The ICAR – Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai has invited applications for one temporary Junior Research Fellow (JRF) post under a CSIR-funded project on red-seaweed polysaccharides co-cultured with white-leg shrimp. The notification was issued on 22 October 2026, and applications close before 3 November 2026.
The Project
The JRF will work on the CSIR-funded project “Characterization and utilization of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from red seaweed, Gracilaria spp., co-cultured with Penaeus vannamei” in CIFE’s Aquaculture Division. The work covers cultivation and maintenance of red seaweed (Gracilaria spp.) and shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) under experimental conditions, extraction and characterization of sulfated polysaccharides, evaluation of their biological activities and potential applications, water-quality monitoring, data analysis, and preparation of research reports and scientific publications.
The project tenure runs from July 2024 to July 2027. The position is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project, governed by ICAR guidelines.
Key Details at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Advertisement No. | F.No. 10(8)2026/Estt./CSIR-CharacterizationofsulfatedPolysaccharides |
| Post | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) — 1 vacancy |
| Emolument | ₹37,000/- per month (fixed) |
| Place of work | ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai |
| Funding agency | CSIR |
| Age limit | Maximum 28 years (relaxable up to 5 years for SC/ST/OBC, women and PH candidates as per GOI norms) |
| Notification date | 22 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply | Before 3 November 2026 |
| Interview | 5 November 2026, 11:00 AM onwards (hybrid mode) |
Who Can Apply
- Essential: Master’s degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Marine Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline from a recognized university.
- Test requirement: Must satisfy the applicable CSIR NET eligibility requirements for the JRF position, as specified in the project sanction and recruitment rules.
- Desirable: Research experience in seaweed biotechnology, seaweed cultivation, aquaculture, extraction and characterization of polysaccharides, and biochemical analysis. Experience in antioxidant/antimicrobial assays, shrimp culture, gene expression, and scientific data analysis will be an added advantage.
How to Apply
- Fill out the application form provided in the official notification PDF.
- Attach your 10th, 12th, Graduation and Post-Graduation certificates along with your resume.
- Send the application by email before 3 November 2026 to the email address given in the official advertisement.
- Check the official notification on cife.edu.in (Recruitment section) for the exact application email, application form, and any updates.
Selection Process
Selection will be through a hybrid-mode interview on 5 November 2026 at 11:00 AM onwards at ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai. Only candidates who fulfil all eligibility conditions will be invited for the online interview. Selection is based on academic performance, research experience and performance during the interview. The Director, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai’s decision will be final and binding. No TA/DA will be paid for attending.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Sulfated polysaccharides from red seaweeds like Gracilaria are a hot research frontier — with documented bioactive, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, they are being explored for functional aquafeeds, nutraceuticals and biomaterials. Paired with shrimp co-culture research, this JRF offers hands-on experience in seaweed–shrimp integrated culture systems plus biochemical characterization work — a strong launchpad for a research career in marine biotechnology and sustainable aquaculture.