Panjab University Project Associate I Recruitment 2026 has been opened by the Department of Biophysics for a project-based position focused on developing novel molecules for imaging parathyroid tumours. The university is recruiting 1 Project Associate-I temporarily, initially for one year, with the possibility of extension up to three years based on performance. The application deadline is 08/07/2026, and eligible candidates must hold an M.Sc. in specified fields with a minimum 55% marks.
Only 2 days remain to submit your application. Candidates interested in this position must send their bio-data and attested certificates to the Department of Biophysics before the deadline closes.
Panjab University Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Panjab University, Chandigarh |
| Department | Department of Biophysics |
| Position | Project Associate-I |
| Project Title | Development of novel molecules for functional parathyroid tumour (s) imaging by targeting the calcium-sensing receptor |
| Funding Agency | DBT, Government of India |
| Total Vacancies | 1 |
| Application Mode | Email / By Post |
| Official Website | https://puchd.ac.in/ |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Date | June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 08/07/2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates with an M.Sc. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or allied subjects, along with a minimum age of 30 years or below, are eligible to apply for this position. As per the official notification released by Panjab University, the recruitment is open to graduates meeting the specified educational and age requirements.
Educational Qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | M.Sc. in Biophysics / Biochemistry / Microbiology / Biotechnology / Chemistry / allied subjects |
| Minimum Marks | 55% marks in a master’s degree |
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates holding UGC-NET, GATE, or a PhD from Panjab University in Biophysics, or those who have qualified other national entrance tests conducted by the Government of India, will be given preference during selection.
Age Limit
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General / All Categories | Maximum 30 years |
There is no separate age relaxation mentioned in the official notification for reserved categories or other groups for this project-based position.
Desirable Experience
The following experience will be considered desirable during evaluation:
- Peptide synthesis and characterization
- In silico molecular modelling and docking studies
- Antimicrobial research and testing
- Nanotechnology applications
Is This Recruitment Right for You?
- M.Sc. graduates in chemistry, biochemistry, or biotechnology fields meet the primary qualification requirement
- Candidates aged 30 years or younger are within the eligible age bracket
- If you have completed a postgraduate degree with UGC-NET or GATE qualification, you will receive preference in selection
- The position offers experience in cutting-edge pharmaceutical and biomedical research
- This is a project-based temporary role suitable for candidates seeking research-oriented work before pursuing doctoral studies or permanent positions
Project Associate-I Vacancy Details
| Position | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Project Associate-I | 1 |
About the Project Associate-I Role
Project Associate positions at research institutions involve contributing to ongoing scientific investigations under the supervision of principal investigators. The role centres on developing and testing novel molecular compounds for medical imaging applications, requiring hands-on laboratory work, literature review, data analysis, and collaboration with senior researchers. This position offers exposure to advanced research methodologies in pharmaceutical sciences and diagnostic imaging. Working within the Department of Biophysics at Panjab University places the associate in a research environment focused on understanding biological systems at the molecular level, providing foundational experience essential for progression toward doctoral research or pharmaceutical development careers.
Pay Scale and Emoluments
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Emoluments | ₹31,000 |
| HRA (House Rent Allowance) | 18% of basic |
| Gross Monthly Salary | Approximately ₹36,580 |
| Duration | Initially 1 year, extendable up to 3 years based on performance |
| Salary Guidelines | As per DBT or Panjab University guidelines |
At this emolument level, the monthly in-hand salary after statutory deductions would typically be in the range of ₹32,000 to ₹35,000, depending on tax liability and other applicable deductions. The position is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, which oversees the financial administration of the project.
How to Apply for Panjab University Project Associate I Recruitment 2026
- Prepare a detailed bio-data including your educational qualifications, any research experience, and relevant skills.
- Collect attested copies of all educational certificates (M.Sc. mark sheet, degree certificate) and any certificates of entrance examinations (UGC-NET, GATE, or other qualifying tests).
- Compile certificates related to desirable experience, such as training in peptide synthesis, in silico work, antimicrobial research, or nanotechnology projects.
- Send your complete application materials (bio-data and attested certificates) by email to [email protected] or by post to Dr Ravi Pratap Barnwal, Principal Investigator, Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh – 160014.
- Ensure your email address and phone number are clearly mentioned in your bio-data for communication purposes.
When submitting your application, check that all documents are attested (certified true copies) and that your bio-data is complete with current contact information. The department may contact you directly for interview scheduling or clarifications, so ensure your email inbox is monitored actively until the selection process concludes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
- Submitting bio-data without proper attestation of certificates – the notification specifically requests attested copies, and unverified documents may lead to rejection
- Failing to include a valid email address and phone number in the bio-data – the department uses these details to contact shortlisted candidates
- Missing the 08/07/2026 deadline entirely – this is a hard deadline for email or postal submission, and late applications are automatically rejected
- Omitting relevant experience details in the bio-data – candidates with GATE, UGC-NET, or PhD qualifications should explicitly mention these to receive preference scoring
- Sending application materials via courier or parcel without confirming delivery – use registered post or email with read receipt to ensure receipt by the deadline
Documents Required
- M.Sc. degree certificate with marks sheet
- UGC-NET / GATE / National entrance exam scorecard (if applicable)
- Certificates of desirable experience (training, research projects, publications)
- Valid photo ID proof (Aadhar / PAN / Passport)
- Attested photocopies of all educational qualifications
- Detailed bio-data with contact information
What Happens After You Apply
- Application submission closes on 08/07/2026 – all applications must reach the Department of Biophysics by this date
- Shortlisting of candidates – the Principal Investigator and departmental committee will review applications and select candidates for interviews based on qualifications and experience
- Interview round – shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email or phone for an interview conducted at the Department of Biophysics, Panjab University
- Final selection – the Principal Investigator will finalise the appointment based on interview performance and suitability for the project requirements
- Appointment and joining – successful candidates will be issued a joining letter and will begin work as per the project start date
Important Instructions
- This is a purely temporary position co-terminus with the project duration (initially 1 year, extendable to 3 years)
- No travel allowance (TA) or daily allowance (DA) will be provided for attending interviews
- The initial appointment period is one year from the date of joining
- Extension beyond the first year is contingent on satisfactory performance and continued DBT funding for the project
- Candidates must be prepared to work in a research laboratory environment with standard working hours
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Official Website | Visit Website |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the Panjab University Project Associate I Recruitment 2026 all about?
Ans. Panjab University is recruiting 1 Project Associate-I for a research project focused on developing novel imaging molecules for parathyroid tumours. The position is temporary, initially for one year with possible extension up to three years, and offers a monthly salary of ₹31,000 plus 18% HRA.
Q2. Do I need a PhD to apply for this Project Associate position?
Ans. No, a PhD is not required. An M.Sc. in relevant fields such as Biophysics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Biotechnology with a minimum 55% marks is the basic qualification. However, candidates with a PhD or those who have qualified for UGC-NET or GATE will be preferred during selection.
Q3. What is the age limit for this recruitment?
Ans. The maximum age limit is 30 years. No upper age relaxation is mentioned in the official notification for reserved categories or other groups for this project-based position.
Q4. How do I submit my application, and what is the deadline?
Ans. Applications must be submitted by email to [email protected] or by post to Dr Ravi Pratap Barnwal at the Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh – 160014 by 08/07/2026. Your bio-data and attested certificates must be included with a valid email address and phone number clearly mentioned.
Q5. Will TA/DA be provided for attending the interview?
Ans. No, the official notification explicitly states that no travel allowance (TA) or daily allowance (DA) will be provided for attending the interview. Candidates must arrange their own travel to Chandigarh.
Q6. Is experience in the desirable fields mandatory?
Ans. Experience in peptide work, in silico studies, antimicrobial research, or nanotechnology is listed as desirable but not mandatory. Candidates with this experience will be given preference during selection, but those without such experience but meeting the educational qualification may also apply.
Q7. Can I get an extension after the initial one-year appointment?
Ans. Yes, the position can be extended up to a total of three years based on satisfactory performance and continued funding of the project from DBT. However, extension is not guaranteed and depends on project requirements and budget availability.
Q8. What will be my primary responsibilities as a Project Associate-I?
Ans. As a Project Associate, you will contribute to developing novel molecular compounds for imaging applications, conduct laboratory experiments, perform in silico molecular modelling, analyse research data, assist with literature reviews, and collaborate with the Principal Investigator and other team members on achieving project objectives.
Your Next Step
Submit your application well before the 08/07/2026 deadline by emailing your bio-data and attested certificates to [email protected] or posting them to Dr Ravi Pratap Barnwal at the Department of Biophysics. After the application window closes, the department will begin reviewing submissions and will contact shortlisted candidates directly via email or phone to schedule interviews. Stay alert to your inbox and phone for communication from the Department of Biophysics, and consider reviewing the official notification PDF to ensure your submission includes all required materials.
