CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV), Palampur is recruiting 1 Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology for a project-based contract position. This is an excellent opportunity for researchers with expertise in plant transformation and agricultural biotechnology. Applications must be submitted offline by 18 November 2026.
Overview
CSKHPKV, a premier agricultural university located in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, regularly offers research and academic positions to support advancing agricultural science. The Senior Research Fellow role (Advertisement No. 09/2026) is designed for accomplished researchers who can contribute meaningfully to plant biotechnology and genetic engineering initiatives. This is a project-specific position with a defined contract tenure.
The role is based at the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology within the College of Agriculture, providing a strong research environment for specialization in plant transformation, molecular biology, and related domains. Candidates with NET certification or proven research experience in plant biotechnology are encouraged to apply.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notice Published | 30 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (by 5:00 PM) | 18 November 2026 |
| Work-Specific Interaction | 19 November 2026 at 11:00 AM |
Applicants must ensure their applications reach the designated address by the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Categories | ₹450 |
| Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC) | ₹110 |
Fee payment and submission details are outlined in the official notification PDF. Ensure you retain proof of payment with your application.
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Job Type | Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Research Fellow | 1 | Project-Based Contract | Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, COA |
Eligibility
Educational Qualification: An M.Sc. in Plant Science from a recognized university is mandatory for all applicants.
NET/Experience Requirement: Candidates must satisfy one of the following:
- With NET: Possess National Eligibility Test (NET) certification along with documented experience in plant transformation, evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals or presentations at recognized conferences.
- Without NET: Demonstrate documented experience in plant transformation through publications, research papers, or project reports in peer-reviewed platforms. This alternative pathway is available for those without NET certification.
Desirable Qualifications: Hands-on research experience in agricultural biotechnology, plant genetic engineering, molecular biology, tissue culture, or related fields is highly valued and strengthens candidacy.
Documents to Prepare: Gather certified photocopies of your M.Sc. degree certificate, NET scorecard (if applicable), and all publications or evidence of plant transformation research. Include any project reports, conference papers, or journals demonstrating your expertise.
Salary
Monthly compensation is structured as follows:
- With NET Qualification: ₹37,000 + House Rent Allowance (HRA) for the 1st and 2nd years; ₹42,000 + HRA for the 3rd year.
- Without NET (with Relevant Experience): ₹28,000 fixed per month throughout the contract tenure.
This is a project-based position; the total tenure and compensation period depend on the project's duration. No permanent appointment is offered through this recruitment.
How to Apply
- Visit CSKHPKV's official website and search for recruitment advertisement 09/2026 under the jobs or recruitment section.
- Download the application form carefully and review all instructions before completing it.
- Fill in all required fields legibly with accurate personal, educational, and professional information.
- Prepare and attach certified photocopies (self-attested) of: (a) M.Sc. degree certificate from a recognized university, (b) NET scorecard (if you possess NET qualification), and (c) evidence of plant transformation experience such as research publications, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, or project reports.
- Include any other documents specified in the official notification PDF, such as proof of application fee payment and identity proof.
- Address your application envelope to: The Head, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh.
- Ensure your application is postmarked or physically received by the department by 5:00 PM on 18 November 2026. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
- Shortlisted candidates will be formally notified via email or post about the work-specific interaction scheduled for 19 November 2026 at 11:00 AM.
Selection Process
After the application deadline, all submissions meeting minimum eligibility criteria will be reviewed. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a work-specific interaction on 19 November 2026. This interaction will assess your research background, knowledge of plant biotechnology, project experience, and suitability for the role. Final selection will be based on your qualifications, publications, and performance in the interaction.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the minimum educational qualifications required for this Senior Research Fellow post?
A: Candidates must hold an M.Sc. in Plant Science from a recognized university. Additionally, applicants must possess either NET (National Eligibility Test) certification or documented evidence of experience in plant transformation, demonstrated through publications in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings.
Q: What is the salary structure for this position?
A: Candidates with NET certification receive ₹37,000 + HRA for the 1st and 2nd years, and ₹42,000 + HRA for the 3rd year. Those without NET but with documented plant transformation experience receive a fixed salary of ₹28,000 per month. Salaries are subject to project-based tenure.
Q: What is the application fee and are there any exemptions?
A: General category candidates must pay ₹450. Candidates from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) pay ₹110. Fee payment details and exemptions (if applicable) are provided in the official notification.
Q: Is this a permanent position or contract-based?
A: This is a project-based contract position. Tenure is linked to the duration of the project, making it a fixed-term appointment rather than permanent employment.
Q: How will candidate selection take place?
A: After the application deadline of 18 November 2026, eligible applications will be shortlisted. Selected candidates will be invited for a work-specific interaction scheduled for 19 November 2026 at 11:00 AM. Final selection will be based on performance in this interaction and evaluation of qualifications and experience.
Q: Can I submit my application online, or must it be sent by post?
A: Applications must be submitted offline via post only. Online submission is not accepted for this recruitment. Your application must reach The Head, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, CSKHPKV, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh by 18 November 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Disclaimer: All candidates must verify dates, fees, eligibility criteria, and application procedures on the official CSKHPKV website before submitting an application.