Junior Research Fellow JRF

Applications are invited for the position of Project Assistant / Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position in a DBT National Network Project Grant to Dr. Rohini Garg, Associate Professor, Department of Life Sciences (DLS), School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Delhi-NCR (Shiv Nadar IoE), Greater Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar, 201314 (U.P.).

The position is temporary and is available immediately.

Essential qualification: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in natural or agricultural sciences from a UGC accredited university. Additionally, for JRF: Post Graduate Degree in STEM field with qualification in any National level Test (NET, GATE) or national level test conducted by central government departments or their agencies and institutions or Graduate Degree in Professional Course with National Level Test qualification.

 Desirable: Candidates with a handling plant samples or experience in NGS sequencing and molecular biology methods like DNA/RNA extraction/quantification or computational background (such as degree or experience in bioinformatics/computational science) along with biology or experience with using linux and R are highly encouraged to apply.

Fellowship:

The fellowship amount is per DBT norms, Govt of India guidelines. The Project Assistant will be compensated as per DBT norms based upon qualifications (~Rs. 30,000/- pm + HRA). Candidates with NET/GATE qualification will be considered for the JRF with fellowship amounts as per DBT norms (~Rs. 37,000/- pm + HRA).

Duration: The position/s will be made for a period of 1 year with an option for renewal. It is available immediately.

Project Description: The lab studies the molecular regulation of abiotic stress tolerance in plants, focusing on chickpea and Arabidopsis responses to drought and salinity. Our research delves into the roles of DNA methylation, DNA secondary structures, long non-coding RNAs, and small peptides in modulating gene expression under stress. We utilize high-throughput sequencing (e.g. RNA-seq, ChIP-seq), advanced bioinformatics analyses, and biotechnological approaches like gene editing and overexpression to decipher these complex regulatory networks. By integrating cutting-edge sequencing technologies with sophisticated bioinformatics and targeted genetic manipulation, we aim to understand the fundamental principles of plant adaptation and translate this knowledge into improved crop varieties. Ultimately, we seek to identify and manipulate specific genes to enhance crop resilience in challenging environments. The fellow/assistant will be expected to do analyze their data and participate in other lab research activities. They would participate in group meetings and departmental seminars, present their work and engage with research activities at SNIoE. For more information, visit https://sites.google.com/snu.edu.in/coee/groups?authuser=0. The position involves working closely with the PI and students alongside plant epigenomics and computational biology projects. These might include standardizing various library preparation methods for various sequencing platforms, analysis pipeline for data analysis. It will also involve using imaging techniques to study plant root architecture. The fellow/assistant will be expected to do experiments, analyze their data and participate in other lab research activities. They would participate in group meetings and departmental seminars, present their work and engage in research activities at SNIoE. A keen interest in plant biology and quantitative skills are desirable. Although experience of working in these areas is preferred, it is not required.

Application and Interview:

Applications should be emailed to the PI, Dr. Rohini Garg, Associate Professor, Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence at [email protected].

Please use the subject line: Application for DBT NNP project JRF / PA Position

We will be screening applications to shortlist suitable candidates by 15^th Feb 2026. Short-listed candidates will be informed about either a telephone or online interview. No TA/DA will be provided for appearing in this interview. Interviews of short-listed candidates will be conducted online after 22^nd Feb 2026, but applications can continue to be sent in after that as well.

Please include the following in your application in a single PDF document:

• A complete CV (with details of qualification i.e. examination passed, year, division, the percentage of marks from 12th board onwards, including research experience, contact details of the applicant with email id and contact information for two references)
• A research statement describing your research interests and why you are suitable for this position.

Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (deemed to be University), National Capital Region (NCR)

Shiv Nadar University (www.snu.edu.in), chosen as one of the ten private Institutions of Eminence (IoE) by the Government of India, is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, research-focused and student-centric institution that is bringing a paradigm shift in higher education in India through its innovative curriculum, cross-disciplinary thinking across a wide range of disciplines, and disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and innovation focus. The University is building an eco-system of knowledge to promote recognition of the inter-connectedness of ideas, systems and environments in the world inside the campus and outside it. The core of the University consists of a select, world-class faculty with doctoral and postdoctoral experiences from ranked universities all over the world. The University currently has 5 Schools, 24 Departments and 7 Research Centers engaged in teaching, practice, and research in disciplines as diverse as Engineering, Natural Sciences, Management & Entrepreneurship, and Humanities & Social Sciences, along with Art & Performing Arts, Design, Communication, and Extended Education & Professional Development. The schools offer Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees. The University is among a select group of green-field institutions in the country, which were awarded the prestigious Atal Incubation Center grant by the NITI Aayog, Government of India, in the very first round in 2017.