National Institute of Virology (NIV), ICMR

ICMR NIV Recruitment 2024 - Apply for Research & Technical Posts

Location: Pune, Maharashtra

Posted on: May 25, 2024

Application Deadline: July 25, 2024

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: ₹31,000 - ₹67,000 per month (consolidated)

Job Description

The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has announced recruitment for various research and technical positions. NIV is India's premier institute for virology research and plays a crucial role in public health surveillance and outbreak investigations.

About ICMR-NIV

The National Institute of Virology (NIV) is one of the premier research institutes under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Established in 1952, NIV has been at the forefront of virology research in India and has played a pivotal role in understanding various viral diseases, including COVID-19, Nipah virus, Chikungunya, and many others. The institute is located in Pune and has field units across India.

Available Positions

Post Name No. of Posts Salary (Monthly) Essential Qualification
Research Associate 15 ₹54,000 - ₹67,000 Ph.D. in Life Sciences
Technical Officer-B 8 ₹45,000 - ₹56,000 Master's + Experience
Technical Officer-C 12 ₹35,000 - ₹45,000 Bachelor's + Experience
Field Assistant 10 ₹31,000 - ₹38,000 Graduate + Field Experience
Lab Technician 20 ₹25,000 - ₹35,000 12th + Diploma/ITI
Data Entry Operator 5 ₹20,000 - ₹28,000 12th + Computer Skills

Job Responsibilities

Research Associate:

  • Conduct independent research in virology and related fields
  • Design and execute research protocols
  • Analyze research data and prepare scientific reports
  • Collaborate with national and international research institutions
  • Supervise junior research staff and students
  • Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals
  • Assist in grant writing and project management

Technical Officer:

  • Perform laboratory testing and diagnostic procedures
  • Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure quality control
  • Assist in research projects and sample processing
  • Prepare technical reports and maintain laboratory records
  • Train junior staff in laboratory procedures
  • Follow biosafety protocols and maintain sterile conditions

Field Assistant:

  • Collect field samples for research and surveillance
  • Assist in outbreak investigations
  • Coordinate with local health authorities
  • Maintain field equipment and vehicles
  • Prepare field reports and documentation
  • Support epidemiological studies

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Research Associate:

  • Ph.D. in Microbiology, Virology, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or related field
  • Minimum 2 years post-Ph.D. research experience
  • Publications in peer-reviewed journals preferred
  • Experience in molecular biology techniques
  • Age limit: 35 years (relaxable for reserved categories)

Technical Officer-B:

  • Master's degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Life Sciences
  • Minimum 5 years experience in laboratory work
  • Knowledge of laboratory techniques and equipment handling
  • Age limit: 40 years

Technical Officer-C:

  • Bachelor's degree in Science (Biology/Chemistry)
  • Minimum 3 years experience in laboratory/research work
  • Certificate course in laboratory technology preferred
  • Age limit: 35 years

General Requirements:

  • Indian citizenship
  • Good physical and mental health
  • Willingness to work in field conditions
  • No criminal background
  • Ability to work in teams

Selection Process

  1. Application Screening: Initial screening based on eligibility criteria
  2. Written Test: Subject-specific written examination (for applicable posts)
  3. Skill Test: Practical demonstration of laboratory skills
  4. Interview: Personal interview to assess technical knowledge and suitability
  5. Document Verification: Verification of educational and experience certificates
  6. Medical Examination: Basic health checkup

Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Written Test Pattern

Subject Area Questions Duration
General Knowledge 25 2 hours
Subject-specific Knowledge 50
Research Methodology 15
Basic Statistics 10

Key Topics to Study:

Virology & Microbiology
  • Virus structure and classification
  • Viral replication mechanisms
  • Host-virus interactions
  • Viral pathogenesis
  • Antiviral drugs and vaccines
  • Emerging viral diseases
  • Laboratory diagnosis of viral infections
Research Methods
  • Cell culture techniques
  • Molecular biology methods
  • PCR and RT-PCR
  • ELISA and immunoassays
  • Microscopy techniques
  • Bioinformatics basics
  • Laboratory safety and biosafety

Important Dates

Notification Release May 25, 2024
Application Start Date June 1, 2024
Last Date to Apply July 25, 2024
Admit Card Release August 15, 2024
Written Test Date September 5, 2024
Interview Date September 20-25, 2024

Application Fee

  • General/OBC candidates: ₹1,000
  • SC/ST/PwD candidates: ₹500
  • Women candidates: ₹500
  • Payment mode: Online (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking)

How to Apply

  1. Visit the official NIV website: https://www.niv.co.in/
  2. Click on "Recruitment" or "Career" section
  3. Find the relevant notification for 2024 recruitment
  4. Read the detailed notification and eligibility criteria
  5. Click on "Apply Online" link
  6. Register with basic details and create login credentials
  7. Fill the application form with accurate information
  8. Upload required documents (photo, signature, certificates)
  9. Pay the application fee online
  10. Submit the application and download confirmation

Required Documents

Educational Certificates

  • 10th and 12th mark sheets
  • Graduate degree certificate and marksheets
  • Post-graduate certificate (if applicable)
  • Ph.D. degree certificate (for Research Associate)
  • Professional course certificates

Other Documents

  • Recent passport-size photograph
  • Scanned signature
  • Experience certificates
  • Caste certificate (if applicable)
  • PwD certificate (if applicable)
  • Publication list (for research positions)

Benefits & Facilities

  • Competitive consolidated salary
  • Accommodation facility (subject to availability)
  • Medical facilities and health insurance
  • Research exposure and learning opportunities
  • Conference participation and training programs
  • Collaborative research opportunities
  • Contribution to national public health
  • Career advancement opportunities

Research Areas at NIV

Current Research Focus

  • COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 variants
  • Nipah virus and emerging viruses
  • Vector-borne viral diseases
  • Influenza surveillance
  • Vaccine development
  • Antiviral drug research

Collaborative Programs

  • WHO collaborating center activities
  • International research partnerships
  • University collaborations
  • Industry partnerships
  • Government health programs
  • Outbreak investigation support

Preparation Tips

  • Study current trends in virology and public health
  • Review recent publications from NIV researchers
  • Understand molecular biology and research methodologies
  • Practice laboratory techniques and procedures
  • Stay updated with recent viral outbreaks and investigations
  • Prepare for both theoretical and practical assessments
  • Review ICMR guidelines and research priorities
  • Practice interview questions related to research experience

Note: These positions are contractual/project-based. Candidates should check the official notification for specific terms and conditions, duration of contract, and conversion possibilities.