MACS ARI Scientist-C Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online

MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune (एमएसीएस – आघारकर अनुसंधान संस्थान, पुणे), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, has two permanent Scientist-C posts at Level-11 of the pay matrix (Rs.67700-208700 plus allowances as admissible). One post is in the Genetics & Plant Breeding Group and one is in the Developmental Biology Group, and both are unreserved (UR). The essential qualification for each post is a First Class M.Sc in the field named for that post, plus four years of research and development experience, and the upper age limit is 40 years. Candidates apply online at arijob.ourlib.in and then send a printout of the application with documents by post within 30 days from the date the advertisement is published in the Employment News.

ARI Pune Recruitment 2026 Overview

The official notification does not print a calendar last date. The deadline is counted from the day the advertisement is published in the Employment News.

About MACS-ARI

MACS-Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. It describes itself as committed to promoting science and technology, with emphasis on high standards of research and development. Its research covers the biological sciences in six thematic areas: Biodiversity & Palaeobiology, Bioenergy, Bioprospecting, Developmental Biology, Genetics & Plant Breeding, and Nanobioscience.

Vacancy Details

The notice advertises 2 Scientist-C posts on a direct recruitment basis.

The place of work for the first post is the Genetics & Plant Breeding Group of ARI, Pune. For the second post, it is the Developmental Biology Group of ARI, Pune.

Who Can Apply

ARI invites applications from eligible Indian citizens and from scientists and employees of Central or State Governments, universities, recognised research institutions, public sector undertakings and other government-funded organisations.

Scientist- ‘C’ Genetics & Plant Breeding Group

Essential:

• First Class M.Sc in Agriculture with specialisation in Genetics and Plant Breeding or allied disciplines from a recognised university or Institute, or equivalent qualifications.
• Four years of research and development experience in the required areas, as evidenced by publications in journals of repute, after obtaining an academic degree.

Desirable:

• Doctoral degree in Genetics & Plant Breeding/ Plant Breeding/ Crop Improvement or allied disciplines from a recognised University or Institute.
• Proven experience in crop breeding and genomics-assisted research.
• Hands-on experience with field experimentation, phenotyping and data analysis.
• A demonstrated record of high-impact scientific publications and of taking part in acquiring and carrying out research projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary research programs.
• Experience in a research laboratory after obtaining an M.Sc in the relevant field.

Scientist- ‘C’ in Developmental Biology

Essential:

• First Class M.Sc in Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or related fields, or equivalent qualifications.
• Four years of research and development experience in the required areas, evidenced by publications in reputed journals, after obtaining an academic degree.

Desirable:

• Ph.D in areas of life science including Molecular biology, cell biology, and developmental biology or related areas.
• At least 3-5 years of post-doctoral experience in cell and developmental biology, with experience in cell culture and model organism research, and a good publication record in reputed journals.
• Experience of working in a research laboratory after obtaining an M.Sc.

How Experience Is Counted

Time spent acquiring the essential qualifications does not count towards experience. However, time spent on a Doctorate degree from a recognised University or Institution (up to a maximum of two years) counts as experience. So does time spent on Post Doctorate research in a University or research institute, up to a maximum of two years, when it is shown by a certificate from that University or Institute and by research published in journals of repute. All educational, professional and technical qualifications must be from a recognised Board or University.

Age Limit and Relaxation

For both posts, the upper age limit for direct recruitment shall not exceed 40 years. The crucial date for deciding the age limit and eligibility is the closing date for submission of applications.

For the discipline-specific eligibility of each post, check the official notification.

Pay and Tenure

Both Scientist-C posts are permanent and carry Level-11 in the pay matrix (Rs.67700-208700), plus allowances as admissible. The notice says the pay, allowances and other benefits include NPS, Medical reimbursement, LTC etc., which are presently admissible as per the rules of the Institute. Selected candidates will be governed by the NPS Rules. Scientists C serve a probation period of one year, which may be extended at the discretion of the Competent Authority. Selected candidates are liable to serve anywhere in India and abroad.

ARI Pune Recruitment 2026 Job Description

Scientist- ‘C’ Genetics & Plant Breeding Group

• Undertake a breeding programme in wheat, soybean and grape for high yield, improved quality and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
• Implement genomic-assisted breeding approaches, including GWAS, QTL mapping, SNP-based analyses and genomic selection (GS).
• Develop, manage and evaluate bi-parental, multi-parent (MAGIC/NAAM) and RIL breeding populations.
• Conduct biofortification research and trait discovery for nutritional and quality-related traits.
• Plan, conduct and analyse multi-location and multi-season field trials.
• Carry out germplasm characterisation, evaluation and core collection development.
• Apply marker-assisted selection (MAS) and integrate molecular tools into breeding pipelines.
• Perform plant phenotyping using morphological, physiological and biochemical methods.
• Conduct quality analyses, including oil, protein, minerals, fatty acid compositions and volatile profiling.
• Contribute to seed production programmes and varietal release pipelines as per institutional and national guidelines.
• Publish research outcomes in peer-reviewed journals with a high impact factor.
• Prepare and submit research project proposals and secure extramural funding from national and international agencies.
• Assist in mentoring research scholars and contribute to departmental and institutional academic and other activities.

Scientist- ‘C’ in Developmental Biology

• Initiate and develop independent projects in new and emerging frontiers of cell and developmental biology, organelle biology and diseases.
• Secure extramural funding.
• Enthuse, motivate and supervise research scholars.
• Take part in teaching and training programs, and in teaching and training students.
• Contribute towards the development and maintenance of Institutional infrastructure.
• Facilitate and carry out various academic outreach activities.
• Advance research in cell and developmental biology and start new transnational areas of research.
• Contribute to Institutional work as entrusted from time to time.

How to Apply for ARI Pune Recruitment 2026

1. Fill in and submit the application online at the link given in the notice (arijob.ourlib.in), using a valid email ID.
2. Pay the non-refundable application fee of Rs.500/- online through SBI Collect (onlinesbi.sbi/sbicollect): Educational Institutions – Category – Agharkar Research Institute – Payment Category – Others – Enter Payment details. SC/ST and women candidates are excepted from the fee.
3. Write the online receipt number in the application form, and attach the receipt of the online fee payment.
4. Take a printout of the submitted application and attach self-attested copies of the documents listed below.
5. Write “Application for <Post Code>” on the envelope, for example “Application for Genetics & Plant Breeding/Scientist-C/2026”.
6. Send it to the Director, Agharkar Research Institute, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar Road, Pune – 411 004, within 30 days from the date the advertisement is published in the Employment News.

The last date is 45 days from the date of publication in the Employment News for candidates in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Ladakh Division of J & K State, Lahaul and Spiti District and Pangi Sub Division of Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Island and Lakshadweep. The Institute is not responsible for incomplete, pending or failed online fee transactions; in such cases candidates may contact the bank concerned.

Documents Named in the Notice

• Printout of the online application.
• Passport size photograph.
• Self-attested copies of qualifications and certificates, including educational qualifications, date of birth, PwBD category, SC/ST/OBC/EWS and experience.
• Receipt of the online fee payment (for candidates who pay the fee).
• Experience or employment certificates that clearly show the date of joining, the date of relieving and the post held.
• For PwBD and SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates, a latest copy of the caste certificate(s). Candidates who claim a concession or relaxation need the relevant certificates from the Competent Authority in the prescribed proforma.
• List of publications/patents etc. For SCI journal publications, a list with copies of the 4 best papers written in the last 5 years. List them chronologically, giving the names of the authors, title of the paper, name of the journal, volume, pages (from-to), year, citation count and impact factor of the journal.
• For candidates working in Government Departments, Public Sector Undertakings or Autonomous Organisations, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in the Annexure-I format, signed by the Head of the Organisation/Office with the office seal. If the NOC is not uploaded with the application form, it must be submitted at the time of interview.

Candidates must produce the original certificates as and when required. Certificates or documents that are illegible or incorrect may lead to rejection of the candidature.

Selection and Interview

Having the essential qualifications does not by itself entitle a candidate to an interview. A committee decides whether a qualification is equivalent to the essential and desirable qualifications. If many applications are received, the Institute may limit the number of candidates called for interview through shortlisting. The shortlisting criteria may include desirable qualifications and/or experience beyond the minimum.

Only shortlisted candidates will be informed by email of the date, time and venue of the next stage of selection. Outstation candidates called for interview will be paid two-tier AC rail fare both ways by the shortest route. A reserve panel, in order of merit, will be prepared from the candidates called for interview. It remains valid for one year from the date of interview and may be used to fill the advertised vacancy and vacancies arising later.

Important Instructions

• Incomplete or partially filled application forms will not be considered.
• Canvassing in any form will result in disqualification.
• All correspondence will be made through email only. The Institute is not responsible if a candidate does not receive the call letter in time because of technical issues.
• Any addendum, corrigendum or update about the recruitment will be posted only on the Institute’s website, www.aripune.res.in. The Institute’s email is [email protected].
• No correspondence will be entertained from candidates who are not called for interview or selected.
• The Institute reserves the right to cancel the recruitment without giving any reason. It may also cancel an appointment, even after the appointment letter is issued, if a mistake in the selection is detected.
• Legal proceedings arising from this advertisement can be instituted only in Pune, and the courts at Pune have sole jurisdiction.
• The notice advises submitting the online application well before the closing date, because the portal may be overloaded in the last days.

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