🌾 Research Associate Recruitment 2026 in Punjab Agricultural University

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana has announced recruitment for the post of Research Associate under the School of Agricultural Biotechnology. This position is offered in a prestigious DBT-funded project titled “Enriching the rust resistance of wheat by mapping the novel leaf rust and stripe rust resistance from multiple wild progenitor and non-progenitor species”. 🌿

📋 Overview of Recruitment

OrganizationPunjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana
DepartmentSchool of Agricultural Biotechnology
Post NameResearch Associate
Project TitleEnriching the rust resistance of wheat by mapping novel leaf and stripe rust resistance genes
Funding AgencyDepartment of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India
Salary₹58,000 per month + 18% HRA
Application Fee₹200 (Online payment in favour of Comptroller, PAU, Ludhiana)
Last Date to Apply05 June 2026
Interview Date10 June 2026 at 11:00 AM
LocationSchool of Agricultural Biotechnology, PAU, Ludhiana

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

  • 📘 Educational Qualification:
    • B.Sc./B.Tech. in Biotechnology, Agriculture, or Biosciences with minimum OCPA 6.00/10.00 or 60% marks.
    • M.Sc. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Plant Breeding, Genetics, Biochemistry, or Biosciences with minimum OCPA 6.50/10.00 or 65% marks.
    • Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Plant Breeding, Genetics, or Biochemistry with minimum OCPA 6.50/10.00 or 65% marks.
  • 🧠 Additional Qualification: NET/NET-LS/GATE or other national-level tests conducted by Central Government agencies.
  • 📜 Eligibility Note: Candidates possessing a Ph.D. in the relevant discipline are eligible even if they do not hold a Master’s degree in that subject.
  • 🔬 Desirable Experience: Handling wheat crop, crossing, wide hybridization, sequencing, expression analysis, SNP-chip data, and bioinformatics tools for mapping and genetic analysis.

💰 Salary & Benefits

  • 💵 Consolidated pay of ₹58,000 per month + 18% HRA.
  • 📈 Opportunity to work on a DBT-funded national-level project focused on wheat rust resistance.
  • 🌾 Exposure to advanced molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics research.

📮 How to Apply

  1. 📄 Download the application form from the official PAU website (www.pau.edu).
  2. 💰 Pay the application fee of ₹200 online in favour of Comptroller, PAU Recruitment.
  3. 🏦 Payment Details:
    • Account Name: Comptroller PAU Recruitment
    • Account Number: 29380100017259
    • Bank: Bank of Baroda, PAU Branch
    • IFSC Code: BARB0PAULUD
  4. 📎 Attach attested copies of educational certificates, degrees, and testimonials.
  5. 📬 Submit the completed application to the Director, School of Agricultural Biotechnology, PAU Ludhiana by 05 June 2026.

🧭 Selection Process

  • ✅ Shortlisting based on eligibility and qualifications.
  • 🗓️ Interview scheduled for 10 June 2026 at 11:00 AM at the School of Agricultural Biotechnology, PAU Ludhiana.
  • 📧 Selected candidates will be informed via email.
  • 🚫 No TA/DA will be provided for attending the interview.

⚙️ Important Instructions

  • 📜 Applications must be complete and supported by all required documents.
  • 📅 Last date for submission: 05 June 2026.
  • 📍 Venue for interview: School of Agricultural Biotechnology, PAU Ludhiana.
  • 🧾 Incomplete applications will not be entertained.

🏢 About Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), established in 1962, is a leading institution in agricultural education and research. It has played a key role in India’s Green Revolution and continues to pioneer innovations in crop improvement, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture. The School of Agricultural Biotechnology focuses on molecular breeding, genetic mapping, and bioinformatics to enhance crop resilience and productivity. 🌾🧬

📅 Key Dates

  • 📢 Notification Date: 25 May 2026
  • 🗓️ Last Date to Apply: 05 June 2026
  • 🧪 Interview Date: 10 June 2026
  • 🕚 Interview Time: 11:00 AM

📍 Contact Information

Director
School of Agricultural Biotechnology
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)
Ludhiana – 141004, Punjab, India
📧 Email: registrar@pau.edu
☎️ Phone: +91-161-2401960-79 / 2400955
🌐 Website: www.pau.edu

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

📅 What is the last date to apply for the Research Associate post?
The last date for submission of applications is 05 June 2026.
🗓️ When will the interview be held?
The interview will be conducted on 10 June 2026 at 11:00 AM at the School of Agricultural Biotechnology, PAU Ludhiana.
🎓 What qualifications are required?
Candidates must hold a B.Sc./B.Tech in Biotechnology/Agriculture/Biosciences, an M.Sc. in Biotechnology or related fields, and a Ph.D. in the relevant discipline.
🧠 Is NET or GATE qualification mandatory?
Yes, candidates must have qualified NET/NET-LS/GATE or other national-level tests conducted by Central Government agencies.
🔬 What experience is desirable?
Experience in wheat crop handling, crossing, hybridization, sequencing, expression analysis, SNP-chip data, and bioinformatics mapping software is desirable.
💰 What is the salary for the Research Associate post?
The consolidated monthly salary is ₹58,000 + 18% HRA.
📍 Where should I submit my application?
Submit your completed application form along with the online payment receipt and attested documents to the Director, School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana before 05 June 2026.
🧾 What documents should I attach?
Attach attested copies of your educational certificates, degrees, testimonials, proof of NET/GATE qualification, and experience certificates related to wheat crop handling or bioinformatics work.
🚫 Will travel allowance be provided?
No, candidates must attend the interview at their own expense. TA/DA will not be provided by PAU.
🧩 Why should I apply for this position?
This role offers a chance to work on a cutting‑edge DBT‑funded project focused on improving wheat rust resistance — combining genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. It’s an excellent opportunity to contribute to national agricultural research and gain advanced scientific experience. 🌾🧬
📧 How will shortlisted candidates be informed?
Only selected candidates will be informed through email regarding interview results and further instructions.
🧠 What is the focus of the research project?
The project aims to map novel leaf and stripe rust resistance genes in wheat using wild progenitor and non‑progenitor species, enhancing crop resilience through molecular breeding and bioinformatics analysis.
📅 When and where will the interview be held?
The interview will take place on 10 June 2026 at 11:00 AM in the School of Agricultural Biotechnology, PAU Ludhiana.
💻 What kind of research experience will be valuable?
Experience in wheat crop handling, crossing, hybridization, sequencing, expression analysis, SNP‑chip data processing, and bioinformatics mapping software will strengthen your application.
🌐 Where can I find more details?
Visit the official website www.pau.edu for the application form, payment details, and official updates.