MACS-Agharkar Research Institute Pune Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 2 Posts in Nanobioscience Group

Vacancies: 2 · Posts: 1 · Type: Contractual / Project-based · Mode: Online Apply + Offline Interview · Fee: ₹100 / Nil · Apply: 15 Jun–30 Jun 2026 · Salary: ₹20,000 + HRA/month · Selection: Shortlisting + Offline Interview · Location: Pune

MACS-Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has opened applications for 2 temporary Project Assistant positions in its Nanobioscience Group. These posts support an RGSTC-funded project on developing multi-purpose consortia bioinoculants to cut methane emissions and reduce nitrogen fertiliser use in rice cultivation.

The recruitment targets candidates with strong academic records in microbiology or biotechnology and offers hands-on research experience in a premier life sciences institute. Applications are open from 15 June 2026 to 30 June 2026 through the institute’s dedicated job portal. Selected candidates will work on practical aspects of bioinoculant formulation, pot and field experiments, and methanotroph-related studies up to the project period ending May 2029.

This is a contractual project position with a monthly stipend of ₹20,000 plus HRA. It suits graduates seeking research exposure in applied microbiology and environmental sustainability rather than immediate permanent employment. The offline interview is scheduled for 8 July 2026.

Also Read: ISRO URSC JRF Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 17 Junior Research Fellow Posts at Bengaluru

Who Should Apply? (Quick Eligibility Check)

• First-class Bachelor’s degree holders in Microbiology or Biotechnology (from a recognised university) → Project Assistant – 2 posts. Essential qualification as per the notification.
• Candidates with M.Sc in Microbiology/Biotechnology plus knowledge of methanotrophs, pot & field experiments, or 1+ year relevant experience → Strong preference for shortlisting and interview.
• Reserved category candidates (OBC/SC/ST/Divyang) → Age relaxation as per Government of India rules; fee exemption for SC/ST/Divyang/Women.
• Women candidates → Fee exemption and full eligibility on par with others.
• Candidates interested in applied research on sustainable agriculture and climate-smart bioinoculants → Direct fit for the project objectives.

Note: This is a purely temporary contractual post under a specific project. There is no automatic claim for permanent absorption in ARI or the funding agency.

About MACS-Agharkar Research Institute & Why This Role Matters

MACS-Agharkar Research Institute – Overview

MACS-Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) is an autonomous research institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, located on G.G. Agarkar Road in Pune, Maharashtra. Established in 1946 by the Maharashtra Association for the Cultivation of Science, it focuses on fundamental and applied research in life sciences, including biodiversity and palaeobiology, bioenergy, bioprospecting, developmental biology, genetics and plant breeding, and nanobioscience.

The institute maintains state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborates on national and international projects addressing agriculture, environment, and sustainability challenges. It employs scientists, technical staff, and project personnel across multiple groups and serves as a key centre for research training in western India.

Why Candidates Search for ARI Pune Jobs

ARI Pune attracts applicants seeking credible research experience in a DST-funded autonomous institute with a long-standing reputation in biological sciences. Project Assistant roles provide exposure to funded projects, laboratory techniques, and field work that strengthen profiles for future PhD applications, CSIR-NET, or other research positions.

Pay remains modest compared with regular government scientific posts or private sector roles, and the position is strictly contractual with no pension or long-term job security. Many candidates view it as a stepping stone for building specialised skills in microbiology and sustainable agriculture rather than a permanent career destination. The generous upper age limit of 50 years widens access for mid-career professionals with relevant field experience.

Why this Project Assistant role is attractive:

• Opportunity to work on a climate-relevant project reducing methane emissions in rice cultivation.
• Hands-on involvement in bioinoculant development, methanotroph studies, and field experiments.
• Association with a recognised national research institute under DST, Government of India.

The SahisarkariJobs.in Analyst’s Take – Is This ARI Pune Project Assistant for You?

With only 2 posts and highly specific desirable qualifications (methanotroph knowledge, pot & field experiment experience), this recruitment is narrow but valuable for candidates who already possess relevant laboratory or field exposure in microbiology or biotechnology. It is interview-driven rather than exam-based, so candidates with strong practical profiles and clear project understanding have a realistic chance.

Fresh graduates without any field or lab experience in the mentioned areas should probably look elsewhere or strengthen their profile first. The contractual nature and modest stipend (₹20,000 + HRA) mean this suits those prioritising research skill-building over immediate financial stability or permanent government job security.

Unlike larger-scale recruitments such as CSIR project assistant drives or DBT-funded positions that sometimes offer slightly higher emoluments or clearer progression pathways, ARI’s project roles are tightly tied to specific grant objectives and end with the project. Prepare thoroughly for technical questions on bioinoculants, methane mitigation in rice, and basic microbiology techniques during the offline interview.

Quick Overview – MACS-Agharkar Research Institute Pune Project Assistant Recruitment 2026

• Organisation: MACS-Agharkar Research Institute (ARI Pune) (An Autonomous Institute under Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India)
• Sector: Research & Development / Science & Technology
• Recruitment / Exam Name: Project Assistant Recruitment under RGSTC Project SP-387
• Post / Trade / Exam Name(s): Project Assistant (Nanobioscience Group)
• Total Vacancies: 2
• Job Location / Exam Centre: Pune (G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune – 411 004)
• Job Type / Nature: Contractual / Temporary Project-based (up to project period ending 04 May 2029)
• Approx. Pay: ₹20,000 per month + HRA (as per project norms)
• Apply / Register Between: 15 June 2026 to 30 June 2026
• Apply Online: Apply through the ARI Job Portal
• Notification PDF: Download ARI Pune Project Assistant Notification SP-387 2026-27 PDF (mirror link; verify on official site)
• Official Portal: https://aripune.res.in/ | Job Portal: http://arijob.ourlib.in

Important Dates – ARI Pune Project Assistant Recruitment 2026

What Is the Application Fee? – Project Assistant 2026

Payment Mode: Online through SBI Collect – Select Educational Institutions → Agharkar Research Institute (MACS) → Application Fee. Attach the e-receipt to the online application.

Also Read: ISRO URSC JRF Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 17 Junior Research Fellow Posts at Bengaluru

How to Apply for the ARI Pune Project Assistant 2026? (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Main Application Process on ARI Job Portal

1. Visit the official application portal (open until 30 June 2026): Apply for ARI Pune Project Assistant 2026.
2. Register or log in with your credentials.
3. Select the advertisement ADVT/RecT / RGSTC / 06 / SP-387 /2026-27 for Project Assistant (2 posts).
4. Fill in personal, educational, and experience details carefully. Highlight any work with methanotrophs, pot/field experiments, or relevant microbiology experience.
5. Upload self-attested scanned copies of photograph, signature, educational certificates, and caste certificate (if applicable).
6. Pay the application fee (if applicable) through SBI Collect and attach the receipt. Need to resize a photo or a signature? Use our Photo & Signature Resizer.
7. Review all entries, submit the form, and save/print the application for your records.

Important: Incomplete applications or a missing fee receipt will be rejected. No TA/DA is admissible for the interview.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Paying a fee under the wrong category or failing to attach the SBI Collect e-receipt.
• Not mentioning desirable qualifications (methanotroph knowledge, field experiment experience) clearly in the application.
• Uploading unclear or improperly sized documents/photos.
• Missing the 30 June 2026 deadline — the portal will close automatically.
• Assuming the post leads to permanent employment — it is strictly project-based and contractual.

ARI Pune प्रकल्प सहायक भरती 2026

मॅक्स-अघारकर रिसर्च इन्स्टिट्यूट (ARI), पुणे येथे नॅनोबायोसायन्स ग्रुप अंतर्गत २ तात्पुरत्या प्रकल्प सहायक पदांसाठी अर्ज मागवले आहेत. ही पदे RGSTC प्रकल्प SP-387 अंतर्गत भात लागवडीत मिथेन उत्सर्जन कमी करण्यासाठी आणि नायट्रोजन खतांवरील अवलंबन घटवण्यासाठी बहुउद्देशीय बायोइनोक्युलंट्स विकसित करण्याच्या प्रकल्पासाठी आहेत.

पात्रता: मायक्रोबायोलॉजी किंवा बायोटेक्नॉलॉजीमध्ये प्रथम श्रेणी पदवी आवश्यक आहे. एम.एससी. पदवी, मिथेनोट्रॉफ्सवर काम करण्याचे ज्ञान, पॉट व फील्ड प्रयोगांचा अनुभव आणि संबंधित क्षेत्रातील एक वर्षाचा अनुभव इष्ट आहे. कमाल वय ५० वर्षे (मुलाखतीच्या तारखेनुसार). अनुसूचित जाती/जमाती/दिव्यांग/महिला उमेदवारांना फीमधून सूट आहे.

अर्ज प्रक्रिया: १५ जून २०२६ ते ३० जून २०२६ पर्यंत ऑनलाइन अर्ज http://arijob.ourlib.in वर करावा. फी SBI Collect द्वारे भरावी. ऑफलाइन मुलाखत ८ जुलै २०२६ रोजी होणार आहे. निवड झालेल्या उमेदवारांना ₹२०,००० + HRA मासिक stipend मिळेल. ही पदे पूर्णपणे तात्पुरती आणि प्रकल्पाधारित आहेत.

Who Is Eligible for the ARI Pune Project Assistant 2026? – Education, Age & Domicile

1. Nationality, Domicile & Basic Requirements

• Must be a citizen of India.
• No specific domicile restriction mentioned — candidates from across India may apply.
• Valid ID proof required during document verification.

2. Educational Qualification

Essential: Bachelor’s Degree (1st class) in Microbiology or Biotechnology from a recognised college/university.

Desirable: M.Sc in Microbiology/Biotechnology. Knowledge of working with methanotrophs, performing pot & field experiments, and one or more years of relevant field experience.

Cut-off date for qualification: As per the date of application/interview (check official notification for exact clarification).

3. Age Limit (as on date of interview – 08 July 2026)

Examples:

• ✅ A 49-year-old General category candidate born in 1977 — eligible (within 50-year limit as on interview date).
• ❌ A 51-year-old General category candidate born in 1975 — not eligible (exceeds maximum age even without relaxation).

Not sure if you meet the age criteria? Use our Age Eligibility Calculator to check instantly.

4. Additional Eligibility

No typing speed, shorthand, or computer skills specifically mentioned beyond standard application requirements. Hindi language option available for the interview.

5. Reservation & PwBD Suitability

Reservation for SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/EWS/PwBD as per Government of India norms. PwBD suitability will be as per project requirements and institute rules.

What Is the Salary? – Stipend & Benefits – Project Assistant 2026

Monthly Stipend Details

This is a project-based contractual stipend, not a regular government pay scale. No DA, pension, or long-term benefits apply unless specifically mentioned in the project terms. Actual in-hand will depend on applicable deductions (if any) and HRA entitlement.

Note: For such project stipends, candidates should plan finances accordingly. The amount supports skill development during the project tenure.

How Are Candidates Selected? – ARI Pune Project Assistant 2026

Stages Overview

1. Online Application & Shortlisting Mode: Online application review. Summary: Applications screened on essential qualification (1st class Bachelor’s in Microbiology/Biotechnology) and desirable experience (methanotrophs, pot/field experiments).
2. Offline Interview Mode: Offline at ARI Pune Summary: Technical interview focusing on microbiology, biotechnology, bioinoculants, and project-specific knowledge. Scheduled for 08 July 2026 at 10:30 AM onwards. No TA/DA admissible.

Tie-breaking Rules: Not specifically mentioned — merit based on qualification, experience, and interview performance.

What Documents Are Required? – Project Assistant 2026

At the time of the online application

• Recent passport-size photograph
• Scanned signature
• Self-attested copies of educational certificates and mark sheets
• Caste certificate (for reserved category candidates)
• Fee payment receipt (SBI Collect e-receipt)

At Document Verification / Interview / Joining

• All original certificates and mark sheets
• Self-attested photocopies of the above
• Valid photo ID proof
• Printout of the submitted online application
• Fee receipt

Document Alert Specific to This Recruitment: Ensure the SBI Collect fee receipt clearly shows the correct payment category and receipt number. Missing or mismatched fee proof is a common rejection reason. Carry originals for the offline interview on 8 July 2026.

Probation, Bond & Service Conditions

This is a purely temporary and contractual project position. There is no probation period in the traditional sense and no automatic claim for permanent employment or absorption into ARI or the funding agency upon project completion. Selected candidates may be assigned to other projects based on institutional requirements. The position carries no right to claim a regular appointment against any ARI or funding agency post.

What Happens After Selection? – Project Assistant 2026

1. Shortlisted candidates receive intimation for the offline interview scheduled on 8 July 2026.
2. Candidates appear for the technical interview at the ARI Pune campus (no TA/DA provided).
3. Selected candidates receive an offer of engagement for the Project Assistant position under the RGSTC SP-387 project.
4. Joining formalities include document verification, submission of originals, and signing of contractual terms.
5. The selected candidate joins the Nanobioscience Group and works on the formulation of multi-purpose consortia bioinoculants, methanotroph studies, pot and field experiments aimed at reducing methane emissions in rice cultivation.
6. Engagement continues till the project end date (May 2029) or as per project requirements and institute rules. Performance is reviewed periodically; extension or reassignment depends on project needs and funding.

General Instructions & Important Rules

• The positions are purely temporary and contractual.
• Mere possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview call.
• The institute reserves the right to shortlist candidates based on desirable qualifications and experience.
• Candidates may appear for the interview in Hindi if they prefer.
• Incomplete applications or applications without a fee receipt (where applicable) will be rejected.

Contact & Helpline – ARI Pune Recruitment

• Official Website: https://aripune.res.in/
• Job Portal: http://arijob.ourlib.in
• Email: director@aripune.org (general queries)
• Phone: +91-20-25325002 (institute contact)
• Correspondence Address: Director, MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune – 411 004, Maharashtra

Contact details for specific recruitment queries are best addressed through the job portal or official website announcements.

Important Links – Project Assistant 2026

FAQs – ARI Pune Project Assistant Recruitment 2026

Q1: What is the last date to apply for the ARI Pune Project Assistant 2026?

A: 30 June 2026. Applications close on the portal at the end of that day. No extension has been announced.

Q2: What is the age limit for the ARI Pune Project Assistant?

A: Maximum 50 years as on the date of interview (08 July 2026). OBC candidates get 3 years’ relaxation, SC/ST get 5 years, and PwBD get 10 years as per the Government of India rules.

Q3: Is there a written exam, or is the selection interview-based only?

A: Selection is through shortlisting followed by an offline interview on 08 July 2026. There is no written examination mentioned in the notification.

Q4: What is the salary of the ARI Pune Project Assistant?

A: ₹20,000 per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per project norms. This is a fixed project stipend, not a regular government pay scale with DA or pension benefits.

Q5: Can final-year students apply for this ARI Pune recruitment?

A: No. You must possess the essential Bachelor’s degree (1st class) at the time of application. Result-awaited candidates are not eligible unless the notification explicitly allows it (it does not).

Q6: Is the ARI Pune Project Assistant a permanent government job?

A: No. This is a purely temporary contractual project position with no automatic claim for permanent employment or absorption after the project ends.

Q7: Can candidates from other states apply for the ARI Pune Project Assistant?

A: Yes. No domicile restriction is mentioned. Eligible candidates from any state in India can apply, subject to meeting the educational and age criteria.

Q8: Where will I be posted if selected?

A: At MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune – 411 004, Maharashtra. The work involves both laboratory and field experiments as per project requirements.

Q9: What experience is most useful for this ARI Pune Project Assistant post?

A: Knowledge of methanotrophs, experience performing pot and field experiments, and at least one year of relevant work in microbiology or biotechnology significantly improve shortlisting chances.

Q10: Is there any bond or service agreement for this post?

A: The notification does not mention a specific bond. However, as a contractual project post, standard terms regarding notice period and project completion apply.

Q11: What are the disadvantages of applying for this ARI Pune Project Assistant role?

A: The honest downside is the modest stipend (₹20,000 + HRA), a strictly contractual nature with no pension or job security, and the requirement for very specific desirable experience that many fresh graduates may lack.

Q12: How competitive is this recruitment compared to other DST or CSIR project posts?

A: With only 2 posts and a narrow desirable qualification profile, competition is lower in volume than large-scale CSIR or DBT project assistant drives, but higher in terms of domain specificity. Strong practical experience gives a clear edge.

Q13: When is the offline interview, and what should I prepare?

A: The offline interview is on 08 July 2026 at 10:30 AM onwards at ARI Pune. Prepare thoroughly on basic and applied microbiology, bioinoculants, methanotroph physiology, rice cultivation practices, and the project objectives mentioned in the notification.

Final Checklist – Is This the Right Job for You?

• You have a first-class Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or Biotechnology.
• You possess (or are close to gaining) desirable experience in methanotrophs, pot/field experiments, or relevant microbiology work.
• You are comfortable with a contractual project role offering ₹20,000 + HRA and no permanent claim.
• You can attend the offline interview in Pune on 08 July 2026 (no TA/DA).
• You understand this supports a specific research project on sustainable agriculture and ends with the project tenure.

📄 Source: Official notification released by MACS-Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune under ADVT/RecT / RGSTC / 06 / SP-387 /2026-27. All details sourced from the official notification PDF.