ICAR-CIFT Veraval Research Centre Opens Applications for Project Assistant Position – Ocean Research Opportunity

Introduction

The Veraval Research Centre of ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) has announced an exciting opportunity for science graduates interested in marine research. Applications are invited for a temporary Project Assistant position for the research project titled “Deployment and maintenance of Wave Rider Buoy off Veraval and Development of Jellyfish and Sardine advisories.” This project is funded by the ESSO-Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (ESSO-INCOIS), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in ocean information services, marine research, and environmental monitoring along the Gujarat coast. The selected candidate will work on a project that has significant implications for fishing communities and marine ecosystem management.

Job Details at a Glance

Parameter	Details
Position Title	Project Assistant
Number of Vacancies	One (1)
Monthly Emoluments	Rs. 22,000/- per month (fixed)
Job Location	Veraval Research Centre of CIFT, Matsya Bhavan, Bhidia, Veraval, Gujarat – 362269
Nature of Appointment	Purely on contractual basis
Contract Duration	Up to March 31, 2026
Application Deadline	March 10, 2025 (Monday) at 24:00 Hrs
Interview Date & Time	March 12, 2025 (Wednesday) at 09:30 Hrs
Interview Mode	Hybrid
Application Submission	Email to: incois.jellyfish@gmail.com

Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications

Essential Qualification:

Graduate degree in science (or) equivalent.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in water sample collection
• Experience in analysis of nutrients and plankton in seawater
• Previous research experience in the field of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Willingness to travel to different locations along the Gujarat coast for sample collection
• Availability to go onboard regularly in commercial/departmental fishing vessels

Age Limit:

• Maximum 35 years for men as on date of interview
• Maximum 40 years for women as on date of interview
• Age relaxation of 3 years for OBC candidates
• Age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST candidates

Application Process

Interested and eligible candidates should follow these steps to apply for the Project Assistant position:

1. Prepare your application in MS Word format (refer to Annexure – I available on the official ICAR-CIFT website: https://www.cift.res.in)
2. Submit your completed application by email to incois.jellyfish@gmail.com
3. Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline: March 10, 2025 (Monday) at 24:00 Hrs
4. Be prepared for the interview scheduled on March 12, 2025 (Wednesday) at 09:30 Hrs
5. If selected for the interview, bring original certificates for verification and one self-attested copy of the same for submission

Selection Procedure

The selection process for the Project Assistant position will involve the following steps:

1. Initial screening of applications based on eligibility criteria
2. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in hybrid mode
3. Final selection will be based on candidate performance in the interview
4. The selected candidate will be required to produce a medical certificate at the time of joining
5. The decision of the Director, ICAR-CIFT will be final and binding in all aspects regarding the selection to the post

Project Information

The project “Deployment and maintenance of Wave Rider Buoy off Veraval and Development of Jellyfish and Sardine advisories” is an important initiative funded by the ESSO-Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (ESSO-INCOIS), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.

Key Project Components:

• Wave Rider Buoy Deployment and Maintenance: Monitoring ocean wave conditions off the Veraval coast of Gujarat. These buoys collect critical data on wave height, direction, and period, which is essential for maritime safety and coastal management.
• Jellyfish Advisory Development: Collecting and analyzing data to predict jellyfish blooms. Jellyfish blooms can significantly impact fishing operations and coastal tourism.
• Sardine Advisory Development: Monitoring and forecasting sardine populations along the Gujarat coast, which is vital for sustainable fishing practices and fisheries management.

The data collected and advisories developed through this project will serve multiple stakeholders including fisherfolk, coastal communities, maritime authorities, and researchers studying marine ecosystems.

About ICAR-CIFT Veraval Research Centre

The Veraval Research Centre is an extension of the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, which operates under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Located in Veraval, Gujarat, the centre plays a crucial role in conducting research related to fisheries technology along the northwestern coast of India.

The centre is housed in ‘Matsya Bhavan’ in Bhidia, Veraval, and is equipped with laboratories and facilities necessary for marine and fisheries research. It works closely with local fishing communities and other stakeholders to develop and implement sustainable fishing practices and technologies.

The Veraval Research Centre collaborates with various national and international organizations, including the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), to conduct research that has practical applications for the fishing industry and coastal communities.

Benefits of Working on This Project

Working as a Project Assistant on this INCOIS-funded project offers numerous benefits for those interested in marine research and environmental science:

• Hands-on Research Experience: Opportunity to gain practical experience in water sample collection, analysis of nutrients and plankton, and working with advanced technologies like Remote Sensing and GIS.
• Field Work Exposure: Regular field visits along the Gujarat coast and opportunities to go onboard fishing vessels, providing unique first-hand experience of marine environments.
• Multidisciplinary Learning: Exposure to various aspects of oceanography, marine biology, fisheries science, and environmental monitoring.
• Contribution to Sustainability: Participation in research that directly contributes to sustainable fishing practices and marine ecosystem conservation.
• Networking Opportunities: Interaction with scientists, researchers, and professionals from ICAR-CIFT, INCOIS, and other collaborating institutions.
• Career Development: Enhanced employability in research institutions, environmental agencies, and marine-focused organizations.

Career Prospects in Ocean Information Services

Experience gained from working on this project can open doors to various career opportunities in the growing field of ocean information services and marine research:

• Research Scientist: In marine biology, oceanography, or environmental science at research institutions or universities.
• Environmental Consultant: Specializing in marine and coastal environments for private consulting firms or government agencies.
• Fisheries Officer: Working with government departments to implement sustainable fishing practices and policies.
• GIS Specialist: Focusing on marine and coastal applications of Geographic Information Systems.
• Ocean Data Analyst: Processing and analyzing oceanic data for research or commercial applications.
• Marine Conservation Specialist: Working with NGOs or government bodies focused on marine ecosystem protection.
• Academic Researcher: Pursuing higher studies (M.Phil., Ph.D.) in related fields with solid practical experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a temporary position on a contractual basis up to March 31, 2026. There is no provision for absorption/re-employment in ICAR/ICAR-CIFT after the termination of the time-bound project.

Q2: Can I apply if I don’t have experience in water sample collection?

Yes, you can apply if you meet the essential qualification (graduate degree in science or equivalent). Experience in water sample collection and analysis is mentioned as a desirable qualification, not an essential one.

Q3: How important is the willingness to travel and go onboard fishing vessels?

This is a significant aspect of the job as mentioned in the desirable qualifications. The project involves collecting samples from different locations along the Gujarat coast and going onboard commercial/departmental fishing vessels regularly.

Q4: Is there any application fee?

The notice does not mention any application fee, suggesting that there is no fee required for applying to this position.

Q5: Will accommodation be provided?

The notice does not mention any provision for accommodation. Candidates would need to make their own arrangements for stay in Veraval, Gujarat.

Q6: Can I apply if I’m currently in the final year of my science degree?

The notice requires a graduate degree in science or equivalent as an essential qualification. Candidates must have completed their degree by the time of the interview.

Contact Information

For further inquiries related to this position, you can contact:

Dr. Chinnadurai S.
Principal Investigator, INCOIS-Jellyfish Project
Veraval Research Centre of ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology
‘Matsya Bhavan’, Bhidia, Veraval – 362 269, Gujarat
Phone: (02876) 231297
Fax: (02876) 231576
Email: veravalcift@gmail.com or incois.jellyfish@gmail.com

For more details and application form, visit the official ICAR-CIFT website: https://www.cift.res.in

Note: This article is based on the official notification released by ICAR-CIFT Veraval Research Centre dated February 25, 2025. Interested candidates are advised to refer to the original notification and check the official website for any updates or changes to the recruitment process.