educational qualification marksheets and degree certificates (BS, BPharm, MBBS, MSc, BE, BTech)
• NET or GATE qualification scorecard proof
• Experience certificates detailing work in molecular biology techniques, cloning, transfection, transduction, and animal cell culture
• Scanned signature in the required dimension and file size

Candidate Advisory & Important Warnings