TIFR Project Associate Recruitment 2026 — 2 Posts, Apply by 31 Aug (Drosophila Genetics)

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) has released its Project Associate Recruitment 2026 notification under Advertisement No. 2026/25, inviting applications for 2 posts on a contractual basis. Eligible candidates can apply online until 31 August 2026. Applicants need an M.Sc. in Biological Sciences with substantial experience in Drosophila genetics, behavioral studies, microscopy, and data analysis, with more than 2 years of total research experience preferred. The Project Associate role at TIFR carries a maximum age limit of 35 years. Selection for this TIFR post involves Screening followed by an Online Interview. Selected candidates will receive Rs. 35,000 per month plus HRA if NET-qualified, or Rs. 28,000 per month plus HRA if not NET-qualified. Interested candidates should apply online through the official TIFR website well before the 31 August 2026 deadline, since there is no application fee mentioned for this recruitment. This TIFR Project Associate post is notably specific in its research focus, requiring substantial hands-on experience with Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) genetics and behavioral studies, a widely used model organism in developmental biology, neuroscience, and genetics research. Candidates with prior fly-handling, crossing, and phenotyping experience, combined with microscopy and quantitative data analysis skills, would be particularly well-suited to this specific research project at TIFR. Candidates should note the clear two-tier salary structure that rewards CSIR-UGC NET qualification with a Rs. 7,000 monthly premium over non-NET-qualified candidates, so applicants who have cleared the NET examination should ensure this is clearly documented in their application to secure the higher pay tier. This entry is distinct from an earlier TIFR Project Associate and Project Assistant recruitment cycle advertised under a different advertisement number, indicating that TIFR continues to run multiple concurrent research projects in the biological sciences requiring project-based staff support across different laboratories and research groups. Given the two vacancies available and the specific technical skill requirements, candidates should ensure their application clearly demonstrates concrete examples of their prior work with Drosophila-based experiments, since general biological sciences experience without specific fly-genetics exposure may not fully satisfy the substantial experience requirement stated in the notification. Interested candidates should apply well ahead of the 31 August 2026 deadline to allow sufficient time for the screening and online interview stages of selection to be completed. This is a strong opportunity for biological sciences researchers with a specific interest in genetics and behavioral neuroscience. Candidates should review the full official notification PDF for further project-specific details before applying.

• M.Sc. in Biological Sciences with substantial experience in Drosophila genetics, behavioral studies, microscopy, and data analysis
• More than 2 years' total research experience preferred

• Maximum Age Limit: 35 years

• M.Sc. Biological Sciences + Drosophila genetics/behavioral/microscopy experience
• 2+ years' research experience preferred
• Age up to 35 years

No application fee mentioned in this notification

• NET-qualified: Rs. 35,000 per month + HRA
• Non-NET-qualified: Rs. 28,000 per month + HRA

1. Applications must be submitted online on or before 31 August 2026
2. Use the Apply Online link on the official TIFR website
3. Alternatively, visit the official TIFR website to complete the application
4. Fill out the application form carefully with correct personal, educational, and contact details
5. Upload required documents such as photograph, signature, and certificates in the prescribed format
6. Review all details carefully before submitting the form
7. Take a printout or save a copy of the submitted application for future reference