The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai — a deemed university under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research — has invited applications for 2 contractual positions under a Department of Biotechnology (DBT)-funded research project. The openings are for Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) posts, and applications must reach the institute by email on or before 7 November 2026.
About the Project
Selected candidates will work on the DBT-funded project titled “Development and Characterization of CRISPR-Cas9 mediated Myostatin Gene Knockout Muscle Cell Line for Cultivated Seafood Development” at ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai. The research focuses on CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, fish muscle cell culture, and the development of cultivated seafood — one of the most cutting-edge areas at the intersection of fisheries science and biotechnology.
Vacancy & Emolument Details
| Post | No. of Posts | Monthly Emolument |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate (RA) | 01 | ₹61,000 + 30% HRA |
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | 01 | ₹37,000 fixed (1st & 2nd year); ₹42,000 fixed (3rd year) |
The engagement is purely temporary and contractual for three years, governed by ICAR guidelines. Incumbents will have no claim for regular appointment under ICAR.
Eligibility Criteria
| Post | Essential Qualification | Desirable |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate | M.F.Sc. in Fish Biotechnology, or M.Sc. in Life Science / Biotechnology; 3 years of research experience in genome editing, cell culture and biotechnology; minimum 2 research publications in the above areas | Technical knowledge and skills in cell culture, cultivated meat / seafood, and genome editing |
| Junior Research Fellowship | M.F.Sc. in Fish Biotechnology, or M.Sc. in Life Science / Biotechnology |
Age Limit
- Research Associate: up to 40 years for men, 45 years for women
- JRF: up to 35 years for men, 40 years for women
- Age relaxation for reserved categories applies as per Government of India norms (certificates to be submitted along with the application).
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 19 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply (by email) | 7 November 2026 |
| Walk-in-interview | 16 November 2026, 11:00 AM — ICAR-CIFE, Yari Road campus, Mumbai |
How to Apply
- Prepare your application in the prescribed format along with required educational certificates and documents.
- Send the application by email to hod.fgb@cife.edu.in.
- Ensure the application reaches the designated email on or before 7 November 2026.
- Only candidates who fulfil all eligibility conditions will be invited for the walk-in-interview. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
Official website: www.cife.edu.in — check the Recruitment section for the official notification PDF (Advt. No. F.No.10(6)2026/Estt./CharacterizationofCRISPR-Cas9).
Why This Opportunity Matters
Cultivated (cell-based) seafood is an emerging frontier in fisheries science, and this project puts the researcher at the heart of CRISPR-based muscle cell line development — combining genome editing, cell culture and aquaculture biotechnology. For M.F.Sc. and Life Science postgraduates with experience in genome editing and cell culture, the RA position offers strong emoluments plus the chance to publish in a high-impact, globally watched field.