The ICAR-Directorate / Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-DCFR / CICFR), Bhimtal, Nainital, Uttarakhand, has invited applications and walk-in interviews for Young Professional-II (YP-II) and contractual research fellowship positions for October 2026. As India’s premier coldwater fisheries research institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the institute leads national initiatives on rainbow trout farming, golden mahseer conservation, high-altitude lake limnology, and coldwater fish disease diagnostics.
Program Overview: Coldwater Fisheries & Molecular Diagnostics Fellowships
Mountain and Himalayan aquatic ecosystems harbor unique coldwater fish biodiversity, including snow trout (Schizothorax spp.), golden mahseer (Tor putitora), and introduced salmonids such as rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Selected candidates will work on cutting-edge research projects including the ICAR-National Fellow Project on CRISPR/CFPS-based pathogen biosensors for Rainbow Trout as well as experimental coldwater aquaculture and hatchery management at the Champawat Experimental Fish Farm.
| Key Parameter | Recruitment Specifications |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | ICAR-Directorate / Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR/CICFR), Bhimtal, Uttarakhand |
| Positions Available | Young Professional-II (YP-II) (Multiple Posts) & Project Research Fellows |
| Active Projects | 1. ICAR-National Fellow Project: CRISPR/CFPS-based detector for bacterial pathogens in Rainbow Trout 2. Experimental Coldwater Fish Farm Project, Champawat |
| Monthly Emoluments | ₹42,000 / month (consolidated, as per ICAR YP-II norms) |
| Walk-in Interview Date | October 15, 2026 (at ICAR-CICFR Campus, Bhimtal, Nainital) |
| Age Limit | 21 to 45 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Women candidates as per Government of India rules) |
Key Research & Operational Focus Areas
- CRISPR & Cell-Free Protein Synthesis (CFPS) Diagnostics: Development of rapid, field-deployable point-of-care biosensors for early detection of bacterial and viral pathogens in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) raceways.
- Coldwater Fish Pathology & Immunology: Surveillance of coldwater fish diseases (Lactococcosis, Furunculosis, Enteric Redmouth Disease, IPNV), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiling, and vaccine development.
- Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) & Raceway Management: Optimization of stocking density, dissolved oxygen dynamics, and biofiltration in high-altitude coldwater trout farms.
- Indigenous Coldwater Fish Conservation: Captive breeding, broodstock nutrition, and ranching of threatened Himalayan fishes including Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora) and Chocolate Mahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis).
- Himalayan Limnology & Climate Change: Assessment of thermal regime shifts, glacial meltwater hydrology, and benthic macroinvertebrate ecology in upland streams and high-altitude lakes.
Eligibility Criteria
For Project 1 (CRISPR/CFPS Trout Pathogen Diagnostics)
- Essential Qualification: Master’s degree in Fisheries Science (M.F.Sc. in Aquatic Animal Health Management, Fish Pathology & Microbiology, Fish Biotechnology, or Aquaculture) OR Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or Life Sciences with relevant research experience in molecular diagnostics.
- Desirable Skills: Hands-on proficiency in PCR/RT-qPCR, nucleic acid extraction, bacterial culture, CRISPR-Cas diagnostic assays, recombinant protein expression, and bioinformatics.
For Project 2 (Experimental Fish Farm, Champawat)
- Essential Qualification: Postgraduate degree in Fisheries Science (M.F.Sc.) or Life Sciences / Zoology (Fisheries specialization).
- Desirable Skills: Practical field experience in coldwater fish breeding, trout hatchery operations, water quality monitoring, and feed formulation.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates are invited to attend the walk-in interview at the ICAR-DCFR / CICFR Campus, Anusandhan Bhawan, Industrial Area, Bhimtal – 263136, District Nainital, Uttarakhand on October 15, 2026. Candidates must bring the duly filled application form, original academic certificates, experience documents, self-attested photocopies, and recent passport-size photographs.
Official Website & Notification Link: ICAR-DCFR / CICFR Official Portal (dcfr.res.in / cicfr.res.in)
Recruitment Notice Board: Check the “Vacancies / Walk-in-Interview” section on the official institute homepage to download the detailed advertisement PDF and application format.