INST Mohali invites applications for a DBT-funded research associate post
The Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, has invited applications from highly motivated and bright candidates for the engagement of one Project Research Associate-I (RA-I) in the research project funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali.
The project is titled ‘Development and Clinical Validation of an Affordable and Point of Care Microfluidic Chip for Early Detection of Metastatic Breast Cancer using Hairpin Loop Converter and Proximity Proteolysis Reaction: A Pilot Study’.
The position is purely temporary, on a contractual basis and is co-terminus with the project. Duration will initially be for one year and may be extended based on performance of the candidate and availability of funds. It is renewable each year subject to satisfactory performance, for a maximum of three years or till the completion of the project, whichever is earlier.
Essential Qualifications: PhD in Biotechnology / Biomedical Sciences / Biochemistry / Life Sciences or a related discipline.
Desirable Experience: (i) Strong foundation in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, cloning, vector designing, recombinant DNA technology, and protein expression/purification studies; (ii) Hands-on experience with assay development, biosensors, nucleic acid amplification methods, ELISA, and western blotting. Prior experience with microfluidics, lab-on-chip platforms, or diagnostic assay miniaturization will be preferred; (iii) Expertise in aptamer design, nucleic acid secondary structures (e.g., hairpin loops), or advanced molecular sensing assays (e.g., proximity ligation, proteolysis-based platforms); (iv) Exposure to microfluidic chip fabrication (PDMS soft lithography/photolithography) or use of commercial chip-based systems; (v) Experience in handling patient-derived biological samples (blood, plasma, serum, CTCs) with proper documentation and ethics compliance; (vi) Familiarity with ultrasensitive nucleic acid detection platforms (e.g., droplet digital PCR) and/or fluorescence/optical detection techniques. Working knowledge of data analysis and biostatistics software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, Origin, MATLAB); (vii) Proven research record with publications in peer-reviewed journals; (viii) Ability to work independently as well as in a multidisciplinary collaborative research environment.
Age limit: The upper age limit will be 40 years for males and 45 years for females as on 15.08.2025.
Fellowship: Research Associate-I @ Rs 58,000/- pm consolidated for 1st and 2nd year and Research Associate –II @ Rs. 61,000/- pm consolidated for 3rd year. The position is renewable each year subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds till the project end.
The detailed Notification and Application form are available at https://inst.ac.in/careers (RA/PDF link)
Completed applications in the prescribed format/CV, along with two recommendation letters (one must be from the PhD supervisor), documents of age proof/certificates/degrees/mark sheets and other testimonials as annexed, should reach deepika@inst.ac.in by 15.09.2025 via email attachment (complete one combined PDF).
Shortlisted candidates will be communicated with through email to appear in the interview. The interview will be held in hybrid mode (online & offline). Original documents of age proof/certificates/degrees/mark sheets and other testimonials must be presented along with the self-attested photocopies of these documents at the time of interview (when the interview will take place in person).
For any query, candidates can contact Dr. Deepika Sharma Scientist ‘D’ Institute of Nanoscience and Technology (INST), Knowledge City, Sector 81, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab - 140306, via E-mail: deepika@inst.ac.in, Ph No.: +91-172-2297000 (Extn: 7039)