School of Biosciences at Chanakya University is hiring for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) or a Research Associate-I position under the DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance-sponsored research project:

Applications are invited from motivated and eligible candidates for the position of Research Associate-1 or Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in the DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance sponsored research project entitled “Recognition of RNA structural motifs by bespoke small-molecules to interrogate and alter RNA-RBP interactions associated with phase-separated toxic aggregate formation” under the supervision of Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Sanjukta Mukherjee Associate Professor, School of Biosciences (SBS), Chanakya University, Devanahalli, Bangalore.

(a) For the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF):

Essential Qualifications

1. Master’s degree (MSc/M.Pharm/M.Tech or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related discipline.
2. Proficiency in, or 1–3 years of hands-on experience with, organic synthesis and organic spectroscopic techniques, including column chromatography, HPLC, NMR, mass spectrometry, IR, etc., in an academic laboratory or industrial setting.
3. Candidates qualified through a national-level examination (CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, DST-INSPIRE, DBT, ICMR, or equivalent fellowship) will be given strong preference. However, a very limited number of fellowships will be provided by Chanakya University to outstanding candidates.

Desirable qualifications:

1. 1–3 years of experience in organic synthesis in an academic or industrial laboratory.
2. Hands-on experience in fluorescence spectroscopy and/or confocal microscopy, with prior exposure to biophysical experiments and/or handling RNA samples will be given preference.
3. Ability to work effectively as a team member, with a strong willingness to learn.
4. Good organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to maintain accurate and detailed records.
5. Commitment to long-term research. Suitable candidates will be enrolled in the PhD program at Chanakya University.

(b) For the position of Research Associate-I

Essential Qualifications:

1. PhD in any branch of Chemistry from any recognized University/Institute
2. Proficiency in Organic synthesis and organic spectroscopic techniques
3. Two first-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals

Desirable qualifications:

1. Candidates with hands-on experience in Organic synthesis and organic spectroscopy (NMR/Mass/IR/HPLC).
2. Candidates with experience in handling various biophysical instruments (SPR/CD/UV-vis/fluorescence spectroscopy) and/or experience in working with RNA samples will be given preference.
3. Candidates with their own fellowship will get preference.

Duration of the project: Till March 2029, to be extended annually based on fund availability, as well as a satisfactory assessment of progress. 

Remuneration: Remuneration will be commensurate with expertise and experience, and as per host institute/CSIR/DST/DBT/ICMR-approved norms.

Application Process:
Interested candidates are required to apply through the following Google Form link on or before 20^th of January 2026:

Application Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYFqn2zKOTW0KtmiMQPD5B3ZU8hzc8RXvUJTq63NQeKCHfEA/viewform?usp=dialog

Applicants must upload their cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documents (such as dissertation/thesis or publications) as a single PDF file via the link. The CV should include the contact details of at least two referees.

Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date via email.