University of Kashmir Invites Applications for Assistant Professor Positions at CIRI | Submit Forms Before Dec 26, 2025

Recruitment Notice – Assistant Professor (Tenure) at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research & Innovations, University of Kashmir

Advertisement Notice No. 08 of 2025 | Dated: 21 November 2025

The University of Kashmir invites online applications from eligible and motivated candidates for two tenure-based positions of Assistant Professor (Tenure) in the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research & Innovations (CIRI) to be posted under the prestigious project titled “DBT-BUILDER – University of Kashmir Interdisciplinary Life Science Programme for Advance Research and Education”, sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. Strong emphasis is placed on candidates with vision and capability to foster interdisciplinary research at the interface of life sciences, data science and engineering disciplines.

1. About the University & Centre

The University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar (J&K) – a NAAC “A++” accredited institution – has consistently taken steps to strengthen advanced research and interdisciplinary education. Under the DBT-BUILDER programme, the university became one of the early recipients of major funding to establish a new School of Life Sciences with interdisciplinary orientation.

The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research & Innovations (CIRI) at the University of Kashmir is a hub for advancing research across traditional departmental boundaries. CIRI hosts collaborative projects, centres of excellence, and brings together faculties from life sciences, computational sciences, engineering and allied fields.

2. About the DBT-BUILDER Project

The DBT-BUILDER (Boost to University Interdisciplinary Life Science Departments for Education and Research) scheme of the Department of Biotechnology is designed to establish interdisciplinary school(s) of life sciences for advanced research and education at post-graduate levels.

In 2021, the University of Kashmir secured a grant of approximately Rs 10 crore under DBT-BUILDER to enhance its interdisciplinary research & education infrastructure in the life sciences domain.

Under this project, the positions of Assistant Professor (Tenure) are being created (two posts) to drive teaching, mentoring, research and collaboration activities. The tenure is five years or until the completion of the project (whichever is earlier).

3. Post(s) Details & Pay Scale

• Post: Assistant Professor (Tenure) – 2 posts
• Department/Unit: Centre for Interdisciplinary Research & Innovations (CIRI), University of Kashmir
• Project: DBT-BUILDER – University of Kashmir Interdisciplinary Life Science Programme for Advance Research and Education
• Pay: Academic Level-10 of 7th CPC (the exact pay matrix scale as per the University/DBT norms)
• Allowances: As admissible under University/Project norms
• Tenure: Five (5) years (or till the project ends, whichever is earlier)
• Code: PGD-CIRI-1 (Post Code)
• Reservation: Posts will carry reservation as per University / Govt. of J&K norms

4. Important Dates

• Submission of Online Forms / Hard Copy From: 27 November 2025
• Last date for Submission of Online Forms: 26 December 2025
• Last date for submission of Hard Copy: 31 December 2025

Candidates are advised to regularly check the University’s recruitment webpage (www.kashmiruniversity.net → Jobs/Recruitment link) from 25 November 2025 for detailed advertisement, application link, eligibility criteria, and other terms & conditions.

5. Eligibility & Essential Qualifications

Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications and attributes:

• A good academic record as per University Grants Commission (UGC) norms with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade) at Master’s degree level in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, or allied disciplines.
• A Ph.D. in Life Sciences or interdisciplinary fields combining life sciences with computational/engineering sciences (preferred).
• Evidence of excellence in research (publications, citations, collaborative projects) and teaching.
• Demonstrated ability or strong interest in interdisciplinary research: integrating life sciences with data science, systems biology, engineering, modelling, advanced instrumentation, etc.
• Good communication and mentoring skills; ability to supervise postgraduate students, engage in research grant writing, collaborate across disciplines.
• Preference may be given to candidates with post-doctoral experience, international exposure, or industry-academia linkages.

Note: The detailed advertisement will contain the full eligibility criteria, age limit (if any), experience requirements, reservation details, application fee, and guidelines on how to apply.

6. Key Responsibilities

The appointed candidate will be expected to:

• Engage in high-quality teaching: Develop and teach postgraduate (MSc/PhD) courses in the interdisciplinary life science programme, including emerging topics such as systems biology, computational biotechnology, bio-engineering, omics-technologies, etc.
• Mentor and supervise students: Guide research projects of MSc and PhD students, coordinate with other faculty in the Centre, facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Lead research initiatives: Secure research funding (e.g., from DBT, DST, SERB, industry), initiate collaborative projects across life sciences, computation, engineering; publish in reputed journals; present work at conferences.
• Contribute to infrastructure & capacity building: Help design state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories; develop new methodologies, instrumentation, cross-discipline teaching modules; organise workshops/ seminars.
• Facilitate collaborations: Build linkages with other departments of the University of Kashmir, other national/international institutions, industry partners; foster inter-departmental synergy.
• Participate in administrative and academic duties: Curriculum planning, academic assessments, student admission/workshops programme coordination, project reporting to DBT/university.

7. Why Join This Opportunity?

This opportunity offers several distinct advantages:

• Strategic Alignment with National Priorities: Being part of a DBT-BUILDER funded initiative means you will contribute to India’s advancing agenda of interdisciplinary life science education and research. The scheme emphasises developing high-end laboratories, training and inter-disciplinary faculty capabilities.
• Research Infrastructure & Funding Potential: The University of Kashmir has already received a major Rs 10 crore grant under the DBT-BUILDER scheme, positioning CIRI as a major research hub in the region. This means the selected candidate will enter a favourable environment for research growth, grant acquisition and institutional support.
• Scope for Innovation & Impact: The interdisciplinary life sciences programme aims to transcend conventional departmental silos. This creates space for innovative teaching (e.g., computational biology, systems medicine), novel research (e.g., integrative omics across Himalayan ecosystems), societal impact (addressing regional biodiversity, bio-resources, health, environment).
• Career Growth: As an Assistant Professor under a tenure-based project, you can build your teaching-research credentials, supervise graduate research, and potentially secure contract renewal or a transition to a permanent role subject to University policy.
• Regional Significance with National Visibility: Serving at University of Kashmir in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, you will contribute to developing advanced education and research capabilities in a region of strategic importance, while gaining national/international visibility through DBT networks.

8. Application Instructions & Selection Process

Candidates must complete the following steps:

1. Online Submission: Fill the application form via the University recruitment portal starting 27 November 2025. Upload required documents: CV, academic transcripts, publications list, research statement, teaching philosophy, references.
2. Hard Copy Submission: After completing online submission, send duly signed hard-copy of the application form and supporting documents to the designated address (as per detailed advertisement) by 31 December 2025.
3. Screening: The University will verify applications for eligibility, screening academic and research credentials, teaching experience, suitability for an interdisciplinary life science programme.
4. Interview / Presentation: Short-listed candidates may be invited for an interview, which may include a seminar/presentation on research and teaching plan, followed by Q&A on research vision, interdisciplinary collaborations, student mentoring.
5. Offer & Joining: The selected candidate will receive an offer outlining salary, benefits, tenure duration, duties. On acceptance, the joining will be governed by the University’s and project’s rules.

9. Terms & Conditions

• The appointment is purely tenure-based, valid for five years or till the project ends (whichever is earlier). Renewal beyond five years may be subject to performance and project continuation.
• The post will be governed by University of Kashmir rules, DBT-BUILDER programme requirements and Government of J&K regulations including reservation policies.
• Appointee will be required to devote full time to the project and programme; engaging in outside private practice or establishment of private consultancy may require approval.
• The University reserves the right to modify the advertisement, number of posts, or cancel the recruitment process in part or full without assigning any reason.
• Detailed terms, service conditions, and benefits (such as research grant support, laboratory infrastructure, travel, allowances) will be specified in the appointment letter.
• The candidate will be responsible for adhering to deadlines for joining, requisite clearances (if any), and will be subject to University’s Performance Appraisal procedures.

10. How to Prepare Your Application: Tips for Success

• Tailor your research statement: Highlight how your previous work aligns with interdisciplinary life sciences, bridging biology, computational/engineering methods, or applications (for example: genomics, computational systems biology, bioengineering, biotechnology in Himalayan context).
• Show evidence of collaboration: Mention co-authored publications, joint grants, multi-discipline projects. Demonstrate ability to work across domains (life sciences + data science/engineering).
• Teaching vision: Explain how you would design and deliver postgraduate courses in interdisciplinary life sciences, engage students in cross-discipline labs, and supervise MSc/PhD research.
• Highlight leadership potential: Discuss contributions to labs/infrastructure, student mentoring, partnerships, workshops you have organised or led.
• Regional relevance: If you have worked in or have interest in Himalayan biodiversity, environmental biology, regional bio-resources, or teaching in remote/complex terrain contexts, emphasise this—it strengthens alignment with University of Kashmir’s mission.
• Ensure compliance: Double-check that you meet the minimum eligibility (master’s + PhD, required marks, teaching experience if any). Provide complete documentation, follow formatting/word-limits as per advertisement.
• Submit early/make hard-copy ready: Since there is a separate hard-copy submission, ensure you print, sign, and dispatch well ahead of deadlines (26 Dec online, 31 Dec hard-copy).
• Prepare for interview: Expect to present a 10–15 minute talk on your research/teaching plan, answer questions on interdisciplinary methods, student supervision, funding acquisition, collaborative networks. Be ready to discuss how you’ll contribute to CIRI’s vision and the DBT-BUILDER project.

11. Why This Matters – Broader Significance

The recruitment of faculty for this DBT-BUILDER supported programme carries significance beyond the individual appointment:

• Strengthening regional research ecosystem: Jammu & Kashmir has immense biological, ecological and biotechnological potential (Himalayan biodiversity, cold-adapted organisms, endemic species). Integrating this location advantage with advanced life-science teaching/research will help nurture talent and infrastructure in the region.
• Fostering interdisciplinary education: Traditional disciplinary silos often limit innovation. By recruiting faculty who can traverse life sciences, computation, engineering, data analytics, the University of Kashmir is positioning itself to offer future-ready education, equipping students with skills for emerging scientific challenges (omics, bio-informatics, synthetic biology, systems modelling).
• National and global alignment: The DBT-BUILDER scheme is part of India’s vision to bolster research infrastructure, postgraduate life-science education and translational research capacity in universities. This recruitment contributes directly to fulfilling that mandate.
• Opportunity for change-makers: For candidates, this is not just a teaching job—it’s a chance to shape a nascent school of life sciences, mentor the first cohorts, and have an outsized impact. The University of Kashmir is emerging as a hub for interdisciplinary research in the region.

12. Summary

In summary, the University of Kashmir’s call for applications for two Assistant Professor (Tenure) positions under its DBT-BUILDER supported interdisciplinary life sciences programme represents a significant opportunity for career-oriented scholars who combine strong academic credentials, research aptitude and a vision for interdisciplinary teaching. The successful candidates will contribute to building a vibrant, cutting-edge academic programme, mentor future researchers, and help put the region on the map of advanced life science research.

Prospective applicants are urged to carefully follow the detailed advertisement when published, ensure that their credentials align with the criteria, prepare a compelling profile emphasising interdisciplinarity, and submit their applications on time (online by 26 December 2025, hard-copy by 31 December 2025).

We look forward to your application and wish you the very best in this exciting endeavour.