The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), the premier national research institute for brackishwater aquaculture in India under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is recruiting for multiple Young Professional (YP-I & YP-II), Research Associate (RA), and Project Fellow positions (2026–2027). Based at CIBA Headquarters in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and its regional research centres in Kakdwip (West Bengal) and Navsari (Gujarat), these opportunities offer cutting-edge scientific engagement in shrimp biotechnology, automated biofloc recirculating systems, teleost fish genomics, and geospatial aquaculture mapping.
About ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA)
Established in 1987 in Chennai, ICAR-CIBA is the nodal agency in India dedicated to technological backstopping for sustainable brackishwater aquaculture. CIBA has pioneered breakthrough technologies in penaeid shrimp breeding (tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon, Indian white shrimp Penaeus indicus), commercial mud crab culture (Scylla serrata), and high-value marine and brackishwater finfish hatchery production (Asian seabass, milkfish, pearlspot, grey mullet). The institute operates state-of-the-art molecular laboratories, experimental farms in Muttukadu, and specialized pilot feed mills.
Key Projects & Scientific Research Thrusts
Recruited research professionals will work on high-impact national and internationally funded projects, including:
- Genome Editing & Finfish Functional Genomics: Applying CRISPR/Cas9 and molecular breeding approaches to improve growth, stress tolerance, and disease resilience in brackishwater teleost fishes.
- Automated Indoor Biofloc & Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): Developing zero-water-exchange biofloc systems, automated microbial water quality sensor networks, and high-density indoor nursery systems for penaeid crustaceans.
- Geospatial Mapping & Aquaculture Site Suitability: Satellite remote sensing, GIS modeling, and coastal aquifer salinity assessment for zoning sustainable brackishwater farming clusters across coastal states.
- Aquatic Animal Health & Disease Diagnostics: Surveillance for emerging viral pathogens (EHP, WSSV, IMNV), development of point-of-care PCR diagnostic kits, and indigenous autogenous probiotic formulation.
- Sustainable Aquafeed & Nutrition: Formulating insect meal, single-cell protein, and fermented plant-protein replacements in commercial shrimp and finfish diets (Ceebath / Vannamei Plus feeds).
Positions, Monthly Emoluments & Tenure
| Position Title | Monthly Emoluments | Duration / Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Young Professional-I (YP-I) | ₹30,000/- per month (Consolidated) | 1 year (Extendable up to 3 years) |
| Young Professional-II (YP-II) | ₹42,000/- per month (Consolidated) | 1 year (Extendable up to 3 years) |
| Research Associate (RA) | ₹54,000/- to ₹58,000/- per month + HRA | Co-terminus with project |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | ₹37,000/- to ₹42,000/- per month + HRA | Co-terminus with project |
Eligibility Criteria & Qualifications
- Young Professional-I: B.F.Sc. in Fisheries Science, B.Sc. in Aquaculture, Zoology, Marine Biology, Life Sciences, or Biotechnology from a recognized university.
- Young Professional-II: M.F.Sc. in Aquaculture, Fish Genetics, Aquatic Animal Health, Biotechnology, or M.Sc. in Marine Biology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Remote Sensing/GIS, or Zoology with minimum 60% marks.
- Research Associate: Ph.D. in Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, Marine Biotechnology, or relevant biological sciences (or M.F.Sc./M.Sc. with 3 years research experience and first-author publications).
- Desirable Skills: Hands-on experience in biofloc water parameter testing, PCR/RT-PCR diagnostics, fish/shrimp cell culture, statistical analysis in R, or GIS spatial modeling.
- Age Limit: 21 to 45 years (relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC/Women candidates as per GoI guidelines).
Selection Procedure & Application Guidelines
Recruitment involves initial document screening followed by walk-in or virtual interviews:
- Download the prescribed application format from the specific recruitment notification on the official ICAR-CIBA website.
- Complete the application form and attach self-attested copies of academic certificates, mark lists, experience certificates, and proof of age.
- Submit the completed application via email to the designated Principal Investigator (PI) or bring the hard copy to the walk-in interview as directed in the notification.
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email with interview schedules.
Official Portals & Notification Links
Prospective applicants are advised to visit the official CIBA website for active project announcements and downloadable proformas:
👉 ICAR-CIBA Official Recruitment Portal: https://ciba.res.in/
👉 ICAR-CIBA Careers & Vacancies: https://ciba.res.in/