NII Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 is for a single project-based opening at the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi. The vacancy is under an ANRF-funded research project titled "Decoding the Circadian and Microbial Drivers of Neuroimmune Dysfunction in Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection" and is linked to the lab of Dr. Tanmay Majumdar, Staff Scientist-IV.
This recruitment is meant for candidates from life sciences backgrounds rather than general applicants. The official advertisement asks for M.Sc or M.Tech in fields such as Immunology, Neurology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or another related area of Life Sciences. The notification also makes it clear that practical experience in molecular biology and biochemistry will be important during shortlisting.
If you are trying to decide whether to apply, the key things to check first are the subject requirement, the expected lab skills, the e-mail application process, and the 2 May 2026 deadline. This post is contractual, initially for one year or until the project duration ends, whichever is shorter, and the interview will be held only for shortlisted candidates.
What this recruitment is for
This recruitment is for one Project Assistant position at the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi. The opening is attached to an ANRF-funded research project being handled by Dr. Tanmay Majumdar, Staff Scientist-IV.
The project focuses on neuroimmune dysfunction in chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection and combines circadian biology, microbiology and immune research. This means the role is best suited to candidates who already have a life sciences background and are comfortable with lab-based work.
Important dates
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Advertisement start date | 17 April 2026 |
| Last date for receipt of application | 02 May 2026 |
| Interview date | Not announced in the notification |
| Interview mode | Offline or online |
The official announcement page also shows the recruitment window from 17 April 2026 to 2 May 2026. Candidates should apply before the deadline rather than waiting for any separate reminder.
Vacancy, project and posting details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Project Assistant |
| Number of posts | One position only |
| Project funding | ANRF |
| Project tenure | Tenable till 20 March 2029 |
| Principal Investigator | Dr. Tanmay Majumdar |
| Institute | National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi |
The notification is specific to one lab and one project. It is not a general institute-wide recruitment drive, so applicants should shape their CV around the project requirements mentioned in the advertisement.
Eligibility and required qualification
The required educational qualification is M.Sc. or M.Tech in Immunology, Neurology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or another related field of Life Sciences from a recognised university.
The notification does not mention a separate age limit for this post. It also does not make NET, GATE or another national-level examination mandatory for eligibility, though the prescribed form asks candidates to mention whether they have qualified any national-level examination.
M.Sc. candidates are eligible if their subject falls within the listed life sciences areas.
M.Tech candidates are also eligible if the degree is in a relevant life sciences stream.
Equivalent or closely related life sciences fields may be considered if they fit the project work.
Desired experience and lab skills
The advertisement says candidates are desired to have experience in molecular biology and biochemistry. This is important because shortlisting is likely to depend on practical lab readiness, not just the degree title.
Recombinant DNA technology
PCR cloning
Site-directed mutagenesis
TA cloning
Gateway cloning
Cell and tissue culture
Animal handling
DNA, RNA and protein analysis methods
If your CV includes direct hands-on experience in these areas, mention it clearly under experimental expertise because the notification specifically asks for that.
Salary, HRA and contract period
The selected candidate will receive consolidated emoluments of Rs.20,000 per month plus 30% HRA. The advertisement states that the HRA component is as per funding agency norms and the relevant DST office memorandum.
The appointment is contractual for one year or till the duration of the project, whichever is shorter, at a time. Since the project itself is tenable till 20 March 2029, the appointment does not automatically guarantee employment for the full project duration.
The notification also states that no hostel or housing facility will be provided.
Selection process
Only shortlisted candidates will be called for interview. The interview may be conducted in offline mode or online mode.
The advertisement does not mention a written test. Shortlisting will therefore matter a lot, and it will likely depend on how closely your qualification, lab experience and project fit match the requirements in the notification.
No TA or DA will be paid for attending the interview, if called.
Application fee and fee exemption
The notification says shortlisted candidates are required to submit a fee of Rs.100 at the time of interview. The fee can be paid through a demand draft in favour of the Director, NII, payable at Delhi or New Delhi, or through digital payment modes mentioned in the advertisement.
SC, ST, PH and women candidates are exempted from payment of the fee, subject to documentary proof. This means there is no separate online application fee payment step before shortlisting in the normal application stage.
How to apply
Prepare your application strictly in the prescribed format given in the notification.
Write the name of the post and project clearly.
Send the application through e-mail to the Project Investigator.
Attach your complete CV with details of experimental expertise.
Include the names of three referees in your CV.
Make sure your e-mail contains your complete contact details, including e-mail ID and telephone or mobile number.
The application may be sent to majumdart@nii.ac.in. The notification also lists majumdartanmay@gmail.com and instructs candidates to mention "Project Assistant" in the subject line of the e-mail.
Documents and instructions to keep in mind
Prescribed application format filled correctly
Complete CV
Details of academic and professional qualifications
Details of past experience and present employment, if any
Category certificate for SC, ST, OBC or PH, if applicable
Documentary proof for fee exemption, if applicable
Clear mention of date of passing for all examinations
The notification states that incomplete applications will not be entertained. It also says canvassing in any form will be a disqualification. If called for interview, candidates will have to submit attested copies of certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is 1 vacancy for the post of Project Assistant.
The last date for receipt of applications is 02 May 2026.
Candidates need M.Sc. or M.Tech in a relevant life sciences field such as Immunology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or related disciplines.
The selected candidate will receive Rs.20,000 per month plus 30% HRA.
You have to apply by e-mail in the prescribed format to the Project Investigator, with your CV and required details.
A fee of Rs.100 is to be submitted by shortlisted candidates at the time of interview. SC, ST, PH and women candidates are exempted subject to proof.
Only shortlisted candidates will be called for interview, which may be held in offline or online mode.