ICMR–National Institute for Research on Blood and Immune Disorders Young Professional-II (Scientific) Notification 2026

The ICMR-NIRBID is a specialized institute under the Indian Council of Medical Research focused on research into blood disorders, immunology and related translational work. Established to strengthen research capacity in hematology and immune-mediated conditions, the institute coordinates clinical research, laboratory investigations and training programs for medical and scientific personnel. Over the last decade NIRBID has expanded its portfolio to include translational research projects, multi-centre clinical registries and collaborations with major teaching hospitals.

ICMR-NIRBID operates as part of a nationwide research network and typically employs a mix of scientists, technical staff and administrative personnel, numbering in the low hundreds across the institute and its project sites. Its mandate covers patient-centric research, population-level studies, and capacity building across states where blood disorder services are limited. The institute’s research outputs and training programs make it an attractive employer for early-career scientists seeking exposure to clinical research, diagnostics and policy-relevant work.

The Young Professional-II (Scientific) is a mid-level contract role aimed at candidates with a postgraduate scientific background and 1–3 years of hands-on laboratory or research experience. On a day-to-day basis the incumbent will support project-related laboratory work, data collection and management, standard operating procedure implementation, and assist with clinical sample processing. Typical duties include sample processing (e.g., immunoassays, PCR), maintaining laboratory records, coordinating with clinical teams, preparing reagent stocks, and contributing to data entry and basic analysis.

Work location is usually at the institute campus or one of its affiliated hospitals/field sites; expect a mix of bench (lab) work and desk-based tasks such as report writing and data management. Reporting is typically to the Project Investigator (PI) or a senior scientist; you will work within a small team and may be asked to train junior staff or students. This is a non-uniform, scientific/staff position, professional dress standards apply rather than a formal uniform.

Most Young Professional-II posts at ICMR are contract/project-funded and carry a consolidated monthly remuneration rather than a standard Central Government pay scale. Based on recent ICMR/NIRBID practice, a typical consolidated pay for Young Professional-II (Scientific) ranges between  35,000 and  47,000 per month. As a contract post, the position does not normally fall into a numbered Pay Level under the 7th CPC; however the actual offer in the notification will specify the exact monthly amount.

Estimated deductions and in-hand take-home (example): if consolidated pay is  40,000, there may be minimal statutory deductions (professional tax and income tax as applicable). HRA is usually not separately paid for purely consolidated project posts, if HRA applies, typical central rates are 24% (metro) / 16% (A-1 / non-metro cities) / 8% (rural), but confirm in notification. Typical in-hand after statutory deductions would be roughly  34,000 38,000 for a  40,000 consolidated salary. Project posts may offer fixed TA for official travel and limited reimbursable expenses.

Career growth: contract Young Professional-II roles provide domain experience that can lead to absorption in longer-term research fellowships, higher project roles (Senior Research Fellow, Project Scientist), or lateral moves into academic labs and industry R&D. Performance, publications, and project funding often determine promotion or re-engagement; some candidates move to regular government laboratory posts after gaining 24 years of experience and clearing relevant recruitment exams.

• Medical cover: Institute-level medical facilities and eligibility to avail CGHS or state government health schemes depending on appointment terms.
• Insurance: Group personal accident/health insurance is often provided for project staff.
• Leave: Contractual annual and sick leave as per institute/project rules (commonly 1218 days annual leave plus sick leave pro rata).
• Travel: TA/DA for official travel as per project norms; reimbursement on submission of bills.
• Training: Access to internal workshops, seminars and external training funded by the institute.
• Retirement benefits: Project posts typically do not include GPF/NPS; check notification, long-term staff might be covered under institute schemes if absorbed.
• Other: Access to canteen, library, and collaborative networks for publications and conference participation (subject to approval).

Selection for Young Professional-II posts is usually through shortlisting of applications followed by a skill test or interview. When an exam or written test is used, the typical pattern is a single-session objective test of 60100 minutes with 50100 MCQs covering:

• Subject knowledge (immunology, haematology, molecular biology)  50%-70% of questions.
• General aptitude and reasoning  10%-20%.
• Basic statistics and computer skills (Excel, data handling)  10%-20%.

Negative marking may be applied for wrong answers (commonly 0.25 mark per wrong MCQ) when a formal test is used. Final selection often includes a short interview to assess hands-on skills and project fit.

Preparation tips:

• Focus on core subjects: revise immunology and molecular biology basics (Janeway, Kuby or concise MSc-level notes).
• Practice MCQs from previous ICMR/project scientist papers and use books like "Objective Biology" (Dinesh) for quick conceptual checks.
• Brush up on practical lab techniques: PCR workflow, ELISA, flow cytometry principles and biosafety practices; watch technique videos and read SOPs.
• Improve data-handling skills: short courses or tutorials on Excel, basic R or SPSS will help in interview discussions about analysis.
• Prepare a 2-page summary of your practical experience and any presentations/publications to present at the interview.

This role suits early-career scientists with a hands-on bent who want rapid exposure to clinical research and laboratory workflows. If you enjoy bench work, sample processing, and collaborating with clinicians on translational questions, a Young Professional-II post will accelerate your learning curve and build a portfolio of technical skills and publications.

Compare with similar roles: Young Professional-I (entry level) is generally for fresher postgraduates with lower consolidated pay; Project Scientist/Research Fellow posts expect more experience and offer higher pay and responsibility. If you seek a stable long-term government career, combine this role with preparation for competitive government scientific recruitment (CSIR/ICMR/DBT) while working here to strengthen your CV.