Call for Applications: DBT-Research Associateship Programme (India)

The Associateship is tenable in Premier Research Institutions/Universities including non-profit R&D Institutions within India. The Associateships are awarded under the “DBT-Research Associateship’’ programme supported by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India.

Aim of the Fellowship

• The objective of DBT-Research Associateship (DBT-RA) Programme is to train and nurture young researchers, scientists and generate a critical mass of trained manpower in modern areas of biology and biotechnology and build a robust postdoctoral base for the growth of Biotechnology sectors in the country.

Tenure of Fellowship

• The Associateship is a purely temporary full-time assignment and is tenable for a period of 02 years with annual renewal based on review of progress of research. In exceptional cases, fellowship may be extended up to 04 years depending upon the progress of research.

Eligibility Criteria

• Academic Qualification: The applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree in Science, Engineering or M.D./M.S. degree in any area of medicine with research interests in Biotechnology and Life Sciences and a good academic record. The applicants who have already submitted the Ph.D./M.D./M.S. thesis are also eligible to apply. However, such applicants, if selected, will be offered lower fellowship amount till they qualify the eligible degree.
• Age Limit: The upper age limit is 40 years for male candidates and 45 years in the case of female candidates as on the last date of application.
• Employment: The applicants who are employed at the time of application (in any form i.e. permanent, contractual etc.) are eligible to apply. However, they have to relinquish their employment for accepting the fellowship.

Guidelines

• DBT-RA fellowship can be availed only ONCE by a candidate in his/her career.
• The fellowship is tenable only in India in any recognized academic institutions, national laboratories and other recognized R & D institutions. The host institution must provide administrative and infrastructural support.
• Fellows are not allowed to work with their PhD guides/co-guides.
• The fellowships cannot be availed at the same institution where the candidates have earned their Ph.D./M.D./M.S. degree.
• A mentor cannot have more than 2 DBT-RA fellows at a time.
• A mentor must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized institution in India, and should hold PhD/MD/MS degree in science, engineering or medicine.
• Superannuated faculty (e.g., Honorary Professors, Emeritus Professors/Scientists, and DBT Distinguished Professors) could also mentor as long as they can demonstrate that resources and labs are available to them.
• Applicants from North East Region (permanent residence located in the NER) can work in any university/institution in the country.
• Research grant can be used for minor equipment, consumables, contingencies and domestic travel under the programme.

For more information, visit Department of Biotechnology (DBT).