Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, an Autonomous Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India, invites applications from eligible Indian nationals for the position of Senior Research Fellow (SRF) / Research Associate-I (RA-I) purely on a contract basis.
Job Details
| Attribute | Information |
| Hiring Institution | IISER Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh |
| Advt. No. | 68/2026 |
| Open Position | Senior Research Fellow (SRF) / Research Associate-I (RA-I) |
| No. of Posts | 01 Position |
| Project Title | Role of Microcephaly proteins in cancer and infections |
| Research Area | Cell Biology |
| Principal Investigator | Dr. Pavithra L Chavali |
| Project Code | IISER -T |
| Monthly Fellowship | • SRF: ₹42,000/- p.m. + 10% HRA • RA-I: ₹58,000/- p.m. + 10% HRA |
| Tenure | Temporary for 1 year (Extendable for 6 months based on performance) |
| Upper Age Limit | Maximum 30 years (as on closing date) |
| Application Deadline | 09th September 2026 by 05:00 PM |
About Institution
IISER Tirupati is a premier autonomous institution established by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India, dedicated to high-quality science education and cutting-edge research across biological, chemical, physical, and mathematical sciences.
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Job Description
The selected SRF/RA-I candidate will conduct high-quality cell biology and molecular biology experiments focused on investigating the functional role of microcephaly proteins in cancer progression and infectious diseases under the guidance of Dr. Pavithra L Chavali.
Requirements & Required Qualifications
1. Educational Qualification & Experience
- M.Sc. degree in Life Sciences / Biotechnology with 4 years of research experience and at least one international publication; OR
- Ph.D. degree in Life Sciences / Biotechnology.
- Proven track record and evidence of conducting high-quality research in molecular and cell biology.
2. Desirable Experience
- Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture.
- Practical expertise in molecular cloning and advanced microscopy.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Cellular & Molecular Assays: Perform mammalian cell culture maintenance, gene cloning, and cell-based assays.
- Microscopy & Imaging: Utilize high-resolution microscopy to analyze protein localization and cellular responses in cancer/infection models.
- Data Analysis & Publishing: Document experimental findings, analyze biological datasets, and assist in drafting research publications.
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Skills You’ll Gain
| Category | Specific Tools & Competencies Mastered |
| Cell Biology | Mammalian Cell Culture, Cell Line Maintenance, Transfection Techniques. |
| Molecular Biology | Recombinant DNA Cloning, Gene Expression Analysis, Western Blotting. |
| Advanced Imaging | Fluorescence Microscopy, Confocal Imaging, Image Analysis Software. |
Application Procedure & Selection Process
- How to Apply: Interested candidates must send their completed application in the prescribed PDF format via email to
pavithrachavali@iisertirupati.ac.in. - Email Subject Line: Must strictly mention
Senior Research Fellow/Research Associate-I:68/2026. - Important Note: Simply sending a resume/CV without the filled prescribed application form will not be considered a complete application.
- Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email for an interview.
- Official Advertisement & Application Link:IISER Tirupati Official Job Portal
Frequently Asked Interview Questions (With Answers & Solution Guidelines)
Microcephaly Proteins & Centrosome Biology
- Question:“How are microcephaly-associated proteins (such as ASPM or PLK4) functionally linked to centrosome duplication and spindle assembly during mitosis?”
- Answer & Solution Context: Explain that microcephaly-associated genes code for proteins localization-focused at the centrosome or spindle poles. For instance, PLK4 regulates centriole biogenesis, while ASPM maintains spindle organization. Dysregulation of these proteins leads to abnormal spindle orientation, centrosome amplification, and genomic instability—hallmarks frequently observed in tumorigenesis.
Mammalian Cell Culture & Transfection
- Question:“What key controls must be included when optimizing transient transfection of mammalian cell lines for confocal microscopy studies?”
- Answer & Solution Context: Detail including a mock/untreated control (cell viability baseline), an empty vector control expressing only the fluorescent tag (GFP/mCherry baseline for non-specific signal), and a positive transfection control. Emphasize fixing cells at optimal expression timepoints to avoid protein overexpression artifacts or aggregation.