The ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR), Bhimtal, Nainital (Uttarakhand), invites applications from highly motivated candidates for multiple Young Professional and Project Research Fellow positions under various externally funded and institutional projects focusing on Himalayan fisheries conservation, trout aquaculture, and coldwater aquatic genomics for 2026/27.
About ICAR-DCFR Bhimtal
As the sole national institute dedicated to coldwater fisheries under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), DCFR is at the forefront of developing sustainable aquaculture practices, assessing biodiversity, and formulating conservation strategies for vulnerable fish species inhabiting upland waters and high-altitude Himalayan ecosystems.
Core Scientific Thrust Areas & Research Themes
- Intensive Trout Aquaculture & Raceway Engineering: Optimization of water flow kinetics, dissolved oxygen regimes, and density stocking protocols in concrete and circular raceway systems for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim.
- Himalayan Fish Germplasm & Breeding: Induced spawning, captive broodstock development, and river ranching protocols for the endangered Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora) and indigenous snow trout (Schizothorax richardsonii).
- Climate Vulnerability & Thermal Profiling: Assessing the physiological thermal limits, gene expression changes, and climate change vulnerability of coldwater ichthyofauna in glacier-fed Himalayan rivers.
- Coldwater Fish Nutrition & Functional Feeds: Development of high-energy, low-pollution floating feeds incorporating natural antioxidants, astaxanthin, and lipid sources to improve feed conversion ratio (FCR) in trout culture.
- Coldwater Aquatic Pathology & Diagnostics: Epidemiology, histopathology, and molecular detection of coldwater microbial pathogens including Saprolegnia spp., Aeromonas salmonicida, and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV).
Positions, Monthly Emoluments & Qualifications
| Position | Monthly Emoluments | Essential Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Young Professional-II (YP-II) | ₹42,000/- consolidated | Postgraduate degree (M.F.Sc. / M.Sc. / M.Tech) in Aquaculture, Fisheries Resource Management, Fish Genetics & Breeding, Zoology (Fisheries specialization), Biotechnology, or Life Sciences. |
| Young Professional-I (YP-I) | ₹30,000/- consolidated | Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc.) / Zoology / Life Sciences / Biotechnology. |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) / Project Associate | ₹37,000/- + HRA (as per ICAR/DST norms) | Master’s degree in relevant branch of Fisheries Science or Life Sciences with NET/GATE qualification and 2 years of documented research experience. |
Age Limit & Eligibility
The candidate must be between 21 and 45 years of age on the date of interview. Standard age relaxations for SC/ST/OBC and women candidates are admissible according to Government of India and ICAR regulations.
Application & Selection Process
Interested eligible candidates should submit their detailed biodata along with self-attested copies of educational qualifications, publications, and experience certificates. Selection will be conducted via walk-in interviews / hybrid mode at ICAR-DCFR Headquarters, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand.
For official project vacancy notifications and detailed terms of reference, candidates are advised to visit the official ICAR-DCFR recruitment portal at dcfr.res.in.