Project Associate Recruitment 2026 and DBT-Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar

The Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar, has announced a prestigious opportunity for researchers through the Project Associate Recruitment 2026. This recruitment drive targets Indian Nationals to join a high-impact project titled “Advanced bioinformatics centre for research in tribal health and regional well-being.” As an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), ILS provides a world-class environment for scholars looking to contribute to the intersection of bioinformatics and public health. This role is particularly significant for those aiming to apply computational skills to solve critical health challenges in tribal regions.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	Project Associate
Project Name	Advanced bioinformatics centre for research in tribal health and regional well being
Organizing Institution	DBT-Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar
Position Type	Full-time Research (Contractual)
Project Duration	Approx. 3 Years (Based on annual performance appraisal)
Mode of Selection	Application Screening followed by Interview (Hybrid Mode)

Program Overview

The primary objective of this project is the establishment and operation of an “Advanced bioinformatics centre for research in tribal health and regional well-being.” Specifically, the project focuses on leveraging computational biology to understand and improve health outcomes in tribal populations. Consequently, the recruited Project Associate will be instrumental in processing complex biological data to derive actionable insights for regional well-being.

The Institute of Life Sciences seeks to bridge the gap between advanced genomic research and practical health applications. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with the Government of India’s mission to enhance scientific infrastructure for regional health development.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Project Associate Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet stringent academic and professional standards. Specifically, the requirements include:

• Educational Qualification: A Master’s degree or equivalent in Science, Engineering, or Technology.
• Academic Performance: Minimum of 60% marks or an equivalent grade.
• National Level Clearance: Mandatory qualification in at least one national-level competitive examination such as NET, GATE, GPAT, or equivalent.
• Nationality: Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply.

Curriculum & Topics Covered

While this is a research position rather than a training course, the selected candidate will work extensively on the following domains:

• Machine Learning: Implementing algorithms for predictive health modeling.
• Molecular Modeling: Simulating biological structures relevant to tribal health research.
• NGS Data Analysis: Handling Next-Generation Sequencing datasets for genomic surveillance.
• Database Development: Creating and maintaining specialized bioinformatics databases.
• Programming: Utilizing scripting languages (Python/R) for biological data processing.

Learning Outcomes

Participants in this project will acquire advanced professional competencies, including:

• Proficiency in high-throughput NGS data analysis workflows.
• Expertise in developing bioinformatics pipelines for regional health data.
• Enhanced skills in machine learning applications within a life sciences context.
• Experience in collaborative research within a premier DBT-funded autonomous institute.

Certification & Assessment

The position is a professional research role. Therefore, formal certification is replaced by a professional experience certificate issued by ILS Bhubaneswar upon successful completion of the tenure. Assessment is continuous and conducted through an annual performance appraisal. Continuation in the project for the full three-year duration is strictly contingent upon satisfactory performance as per Government of India (GoI) orders.

Registration Details

Eligible candidates must complete the application process through the official ILS portal. Below are the critical details for the application cycle:

Item	Information
Registration Link	click here
Application Deadline	15th January, 2026
Display of Shortlisted Candidates	19th January, 2026
Remuneration	Rs. 37,000 + 16% HRA per month
Interview Mode	Hybrid (Online/Offline)
Brochure Link	Download

Contact Information

For technical issues or academic queries, candidates may use the following official channels:

• Technical Support: click here
• General/Academic Queries: academics@ils.res.in
• Institution Address: Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023.

Key Highlights

• Financial Support: Competitive fellowship of Rs. 37,000 plus HRA as per DST norms.
• Research Impact: Opportunity to contribute to the “Himalayan Bioresource Mission” and tribal health initiatives.
• Technology Access: Work with state-of-the-art NGS and computational facilities at ILS.
• Hybrid Interview: Flexibility for candidates to attend the selection process remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the deadline for the Project Associate Recruitment 2026 at ILS?
The last date for receiving online applications is 15th January, 2026.

Is a NET or GATE qualification mandatory for this position?
Yes, candidates must have qualified at least one national-level competitive exam such as NET, GATE, or GPAT to be eligible for the Rs. 37,000 fellowship.

What is the duration of the project at ILS Bhubaneswar?
The project is scheduled for approximately 3 years, though it is coterminous with the project completion and subject to annual performance reviews.

Can I apply if I have 55% marks in my Master’s degree?
The current advertisement specifies a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent for the Project Associate position under this specific bioinformatics project.

Will I receive a travel allowance for the interview?
No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview; however, the institute offers a hybrid mode for the convenience of shortlisted candidates.