Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Invites Applications for Research Personnel

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, invites applications for the engagement of five research staff on a purely temporary and contractual basis. The posts are in connection with the ZSI-Integrated Disease Surveillance Project, which aims to counter the increasing menace of zoonotic diseases emanating from wildlife in the Himalayan region. Disease surveillance and zoonotic hotspot studies will be conducted under this project employing a One Health strategy. The tenure of the engagement will initially be for a period of one year and can be extended up to three years or beyond, based on the progress of the project and the performance of the selected individuals. The above posts are co-terminus with the respective projects.

Important Dates

• Last Date for Submission of Applications: 05th May 2025, by 6:00 PM IST. No applications will be entertained after this date and time.
• Mode of Application: Applications must be submitted in both soft and hard copies. The hard copy must be sent by Speed Post or Registered Post, and the soft copy should be emailed as per the instructions.

Application Fees

No fee is required to apply for these positions.

Vacancies

ZSI is recruiting for the following positions under the ZSI-Integrated Disease Surveillance Project:

1. Research Associate (RA)
2. Senior Research Fellow (SRF)
3. Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
4. Field Assistant (FA)

A total of five hundred vacancies are available across the various roles.

Eligibility

The qualifications required for each position are outlined below:

Research Associate (RA):

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or a related field.
• Preferably, candidates should have prior research experience related to wildlife health, zoonotic diseases, or pathogen genomics.

Senior Research Fellow (SRF):

• Master’s degree in Zoology, Wildlife Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• At least two years of research experience in the field of wildlife health, epidemiology, or molecular biology.

Junior Research Fellow (JRF):

• Master’s degree in Biological Sciences, Zoology, Environmental Science, or related fields.
• A strong interest in wildlife disease surveillance and zoonotic pathogen analysis is required.

Field Assistant (FA):

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in wildlife research or related fields is strongly preferred.

Salary and Benefits

The selected candidates will be offered the following monthly emoluments:

1. Research Associate (RA): Rs. 47,000 per month (plus HRA as applicable).
2. Senior Research Fellow (SRF): Rs. 35,000 per month (plus HRA as applicable).
3. Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Rs. 31,000 per month (plus HRA as applicable).
4. Field Assistant (FA): Rs. 20,000 per month (fixed).

These positions are purely contractual, and the tenure will initially be for one year. The contract may be extended based on the performance of the candidate and the continuation of the project.

Selection Process

The selection of candidates will be carried out in the following steps:

1. Screening of Applications: Candidates will be screened based on their academic qualifications, relevant experience, and the documents submitted. Interviews will be conducted only for candidates who are shortlisted.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the interview, which may be conducted either online (via Google Meet) or in person at the ZSI Headquarters in Kolkata. The date and time for the interview will be communicated to the shortlisted candidates in advance.
3. Final Selection: The final selection will be based on the interview performance and document verification. The selected candidates will be required to join the project within two weeks of selection.
4. Waitlist: The selection committee will maintain a waitlist of at least three candidates for each category. Candidates from the waitlist may be offered the position if any of the initially selected candidates decline the offer or vacate the position within six months of joining.

Application Process

Applicants should attach the following documents with their application:

1. A completed application form in the specified format (Annexure 2).
2. Self-attested copies of educational qualifications and mark sheets.
3. Proof of date of birth (e.g., Birth Certificate, Class X certificate).
4. Relevant experience certificates.
5. No Objection Certificate (if employed).
6. Certified/attested documents supporting any claim for relaxation or exemption, if applicable.

Hard Copy Submission:
Send the hard copy of the application, along with the documents, by Speed Post or Registered Post to:
The Director, Zoological Survey of India,
M-Block, New Alipore,
Kolkata – 700053, West Bengal.

Soft Copy Submission:
The soft copy of the application, along with the scanned documents, must be emailed with the subject line: Application for the post of RA/SRF/JRF/FA [ZSI-Integrated Disease Surveillance Project].

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