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SCHOLARSHIP - PAGE 3
SCHOLARSHIP - PAGE 3
DST WOMEN SCIENTIST SCHEME – A (WOS-A) : FELLOWSHIP OF RS. 55,000/- P.M
JOBS - PAGE 7
NEWS - PAGE 7
GOVT JOBS WITH PAY MATRIX OF RS. 1.7 LAKH @ NATIONAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY (NIA)
PRIME MINISTER’S RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (PMRF) SCHEME – APPLICATIONS OPEN
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• • •
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Who must attend:
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•
Students in their B.Sc / B.Tech / M.Sc / M.Tech who aspire to work on cutting-edge research technologies of the FUTURE
All the Participants who attend the Basics course will be eligible for to apply for CRISPR Advanced Courses by BioTecNika & Rasayanika
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Duration: 7 Days Course ( 1.5 Hour Per day ) Starts: 12th April 2018 to 19th April 2018 Mode of Workshop: Online
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Vol. 02 NO 15
April 10th, 2018.
WORKSHOP ON GOOGLE’S STRATEGY IN HEALTHCARE & BIOTECH
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BioTecNika will be conducting a Webinar on Google’s Strategy on Healthcare & Biotech on 24th April 2018 at 7 PM IST Speakers: • • •
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Agenda: Google Dominates everything except Pharma & BioTech. But this is to change. Our experts have analyzed the latest trends & Google’s Strategy. This 2 Hours Webinar will be an eye-opener for everyone. Be it Biotech Professionals, Pharma Professionals, or Entrepreneurs. Spare just 2 Hrs of your time to understand how the Big G is coming into BioTech & Healthcare sector and how this will change the face of Biotech Sector worldwide and India in particular.
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special interest in BT & Pharma domain of the United States of America & Its impact worldwide Why is this Workshop not FREE? Our experts have done in-depth research, This analysis is not just rare but also very crucial information not readily available on the Internet. If you wish to stay ahead of the crowd and the growth curve, Rs 499 ( including GST ) is a very small investment towards your career.
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SCHOLARSHIPS/FELLOWSHIPS ifications, are eligible for this scheme. The amount of fellowship for such candidates will be Rs. 30,000/- PM. 4. Women scientists, with M.Tech. or MD/ MS, DM/MCH in Medical Sciences from recognized Universities can also apply. The amount of fellowship for such candidates will be Rs.40,000/- PM.
DST Women Scientist Scheme – A (WOS-A) : Fellowship of Rs. 55,000/- p.m Official Notification for DST Women Scientist Scheme – A (WOS-A). DST Women Scientist Scheme – A (WOS-A) application are open throughout the year. DST Women Scientist Scheme – A (WOS-A) notification for 2018, which will be open throughout the year. Life sciences candidates are eligible for DST Women Scientist Scheme – A (WOS-A) as per the details given below: Women Scientists Scheme-A (WOS-A) provides platform to women scientists and technologists for pursuing research in basic or applied sciences in frontier areas of science and engineering. The scheme plays pivotal role in gender mainstreaming as it not only prevents brain drain from S&T system but also train and retain women in the system. The scheme initially offers opportunity to work as bench-level scientists and ultimately open new avenues for permanent position in Science & Technology. The support available in 5 disciplines under WOS-A namely, i) Physical & Mathematical Sciences (PMS), ii) Chemical Sciences (CS), iii) Life Sciences (LS), iv) Earth & Atmospheric Sciences (EAS), and v) Engineering Technology (ET) Support : This scheme will provide a research grant with an upper limit of Rs. 30 lakh (for Ph.D. or equivalent)), Rs. 25 lakh (for M.Tech/M. Pharm or equivalent) and Rs. 20 lakh (for M.Sc. or equivalent) for a well-defined R&D project proposal for a period of three years. This grant will include the fellowship of the applicant and cost of small equipments, contingencies, travel, consumables etc. Institutional overhead charges will be extra. Eligibility: 1. Persons already in employment need not apply. 2. Women scientists, less than 27 years of age are not eligible. 3. Women scientists, with a minimum of Post Graduate degree, equivalent to M.Sc. in Basic or Applied Sciences or B.Tech. or MBBS or other equivalent professional qual-
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5. Women scientists having Ph.D. Degree in Basic or Applied Sciences will be entitled for fellowship of Rs.55,000/- PM. 6. Age relaxation of 5 years would be given to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC and physically challenged category. Last Date of Application : The Scheme is open throughout the year. Therefore, there is no last date of application. Procedure for Applying : Only online submission of Project Proposal is allowed in WOS-A
ence and technology domains, with focus on national priorities. Under the PMRF scheme, students who have completed, or are pursuing, the final year of four year undergraduate or five year integrated M.Tech or five year integrated M.Sc. or five year undergraduate-postgraduate dual degree programs in Science and Technology streams from IISc/IITs/NITs/ IISERs and centrally funded IIITs are eligible for admission to full time Ph.D. programme in the IITs & IISc provided they fulfil prescribed eligibility criteria and finally get selected after shortlisting/written test/interview. For each participating IIT and IISc the Ph.D admissions under the PMRF scheme will be supernumerary. Applicants who fulfill the eligibility criteria, and are finally selected through a selection process, will be offered admission to Ph.D. program in one of IITs/IISc with a fellowship of Rs.70,000/- per month for the first two years, Rs.75,000/- per month for the 3rd year, and Rs.80,000/- per month in the 4th and 5th years. Apart from this, a research grant of Rs.2.00 lakh per year will be provided to each of the Fellows for a period of 5 years to cover their academic contingency expenses and for foreign/national travel expenses. There will be a rigorous review of the performance of Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship holders and continuation of the next year fellowship shall be contingent upon successful review. Fellowship Details The following would be the fellowship for the PMRFs:
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) Scheme – Applications Open Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) scheme has been promoting research & Cutting edge technologies. Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship Scheme has been designed for candidates who are willing to do Doctoral Studies (Ph.D.) in IITs and IISc, it aims at attracting the best talent in the country. Applications are open for Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) Scheme 24 February 2018 and the deadline for application is 31 March 2018. More details about the Fellowship can be found below : The last date of application is extended from 31 March 2018, to 23:55 hours on 13 April 2018. Already submitted applications can now be modified till the submission deadline of 13 April 2018. About Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) Scheme The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) scheme is aimed at attracting the talent pool of the country to doctoral (Ph.D.) programs of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for carrying out research in cutting edge sci-
YEAR 1 - RS 70.000 YEAR 2 - RS 70.000 YEAR 3 - RS 75.000 YEAR 4 - RS 80.000 YEAR 5 - RS 80.000 Apart from this, each Fellow would be eligible for a research grant of Rs. 2 lakhs per year (total Rs. 10 lakh) The tenure of fellowship will be four years for students from integrated courses and five years for B. Tech. students. Industry participation in the PMRF programme would be explored through CSR funding so as to enable industry to sponsor maximum number of fellows.
qualification in the last five years. Merely satisfying the eligibility requirement does not guarantee admission. Final selection for admission of applicants will be done following a rigorous selection process. Abstract Submission •
•
• •
Broad Disciplines & Nodal Institutes Admission under the PMRF will be made in 18 broad disciplines. For each broad discipline one IIT or IISc will coordinate the admission process (review applications, shortlist applicants, constitute selection committees and hold final selections) and will be referred to as the Nodal Institute for that broad discipline. Selection Process •
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• have completed or be pursuing the final year of four (or five) year undergraduate or five year integrated M.Tech or five year integrated M.Sc. or five year undergraduate-postgraduate dual degree programs in Science and Technology streams from IISc/ IITs/NITs/IISERs and centrally funded IIITs; • have secured at least CGPA/CPI of 8.0 (in scale of 10.0). For applicants in five year integrated or dual degree programs if separate CGPAs/CPIs are awarded for UG and PG parts of the program then the CGPA/CPI of UG part (first four year) will be considered. • have completed the required academic
The selection process for the PMRF will be a rigorous two stage process with screening by the Reviewers and final selection by the Selection Committee for each broad discipline to ensure selection of the best talent. An applicant may apply for more than one combination of broad discipline and institute. An applicant will be required to provide preferences in case the applicant wishes to apply for more than one combination of discipline and institute.
The shortlisting and selection will be done in the following manner: •
Eligibility For Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) Scheme : The applicants for the PMRF should:
The Project abstract should clearly articulate the area of the study and should display keen interest and insight on the subject chosen. The Project abstract should formulate a problem for the study which would be used for assessing the applicant’s analytical and research skills. The topic chosen shall be preferably in cutting-edge technology and science, with focus on national priorities. The abstract should be original in applicant’s own words, provide formulation and other technical details of the problem. Evaluation of the abstracts will be an important component in the final selection of applicants for the PMRF.
• •
Each nodal institute will have a team of experts who will assess the applications and prepare a shortlist of applicants for written test and/or interview at the nodal institute. Shortlisted applicants will be called for a written and/or interview at the nodal institute. Final selection of shortlisted applicants will be made based on the performance in the interview
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) The IPR policy shall be as per the Institute’s Policy on IPRs. The IPRs are owned by the Institution where the Fellow has worked.
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April 10th, 2018. 20. Q. Where will the test centres be located?
Monitoring Mechanism
apply for PMRF?
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A. Yes. Those who are awarded degree in past five years (i.e. graduated during or after 2014) are eligible to apply for PMRF 2018. Each application will be treated as a fresh application.
9. Q. Which are the institutes where PMRF Fellows can join to undertake research work as a Ph.D. student? A. The institutes are the 23 IITs and IISc.
A. A single written test and/or interview for each broad discipline will be conducted at the IIT or IISc which is the Nodal Institute for that broad discipline.
3. Q. I am a final year student of BS program in an IISER. I joined my course through KVPY. Am I eligible for PMRF?
10. Q. I have interests in two disciplines, chemistry and nanotechnology. Can I apply for more than one discipline?
21. Q. Will the written test/ interview of different streams be conducted on the same date.
A. Yes. The final year students (and those who are awarded degree in past five years) of four year undergraduate or five year integrated M.Tech. or integrated M.Sc. program from IISc/IITs/NITs/IISERs/centrally funded IIITs are eligible. B.Des. admitted through JEE/ UCEED and 4-year BS or B.Sc students of IISc, IITs, or IISERs admitted through JEE, KVPY, and SCB are also eligible.
A. Yes. An applicant can apply for multiple disciplines. She / he will need to individually appear for multiple written tests and/or interviewsconducted at the respective nodal institute.
A. No. The tests will be conducted on different dates with a gap of a day or two so that an applicant may reach from one Nodal Institute to the other Nodal Institute in time.
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•
The National Coordination Committee (NCC) will periodically review and monitor implementation of the scheme. The NCC will report to MHRD the status of the scheme, fund flow and utilization thereof, and policy changes required to make the scheme more effective. Apart from this, the monitoring will be done in the manner detailed below: There will be internal reviews twice a year. There will be a National Convention every year where all PMRFs will showcase their work. This will be an occasion for the Industry to participate in the Convention. There will be a website set up by the NCC showcasing the areas of work of each PMR.
Important dates: • Commencement of submission of applications: 24 February 2018 • Deadline for submission of the applications: 31 March 2018 • Edit : 13 April 2018 • Tentative dates for interviews at Nodal institutions: 15 May 2018 onwards • Edit : 14 May 2018 onwards • Tentative date for announcement of results: 01 June 2018 • Edit : 15 June 2018 PMRF Participating Institutions : • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
IISc Bangalore IIT Bhilai IIT BHU IIT Bhubaneswar IIT Bombay IIT Delhi IIT Dharwad IIT(ISM) Dhanbad IIT Gandhinagar IIT Goa IIT Guwahati IIT Hyderabad IIT Indore IIT Jodhpur IIT Kanpur IIT Kharagpur IIT Madras IIT Mandi IIT Patna IIT Roorkee IIT Ropar IIT Jammu IIT Palakkad IIT Tirupati
Having Doubts about Prime Minister Research Fellowship Scheme , find out your answers below : 1. Q. Which students are eligible to apply for the PMRF scheme? A. The final year students and those who are awarded degree in past five years, of four year undergraduate or five year integrated M.Tech. or integrated M.Sc. program from IISc/IITs/NITs/IISERs/centrally funded IIITs are eligible. B.Des. admitted through JEE/UCEED and 4-year BS or B.Sc students of IISc, IITs, or IISERs admitted through JEE, KVPY, and SCB are also eligible. 2. Q. I completed my B.Tech. degree three years ago from an NIT/IIT. Am I eligible to
4. Q. I completed my B.Tech. from a college not included in the list of qualifying institutes above and thereafter obtained M.Tech. from an IIT. Am I eligible to apply? A. No. The qualifying degree (i.e., four year undergraduate or five year integrated M.Tech or five year integrated M.Sc. or five year undergraduate-postgraduate dual degree program in Science and Technology streams) must be from IISc or an IIT/NIT/IISER or a centrally funded IIIT. 5. Q. I am a dual degree student at an IIT. I have been awarded two separate CGPAs for my B.Tech. and M.Tech. degrees. Which CGPA will be considered as qualifier? A. The CGPA/ CPI of B.Tech. shall be considered as the eligibility criteria for the applicants with dual degrees (B.Tech. + M.Tech.) where two separate CGPA/CPI for B.Tech. and M.Tech. are provided. If a combined CGPA / CPI is given, then the combined CGPA will be considered. 6. Q. My CGPA until seventh semester is 8.19, however, I have a backlog. Am I eligible to apply? A. No. 7. Q. I am a final year student and have <8 CGPA until seventh semester. Should I be provisionally allowed to appear for the selection procedure subject to the condition that I will improve my CGPA at the end of my B.Tech? A. No. You will not be considered this year for the selection procedure. However, you may apply for the PMRF next year should you secure CGPA of 8 or more at the time of graduation. 8. Q. I am a PhD scholar in an IIT/IISc. I graduated from NIT and joined IIT under the Direct PhD programme. Whether existing scholars like me who meet all the criteria, but have joined last year will be eligible to upgrade to PMRF? A. No. You will have to apply afresh and if selected and allocated the same institute where you are currently registered for Ph.D. program, you will be eligible for PMRF for the rest of the PhD tenure. For example, if you have availed MHRD fellowship for two years, you will be entitled for maximum three years of PMRF, total five years.
Application
11. Q. Do I need to submit a project proposal along with my application? A. You must submit an abstract as described on the PMRF website. 12. Q. Does PMRF scheme apply for part-time Ph.D.? A. No, PMRF is for undertaking full-time Ph.D. program at IITs/IISc. 13. Q. Is there a word limit for the abstract? Can I upload the proposal in JPEG format? A. The word limit is 1000 and it must be in PDF format. No other format is acceptable. 14. Q. What is expected from the project abstract? A. The requirement for a project abstract is aimed at assisting the selection committee to judge research and analytical capability of the applicant. The originality of the abstract is very important. The abstract will be checked for plagiarism. 15. Q. Who can be the referees? A. The referees should be from among those with whom the applicant has closely interacted during her or his undergraduate or post- graduate programme and who can comment on the applicant’s academic knowledge and research and analytical skills. 16. Q. How many times can I apply for fellowship under the PMRF scheme? A. You can apply two times provided all eligibility criteria are met each time. 17. Q. If I am selected for fellowship under the PMRF scheme this year, but do not avail the offer, can I apply once again next year? A. No. However, you can defer your admission for one year subject to approval of the host institute. 18. Q. Is the PMRF scheme the same as the CII-PMF scheme? A. No, they are different. Written test and interview 19. Q. What will be the syllabus for the written test? A. The syllabus for the written test will be the same as that of GATE/JAM/CEED, as applicable.
22. Q. Will there be any TA/DA provided for appearing for the test or interview? A. No TA/DA will be provided to applicant appearing for the written test or interview. 23. Q. Will all the eligible applicants be called for the written test and/or interview? A. Not necessary. In case of a large number of applicants, only shortlisted applicants will be called for the written test and/or interview. Preference, allocation of seats 24. Q. How will be the institute and discipline be allotted to the selected applicant if the applicant has selected more than one institute? A. The applicant will be allotted a combination of institute and discipline as per the ranking order after the interview round. If an applicant is selected for more than one combination of discipline and institute, the combination will be allotted based on the preference indicated by the applicant in the application. 25. Q. Can I give preference for different disciplines in an IIT/IISc? A. Yes. An applicant is asked to give preference in form of combinations (e.g. Chemistry at IISc, Biochemistry at IIT Bombay, Nanotechnology at IIT Delhi, etc.). 26. Q. I have a specific idea for my potential research topic. Will the selection committee consider this while allocating me an institute/discipline if I am selected? A. The applicant may give her/his preference for the discipline/institute where the research of her/his specific interest is conducted. Fee Payment: 27. Q. Is there an application fee, and if yes how can I pay the application fee? A. Yes, there is an application fee of Rs 1000. The applicant should click on the fee payment link that will connect to SBI Collect. The applicant does not need to have an SBI account to pay the fees on the SBI Collect page. The fee can be paid through various modes that include net banking, debit, and credit card etc. The applicant will need to enter the SBICollect Reference Number and upload the SBICollect e-receipt pdf file for the online application.
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April 10th, 2018. Contact Us Coordinating institute: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, HYDERABAD Address: Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad Kandi, Sangareddy – 502285 Telangana, INDIA Email (for application related support): support@pmrf2018.iith.ac.in Tel.: 040 23017112 The last date of application is extended from 31 March 2018, to 23:55 hours on 13 April 2018. Already submitted applications can now be modified till the submission deadline of 13 April 2018.
welcome from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements for example parttime); see the Fellowships handbook for further information (see downloads section). Value for Money: Applicants and host organisations should note that value for money is an essential criterion against which fellowship applications will be assessed, alongside excellence and other key criteria. For this competition the reviewers and Research Committee E will be looking for written evidence that the host organisation will contribute significant support, either financially or in-kind support if an award is made. Proposals that do not provide clear evidence that the research programme is highly competitive in terms of value for money, and in providing additional funding commitments, are unlikely to be successful. Applicants must ensure that the Partnership Details section of the Je-S proforma contains details of all institutional support that will be made available if the applicant is successful in obtaining a BBSRC award. In addition, the justification of resources attachment must clearly show why the resources requested are good value for money and why it is in BBSRC’s interests to provide investment. Also letters of support from all parties contributing financial or other support should be uploaded to the proposal under the Letters of Support attachment giving full and accurate details of the commitments being made. Research Areas:
David Phillips Fellowships 2018 | £1 Million Fellowship Award David Phillips Fellowships 2018 official notification is out. There are up to 5 awards of £1 Million each available for deserving candidates. BBSRC Fellowships David Phillips 2018. Check out all of the details on the same below: Summary: The David Phillips Fellowship (DPF) will provide support for researchers wishing to establish their first independent research group. The DPF will invest in scientists who have shown high potential, can demonstrate that they are on an upward trajectory with clear evidence of strong scientific outputs and leadership qualities, and are aiming to establish their own fully independent programme of research. As such the DPF represents part of our commitment to the supply of highly skilled professional research leaders to the UK.
Proposals can be submitted in any area of science within our remit. We particularly encourage applications that are aligned with our overarching strategic priorities (see related links including our strategic priorities). Background: Aimed at researchers who want to establish their first independent research group undertaking a programme of excellent research. Applicants will be able to demonstrate great potential and have a scientific career showing a clear upward trajectory. Eligibility: •
•
Nature of award: Awards are for five years, and include personal salary and a significant research support grant to enable fellows to establish their own independent research group. It is expected that up to five fellowships will be awarded, each at a value of up to £1 million (80% fEC). Please note:BBSRC will provide funds of up to £1 million (80% of the full economic cost). The total costs (100% full economic cost) requested may be up to £1.25 million. In addition to this investment, it is also expected that a substantial demonstration of support for the fellow be made by the host Research Organisation (for example in terms of access to facilities and equipment, training, research costs etc.). Applications are
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Applicants should hold a PhD, but not hold, have held or had the offer of an academic position at Lecturer level (or the equivalent in institutions other than universities). Please note that if applicants have previously applied for BBSRC grant funding as a Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator (therefore confirming that they hold a lecturer level or equivalent post) they are not eligible to apply for a fellowship It is expected that applicants will have at least three years of active postdoctoral research experience prior to February 2018
Note: David Phillips Fellowship applicants are not eligible to apply to any additional 2018 BBSRC fellowship competitions. Non-European economic area applicants: •
All successful applicants who require a visa to work in the UK will be eligible to be considered under the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa route. In line with the highly prestigious nature of the award, this visa route is designed for people who are internationally recognized as
•
world leaders or potential world-leading talent in the fields of science and the arts and enables the holder to be both adaptable and flexible during their research in the UK The grant of any visa is always subject to the standard Home Office general grounds for refusal of a visa. RCUK is able to provide additional guidance regarding the appropriate evidence required to complete the visa application process under the Exceptional Talent visa. Please contact fellowtier1info@ rcuk.ac.uk for further details
Assessment Criteria: The fellowships are designed to provide career enhancement to support outstanding scientists in the initial stages of their career, and there is therefore a strong emphasis on the scientific potential of the candidates. In making these awards, BBSRC will be seeking to identify scientists who can be expected in the future to be among the leaders of their generation of bio-scientists, and applicants should demonstrate how a BBSRC David Phillips fellowship will be of benefit to them. As such, the excellence of the proposed research project, the research environment in which the fellowships will be undertaken, and the career trajectory, potential, and track record of the applicant will all be considered by Research Committee E. The following will therefore be looked at: Project: • •
Scientific quality and feasibility of the proposed research project Timeliness of the research project and how it will advance the field
Person: • • • •
Track record Career trajectory Evidence of independence and leadership How the applicant will use the fellowship to establish themselves as a research leader
Research Environment: • •
•
The scientific environment of the host department and institute Evidence of career and professional development support (e.g. access to mentoring programmes, training events, clear plan for tenure track etc.) Evidence of research support (e.g. additional financial support or research staff, access to core facilities etc.)
How to Apply: • • • • • •
Log in to Je-S (Joint electronic submission system) Select Council: BBSRC Select Document Type: Fellowship Proposal Select Scheme: Fellowship Select Call/Type/Mode: David Phillips Fellowships – 9 May 2018 Click Create Document
Proposals will require the following mandatory attachments (see also DPF Je-S help text in application downloads below): •
CV. You should complete the standard CV template (see application downloads below). We do not accept standalone CVs
• • • • • • •
Case for support and track record Diagrammatic workplan Data management plan List of publications Head of department statement Justification of resources Pathways to impact plan
Important new mandatory requirement: All applications involving the use of animals overseas are required to include a signed statement on the use of animals confirming that they will follow the guidelines laid out by the NC3Rs (see external links) and adhere to regulatory systems in the UK and overseas. The signed statement must be attached as a Letter of Support to the Je-S application. Please refer to the updated “RCUK guidance for funding applications involving animal research” (see external links). In addition to the signed statement, applications involving the use of rodents overseas must also attach the “Additional questions on the use of rodents overseas” form. Fellowships are awarded under full economic costing (fEC). Support for proposed research should be costed in line with the grants guide. Detailed guidance on how to complete proposal forms and attachments can be found in the DF Je-S help text (see application downloads below) and in the Fellowships Handbook (see downloads section). Note: Please do not use the fellowship help text in the Je-S system. We do not accept late proposals. Important: applicants should ensure proposals are submitted to their host institution’s Je-S submitter/approval pool well in advance (a minimum of 5 working days) of the published deadline. This enables institution checks to be carried out before final submission to BBSRC. Please also refer to the full RCUK terms and conditions, our grants guide and fellowship handbook.
Important Dates: • • • •
Application Deadline - 9th May, 2018, 4pm Reviewing Stage - June-September 2018 Fellowship Shortlisting for Interviews - October 2018 Fellowship Award Notification - January 2019.
Contact: Innovation and Skills Group – Fellowships postdoc.fellowships@bbsrc.ac.uk
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Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds – PhD Fellowships for Junior Scientists Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds – PhD Fellowships Official Notification 2018. Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds – PhD Fellowships for Junior Scientists notification 2018. Interested and eligible candidates are eligible to apply online for Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds – PhD Fellowships as per the details below: PhD Fellowships: The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds awards PhD fellowships to outstanding junior scientists who wish to pursue an ambitious PhD project of approximately 3 years in basic biomedical research in an internationally leading laboratory. For further details please refer to “Who can apply?”. The peer-review-based selection process is highly competitive. Applicants should therefore be outstanding in all three selection criteria. Purpose: To promote basic research in biomedicine by providing the best young, up-and-coming scientists with comprehensive support during their PhD phase. More than a monthly stipend: The fellowship comprises a competitive monthly stipend that is initially granted for 2 years and that can be extended for up to another 12 months. Participation in international scientific conferences is also supported. In addition, fellowship holders are offered personal support, seminars to discuss their projects, communication training and alumni meetings, and thus can become part of a worldwide network. Read more under personal support and conditions. Conditions for PhD Fellowships: Grantees can take up their Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) fellowship by sending us their signed fellowship conditions, desired start date, and details of their bank account. The fellowship expires if not taken up within 6 months of the date of the letter of approval. Amount: The basic monthly stipend amounts to 1,550 euros. In most countries, fellows are paid an additional flat rate of 150 euros per month to cover minor research-related costs (books, travel expenses, etc.). To adjust e.g. for differences in living costs, country-related premiums of up to 1,700 euros may be added (in the United Kingdom currently 700 euros, in the USA and Denmark 800 euros, in Australia, Israel, and Canada 500 euros, in Switzerland 1,700 euros, and in Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain,
April 10th, 2018. and Sweden 200 euros). Depending on the cost of living, all other countries are grouped into one of these categories. For example, an unmarried fellow working in Germany currently receives 1,900 euros, in the USA 2,500 euros, in the United Kingdom 2,400 euros, and in Switzerland 3,400 euros. Furthermore, a spouse allowance of 200 euros, a child allowance of 200 euros per child and/or childcare allowance of up to 500 euros may be added depending on the personal situation. The initially awarded stipend sum is based on the information provided in the application. The fellowship holder is obligated to inform BIF about any changes in his/her personal or financial circumstances (change of marital status, income of spouse, etc.) so that BIF can adjust the amount of the stipend. The stipend is transferred in euros by the middle of each month. In addition, fellowship holders can apply for travel allowances to present their research projects at international scientific conferences, to participate in methods courses, or to perform research in cooperating laboratories. Besides, BIF offers its fellows and alumni exclusive meetings, seminars, and trainings. Duration: PhD fellowships are granted for 24 months and can be extended once for a maximum of 12 months. However, if the fellow began work on his/her PhD before taking up the fellowship, that period will be deducted from the maximum extension period. The beginning of the PhD work is considered by BIF to be the date of the final examination on the official certificate (e.g. BSc, MSc, Diploma, DEA, Licenciatura, Laurea) if the fellow continued to work in the same research group, or the date of arrival at the PhD laboratory if the fellow changed research groups. In the event of illness, BIF usually continues payments for 2 months, after which time assistance would cease. Upon recovery, the fellowship may be extended by the period of absence due to illness. Who Can Apply? The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) awards PhD fellowships to European citizens working in Europe or overseas, and to non-European citizens pursuing their PhD project in Europe. At the respective deadline (1 February, 1 June, 1 October) the applicant’s first university degree qualifying for a profession (e.g. BSc, Diploma, Final State Examination) must not have been achieved more than 4 years ago. The PhD project must be experimental, in the field of basic biomedical research and aimed at elucidating basic biological phenomena of human life and acquiring new scientific knowledge. For a survey on the range of topics, please refer to the results of finished projects in FUTURA, the international journal of the foundation. Natural scientists should have been awarded their ultimate university degree (diploma, MSc, BSc, or equivalent). Students who have not yet finished their MSc studies, i.e. who cannot provide their MSc certificate at the deadline, can only apply when they are able to hand in their certificate within 4 months after the deadline. Physicians, veterinary surgeons and pharmacists should have passed their state examinations. At the deadline, the applicant should not have been working on his/her project for more than 6 months. BIF encourages applicants to apply for a fellowship when they are about to begin their PhD work; preliminary
project results are not expected from applicants. The beginning of the PhD project is considered by BIF to be: •
•
the date of the final degree examination (e.g. BSc, MSc, Diploma, Licenciatura, Laurea) on the official certificate if the applicant continues to work in the same research group; or the month of arrival at the laboratory in which the PhD project is pursued if the applicant changes his/her research group, irrespective of the project he/she starts to work on.
In other cases, i.e. when participating in MSc/PhD programmes or graduate schools without an official final examination prior to the PhD project, please contact us. If a laboratory presents 2 candidates for a PhD fellowship at the same application deadline, only one of them can receive a fellowship. This is why we would highly recommend that candidates from the same laboratory apply at different deadlines.
Applicants can facilitate the selection process by adhering to the following sequence: 1. to 5. two-sided printouts, if possible; • •
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We do not support: •
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applied research, such as biotechnological and pharmaceutical development (e.g. development of assays for diagnostic purposes or drug screening; optimization or screening of substances/compounds for therapeutic use; development of drug delivery systems or vaccines); studies on the course of diseases or the treatment of symptoms; botanical and prokaryotic investigations unless they are of general biological importance; education; we can support only research; fellowships therefore cannot be used during the course and rotation phase of PhD programmes, but only for the duration of the PhD project.
For examples of projects that we do and do not support please see the PDF “What we do and do not fund“. In case you are not sure if your project fits into the scope of support, you are welcome to contact us. Application for a PhD Fellowship: The application for a PhD fellowship of the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds consists of two parts: • •
the online application via the online application portal and two paper copies of the application including one CD to be sent by regular mail to: Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds, Schusterstr. 46-48, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Both must be submitted by one of the respective deadlines of each year (date as per postmark for the paper version): 1 February, 1 June, 1 October The entire application – including the project proposal – must be written in English and by the applicants themselves. However, we recommend consultation with the scientific supervisor. The form of the presentation should be adequate but simple; please do not staple, tack or bind documents. The two paper copies should contain all the data and documents listed under (1) – (9). The CD should be clearly labelled with applicant’s first name, family name and email address and contain documents (1) – (7), preferably in one PDF file.
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title and summary of PhD project (max. 1,400 characters including blanks); detailed presentation of PhD project (please also refer to “How to write a research proposal“): formulation of the problem, current status of research, applicant’s own groundwork, objectives, experimental strategy including methods of investigation (at least 4-5 pages for strategy and methods), work schedule showing the anticipated duration of the entire project and the individual steps; reasons for wishing to work with a particular group; summary of final experimental thesis (e.g. bachelor, diploma or master thesis) before embarking on the PhD project; if no final experimental thesis was performed please give the reason(s) in the “additional information” field in the online application; list of applicant’s publications (if applicable); certificates of all academic qualifications (including grades) and certificates of professional education prior to university (if applicable); in chronological order, the newest on top; photocopies suffice; photocopies of university entrance qualification or high school-leaving exam certificate, (e.g. Abitur, A levels, Baccalaureate); letter of recommendation from the supervisor of the PhD thesis; letter of recommendation from the supervisor of the diploma or equivalent thesis (only if changing research group for the PhD project); if no final experimental thesis was performed, letter of recommendation from the supervisor of the most important laboratory internship; letters of recommendation (on official letterhead and signed) have to be written in English and may be sent together with the application, or by the supervisors themselves via regular mail to Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds, Schusterstr. 46-48, 55116 Mainz, Germany, or via email as a PDF attachment to secretariat[at]bifonds[dot]de.
Selection Process for PhD Fellowships: What happens to your application? Once both your online application and the paper version of your application have been received by the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds, we check whether your application meets all formal criteria. Applications that fulfil the eligibility criteria are forwarded to the foundation’s Board of Trustees for pre-selection. In the pre-selection, the Board of Trustees incl. six internationally renowned scientists evaluates each application according to the three most important criteria: (1) the applicant’s achievements to date (grades and curriculum vitae), (2) whether the proposed PhD project meets the overall requirements (e.g. topic and re quired scientific quality), and (3) the sci-
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April 10th, 2018. entific standard of the laboratory where the project is to be pursued. About 4 weeks after the application deadline, the Board members meet and decide which applications are admitted to the final selection process. Approximately 25% of the applications reach the final selection and are sent to independent external experts (peer reviewers) for additional evaluation. In addition, and whenever feasible, a member of the foundation’s staff visits the applicant for a personal interview at his/her place of work and submits a written report to the Board of Trustees. Application, evaluation of the external expert and the report on the personal inter-
view are then scrutinized by the foundation’s Board of Trustees (read more under selection criteria). The Board convenes three times a year and, after detailed discussion of each application, makes its decision. Approximately 15 fellowships are awarded at each Board meeting. The final decision on the applications is reached approximately 5 months after the deadline. After each Board meeting, the foundation promptly informs the applicants of the outcome. Please note that only written notification is legally binding. The decisions of the Board are incontestable; and due to the large and ever-increasing number of applica-
tions, reasons for rejection cannot be given. Re-submission is possible only under certain circumstances, and only after consultation with the foundation. Selection Criteria: The scientists in the Board of Trustees and the external peer reviewer evaluate applications according to the following three criteria: •
the applicant’s achievements to date (grades and curriculum vitae); the scientific quality, e.g. originality
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and inventiveness, of the proposed PhD project; the scientific standard of the laboratory in which the project is to be pursued.
Timing and selection: Deadlines of application: 1 February, 1 June, 1 October of each year. Pre-selection takes place about 4 weeks after the respective deadline, and the final selection approximately 5 months after the respective deadline. Read more about the selection process and its criteria.
GOVERNMENT RESEARCH JOBS GOVT JOB @ CDSCO | DRUGS INSPECTOR WITH PAY MATRIX OF RS. 1.5 LAKH Government job opportunity at CDSCO with a high pay of Rs. 1.5 Lakh. MSc and BSc biotechnology candidates are eligible to apply for a Drugs Inspector position. BSc biotech candidates with 2 years experience and MSc biotechnology candidates are eligible to apply for the position, as per the details given below: Government of India Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Directorate General of Health Services Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (HQ), FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi Job Title : Drugs Inspector (Medical Devices) No.of.Posts : 01 Ministry : Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department : CDSCO, Directorate Creneral of Health
Services, New Delhi. Scale of Pay : PB-2, Rs. 9300-34800+4800 GP (Pre-revised) Revised pay structure Pay Matrix Lcvel-(Rs.4 7600-J ,51, 100) Eligibility: 1. On Deputation(ISTC): A) i) Holding analogous post on regular basis in the parent cadre/department:; ii) With two years’ service in the grade rendered after appointment thereto on a regular basis in the level-7 in the pay matrix or equivalent in the parent cadre/ department; or iii) With six years’ service in the grade rendered after appointment thereto on a regular basis in level-6 in the pay matrix or equivalent in tile parent cadre/department; and B) Possessing educational qualifications and experience prescribed for direct recruits un-
der qualifications give below Qualification: Master’s Degree in Technology/Engineering in Bio Medical Engineering or Chemical Engineering or Bio-Technology or Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or Electronics or Instrumentation Engineering or Polymer Engineering. OR Bachelors’ degree in Technology/Engineering in Bio Medical / Engineering or Chemical Engineering or Bio Technology or Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or Electronics or Instrumentation Engineering or Polymer Engineering with Two years’ experience in manufacturing or testing or regulation of medical devices or in research or designing. Note 1 : Qualifications are relaxable at the discretion of the U.P-.S.C., for reasons to be recorded in writing, in the case of candidates otherwise well qualified.
Note 2 : The qualification(s) regarding experience is/ are relaxable at the discretion of the U.P.S.C.,, for reasons to be recorded in writing· in the case of candidates. belonging to- Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes if at any stage of selection the U.P.S.C., is of the opinion that sufficient number of candidates from these communities possessing the requisite experience are not likely to be available to fill up the vacancies reserved for them. How to Apply: Interested Officers who are eligible to apply for the post, should apply giving the detailed information as per annexure-II (enclosed in the View Notification) to the undersigned. Dy. Director Admn.(Drugs) Government of India Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Directorate General of Health Services Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (HQ), FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi
GOVT JOBS WITH PAY MATRIX OF RS. 1.7 LAKH @ NATIONAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY (NIA) Government job vacancies with Rs. 1.7 Lakh pay matrix at NIA – National Investigation Agency. NIA – National Investigation Agency scientific officer posts for msc biotech, zoology, botany candidates. Rs. 1.7 Lakh job vacancies at NIA – National Investigation Agency 2018. Check details given below: NATIONAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA OPPOSITE COO COMPLEX LODI ROAD NEW DELHI
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E-79/001/Dep-Sci/NIA/2016/ Position I Name of the Post : Biology Expert No of Posts : 1 * Post on deputation (ISTC) basis (*subject to variation depending on vacancies) Scale of Pay : Pay Matrix Level-10 (Rs 56,100 -1,77,500/) (pre-revised PB-3 with GP Rs. 5400 /-)
Eligibility Criteria for deputation (ISTC) to NIA: A) Officers under the Central Government / State Government / Universities / recognized Research Institution / Union Territories/ Public Sector Undertakings / Semi-Government Statutory Bodies or Autonomous organization:(i) Holding analogous posts on regular basis in the parent cadre/department; or (ii) with 02 years’ service in the grade on regular basis in posts in the Pay Band -2 Pay Band-2, Pay Scale of Rs. 9300-34800/- with GP Rs 4800/-or equivalent in the parent cadre
or department; or (iii) with 03 years’ service in the grade rendered after appointment thereto on regular basis in the posts in the Pay Band – 2, Pay Band-2, Pay Scale of Rs. 9300- 34800/-with GP Rs 4600 or equivalent in the parent cadre or department; and (B)Possessing the following educational qualifications and experiences:(i) M.Sc. Degree in Human Biology/ Microbiology/Zoology/Anthropology (Physical)/ Botany or M.Sc. in Forensic Science with Bi-
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Vol. 02 NO 15 ology/ Zoology as one of the subjects at B.Sc. level· from a recognized university. (ii) 03 years’ experience in Biological Laboratory. Desirable : •
Doctorate Degree in Human Biology / Microbiology / Zoology / Anthropology (Physical) / Botany.
Note : Period of deputation (ISTC) including period of deputation (ISTC) in another ex-cadre post held immediately preceding this appointment in the same or some other organization or department of the Central Government shall ordinarily not to exceed three years. The maximum age limit for appointment by deputation(ISTC) shall not be exceeding 56 years as on the closing date of receipt of applications. Position II Name of the Post : Crime Scene Assistant No of Posts : 6* Posts on deputation (ISTC) basis (*subject to variation depending on vacancies)
April 10th, 2018. Scale of Pay : Pay Matrix Level- 7 (Rs 44,900 – 1,42,400/) (pre-revised PB-2 with GP Rs. 4600/-) Eligibility Criteria for deputation (ISTC) to NIA: A) Officers under the Central Government / State Government / Universities / recognized Research Institution / Union Territories/ Public Sector Undertakings / Semi-Government Statutory Bodies or Autonomous organization:(i) Holding analogous posts on regular basis in the parent cadre/department; or (ii) With five years’ service in the grade rendered after appointment thereto on regular basis in the Pay Band-2 Rs. 9300-34800 plus Grade pay of Rs. 4200 or equivalent in the parent cadre or department; and (B)Possessing the following educational qualifications and experiences:(i) Master’s Degree in Bio-technology / Analytical chemistry or physics / forensic science from a recognized university; (ii) Three years’ experience in crime scene processing in Central Government or State Government or Union Territories or Statutory or Autonomous organizations / Public Sector Undertakings / Universities / Recognized Research Institutions.
Note-1 Period of deputation (ISTC) including period of deputation (ISTC) in another ex-cadre post held immediately preceding this appointment in the same or some other organisation / department of the Central Government shall ordinarily not to exceed three years. The maximum age limit for appointment by deputation (ISTC) shall not be exceeding fifty six years as on the closing date of receipt of applications. Note-2 For the purpose of appointment on deputation basis, the service rendered on a regular basis by an officer prior to 1st January, 2006 or the date from which the revised pay structure based on the 6th Central Pay Commission recommendations has been extended, shall be deemed to be service rendered in the corresponding grade pay or pay scale extended based on the recommendations of the Pay Commission except where there has been merger of more than one pre-revised scale of pay into one grade with a common grade pay or pay scale, and where this benefit will extend only for the post(s) for which that grade pay or pay scale is the normal replacement grade without any upgradation. How to Apply :
ficers alongwith following documents should reach to the SP(Adml, NIA HQ, Opposite CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 through proper channel within 02 months from the date of publication of this item in ‘Employment News’. i) Bio-data in prescribed proforma (Annexure-II) duly countersigned by the competent authority. ii) Attested (each page) photocopies of the APARs dossier from the year 2012-13 to 2016-17. iii) Vigilance Clearance Certificate and Integrity Certificate issued by the respective department. iv) The details of major/minor penalties imposed on the officer during the last 10 years. Applications received after the last date, or application of incomplete in any respect or those not accompanied by the documents/ information as per Para 3 above will not be considered. The Cadre Authorities may ascertain that the particulars sent by the officers are correct as per the records. The last date of receipt of applications is 20/05/2018.
The nominations of eligible and willing of-
GOVT JOB RECRUITMENT @ THSTI WITH SALARY OF RS. 1.8 LAKH P.M. High paying government teaching career opportunity at THSTI. THSTI offering salary of up to Rs. 1.8 Lakh for faculty positions. Life sciences, biotech candidates with the relevant experience and publications check THSTI for the rolling recruitment for faculty positions that you can apply online for, check details below: THSTI is a society formed by a galaxy of leading science administrators, registered with the Registrar of Societies, Govt. of NCT, Delhi. THSTI addressed public health issues of national priority through various niche research centers. Among those, six intramural centers with interdisciplinary focus, two extramural centers and one partnership center are functioning currently to meet its objectives of contemporary translational research. To strengthen its teaching and research program, THSTI is keen to consider applications from candidates with proven excellence in their field of research for faculty positions. If your track record demonstrates that you posses the requisite intellect, technical capabilities, commitment and potential to work in the area of translational research, please do apply to us. (d) Appointments will be offered at the following levels depending upon experience and the quality of scientific and related accomplishments. Terms and Conditions: 1. Investigators will be provided shared laboratory space and start-up resources. They are expected to eventually generate extramural project-based funding for their research programmes within two years of joining the institute. 2. Appointment will be made initially on contract for a period of 5 years or up to
the age of superannuation at 60 years, whichever being earlier with an initial probation period of one year which may be extended at the discretion of the competent authority. Further continuation, if any, will depend on candidate’s performance during the initial period of five years. 3. The faculty candidates must have a MD (or equivalent) or PhD with basic degree as MBBS / BDS / BVSc or PhD in Life Sciences/Biotechnology/Bio medical Engineering/Biotech Pharmacology or equivalent from a recognised University with original work as evidenced by patents or publications. For all positions post- doctoral experience as mentioned at (d) above with some indication of independent scientific thinking is a prerequisite. Demonstrated record of scientific output in the form of recent peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals of high international repute and/or internationally valid and productive patents is essential. 4. Under this recruitment notice, THSTI will fill up the vacancies of faculty on direct recruitment. 5. However, THSTI will consider filling up the vacancy of Professor on deputation basis. The candidates seeking appointment as Professor on deputation should fulfil the above qualification and experience and hold an equivalent post on regular basis in the parent cadre or a post in the Level 13 of Pay Matrix with two years regular service in any Government (Central/State), PSU, autonomous body or any other Government organization. Such candidates should forward their application through proper channel specifically mentioning that their case needs to be considered only on deputa-
tion basis. The terms and conditions of deputation shall be governed by DoPT OM No. 6/8/2009-Estt. (Pay II) dated 17th June 2010 as amended / revised from time to time. How to Apply: The procedure for online application 1. Before proceeding for filing online applications, keep the following documents handy: • Soft copy of your passport size photo. • Comprehensive CV (PDF format only) containing details of qualification, positions held, professional experience/ distinctions and list of publications and patents • List of publications and patents (PDF format only) • Three of the best publications (PDF format only) • List of three potential referees with names and email addresses (PDF format only). • A two-page note (PDF format only) on the proposed scientific program and its relevance and connectivity to the on-going research at THSTI. 2. Candidates are requested to use Google Chrome internet browser for best results in submission of online application. 3. Once the online application is submitted, no correction/modification is permissible. 4. In case you have any difficulty in filling up the online form, you may contact admin@thsti.res.in. 5. On successful submission of your application, an auto-generated email containing your reference number will
be sent to the Email address provided by you. Keep a note of your reference number for future correspondence. 6. Applicants, who are currently working in any Government (Central/State), PSU, autonomous body or any other Government organization, should get theri application forwarded through their employer or submit the same at the time of personal interview. 7. All results will be published on our website and all communications will be only through email. Important Dates: The applications will be accepted throughout the year and will be scrutinized/shortlisted and processed for further selection in the interval of three months. The last date for receipt of applications for each quarter : March 31st, June 30th, Sept 30th, Dec 31st. Call for applications will remain open till suitable candidates are found. Interested candidates are requested to submit the online application.
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FRESHERS JOB @ NCBS | LAB MANAGER POSTS FOR BIOLOGY CANDIDATES Freshers bsc job at NCBS. National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru April 2018 BSc Biology jobs. National Centre for Biological Sciences job vacancies for BSc Biology candidates. Lab manager vacancies for bsc biology candidates with 0-2 years experience at NCBS, Bengaluru. Check out all of the walk-in details on the same below: National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) – Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), a premier research Institute is looking for appointment of Laboratory Managers on Short term contract. The contract will be initially for a period of Six months only and may be extended upto maximum of Three year. Applicants with over/higher qualifications will not be considered. The main responsibility would be up keeping of Laboratory with high standard. Brief Job Description: • • •
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He/She will supervise routine jobs carried out by Laboratory assistants daily to ensure that quality is maintained Responsible for monitoring quality of media prepared by Laboratory kitchen staff. Responsible for monitoring sterilized items and all other duties performed by laboratory kitchen to ensure that quality is maintained. Maintains laboratory equipment by developing standard operating procedure, quality standards, service and repair in co ordination with-in house team.
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Maintains laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies. Formulation of policy for various activities in the laboratory in consultation with other members of the group. Responsible for all ordering in the department, organization of invoices and receipts, and contact with vendors. Manage departmental budget for supplies, service contracts, and maintenance in collaboration with department chair. Oersee storage of hazardous waste and periodic removal Maintain safety records and Material Safety Data Sheets. Provide routine maintenance of departmental instruments and oversee maintenance and repairs performed by third parties. Maintain effective communication with department chair. Co-ordinating space utilization in consultation with laboratory manager and relevant faculty. Provide support for faculty and students in the department. Identifying hazardous conditions or operations in the lab, determining safe procedures and controls, and implementing and enforcing standard safety procedures; Ensuring the provision and maintaining in functional working order all appropriate personal protective equipment
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(PPE) (e.g., lab coats, gloves, eye protection, etc.); Conducting periodic self inspections of laboratory and maintaining records of inspections, as required. Assisting Senior Laboratory Manager in maintaining all functions related to the Laboratory operations.
Essential Qualification and Experience: • • • •
Science Graduate with Biology or Chemistry as major with minimum 60% aggregate 0-2 years working experiences in any Academic/Private Laboratory or any other relevant experience. Knowledge of use of personal computers and its applications Very good communication skills.
Age Limit : Below 28 years as on (01-01-2018) How to Apply: The selected candidates will be required to join immediately. Interested candidates may attend Written test and Skill Test at NCBS/ TIFR, GKVK PO, Bellary Road, Bangalore between 9.00 am and 10:00 am on Saturday 7th April, 2018 along with typed applications on plain paper in the following format with true copies of relevant certificates/ testimonials in support of their qualifications, experience etc.Age will be relaxed as per norms of the Institute.
Applicants must bring with them a typed application on plain paper in the following format: • • • • • •
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Full name (attach latest photograph) Address for Correspondence Permanent Address Nationality Date of Birth Whether belonging to SC/ST/OBC. If so, give details and attach caste/tribe/ OBC (non-creamy layer certificate from the competent authority) Educational Qualifications with complete details Experience with complete details Names, Addresses, Telephone Numbers, Fax Number and Email Address of two Professional Referees ( one must be a Direct Supervisor) who have supervised your work in the recent past (attach conduct certificates from them) Scale of pay and Basic pay drawn with details of allowances Any other relevant information.
The Institute reserves the right to restrict the number of candidates for the recruitment process to a reasonable limit on the basis of desirable experience higher than the minimum prescribed in the advertisement. Mere fulfilling the essential qualifications & experience will not entitle an applicant to be called for recruitment process. The Institute reserves the right not to fill any/some post/s herein advertised. Canvassing in any form shall disqualify the candidate.
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April 10th, 2018.
NEWS
USDA to Drop all Regulation for CRISPR-edited Products We are all aware of the extreme inconsistency and contradiction amongst global regulatory bodies that oversee biotechnologies, particularly around regulations pertaining to genetically modified organisms (GMO) and genetic engineering (GE). Few scientific issues are more divisive than the regulation and labeling of genetically modified organisms, otherwise known as GMOs. In 2015, a Pew Research survey found that more than half of American adults consider GMOs “generally unsafe.” In contrast, 88 percent of scientists surveyed think GMOs are “generally safe.” This kind of staggering schism between scientific consensus and public opinion makes it seem at times impossible to have a level conversation about the real risks and rewards of the technology. In both the U.S. and the EU, transgenic genetically modified (GM) crops must be approved by regulatory agencies before they can be marketed. Both the U.S. and EU have mandatory GM labeling requirements, though the structures of the U.S. law, are far less imposing and rigorous than that of the EU. Now, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has clarified that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) currently does not, and has no plans to, regulate gene edited plants or crops. As opposed to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that involve adding genes from other organisms such as bacteria, the USDA
considers gene-edited plants as being similar to plants developed through traditional breeding techniques and therefore require less regulatory oversight. Under its biotechnology regulations, USDA does not regulate or have any plans to regulate plants that could otherwise have been developed through traditional breeding techniques as long as they are not plant pests or developed using plant pests. This includes a set of new techniques that are increasingly being used by plant breeders to produce new plant varieties that are indistinguishable from those developed through traditional breeding methods. The newest of these methods, such as genome editing, expand traditional plant breeding tools because they can introduce new plant traits more quickly and precisely, potentially saving years or even decades in bringing needed new varieties to farmers. “With this approach, USDA seeks to allow innovation when there is no risk present,” said Secretary Perdue. “At the same time, I want to be clear to consumers that we will not be stepping away from our regulatory responsibilities. While these crops do not require regulatory oversight, we do have an important role to play in protecting plant health by evaluating products developed using modern biotechnology. This is a role USDA has played for more than 30 years, and one I will continue to take very seriously, as we work to modernize our technology-focused regula-
By Disha Padmanabha
tions.” “Plant breeding innovation holds enormous promise for helping protect crops against drought and diseases while increasing nutritional value and eliminating allergens,” Perdue said. “Using this science, farmers can continue to meet consumer expectations for healthful, affordable food produced in a manner that consumes fewer natural resources. This new innovation will help farmers do what we aspire to do at USDA: do right and feed everyone.” The current regulations were written for the earlier generation of genetically modified organisms, where scientists used bacteria and viruses — typically from plant pests — to drop a payload of new genes into the nuclei of the plant cells where they merge with the plant’s DNA. That worked, but scientists could not control where the new genes would be inserted, and that led to worries of potentially dangerous genetic disruptions or crossbreeding with non-G.M.O. crops. In contrast, gene-editing technologies allow for the modification of a plant genome to alter single or a few nucleotides, or targeting the
insertion of genes to a specific location. They also allow for both intragenesis (the modification of portions of one or more genes) and cisgenesis (the insertion of one or more genes in the correct orientation and including natural expression signals). These technologies are capable of providing astounding improvements to crops, such as improving disease resistance or increasing metabolic efficiency; and this has led to a flurry of activity as many researchers and companies seek to expand and further develop gene-editing technologies in plants. Researchers have already made headway with various genetic editing techniques in the lab. There are companies and labs that have made (paywall) more efficiently growing tomato plants, non-browning mushrooms and potatoes, soy with more fatty acids, and wheat with higher fiber. Outside of edible crops, labs have also made corn that produces more of a waxy byproduct for use in making glues. While U.S. regulators may be taking a laissez-faire approach to CRISPR-modified crops, the move could impact global trade, as regulators in the EU may not see the issue through the same rose-colored glasses.
MINI DIGESTIVE TRACT FOUND INSIDE CANCEROUS CELLS Duke University researchers have now discovered a miniature gastrointestinal tract embedded in a lung cancer tumour. The observed gut cells were found to be rudimentary but functional stomachs, small intestines, and duodenums growing inside cancerous lungs—illustrating how varied and plastic these metastatic cells can be. They discovered that these cells had lost a gene called NKX2-1 that acts as a master switch, flipping a network of genes to set the course for a lung cell. Without it, the cells follow the path of their nearest developmental neighbour- the gut -much like a train jumping tracks when a railroad switch fails. “Cancer cells will do whatever it takes to survive,” said Purushothama Rao Tata, Ph.D., lead study author and assistant professor of cell biology at Duke University School of Medicine and a member of the Duke Cancer Institute. “Upon treatment with chemotherapy, lung cells shut down some of the key cell regulators and pick up the characteristics of other cells in order to gain resistance.”
Since both lungs and gut cells come from the same progenitor cells, Tata hypothesized, that in absence of NKX2-1, lung tumor cells would lose their lung identity and take on the characteristics of other cells. Because during development lung cells and gut cells are derived from the same parent, or progenitor, cells, it made sense that once the lung cells lost their way they would follow the path of their nearest developmental sibling. The team tested this out on animal models using mice which had NKX2-1 gene removed from their lung tissue. Under the microscope, they noticed features that normally only appear in the gut, such as crypt-like structures and gastric tissues. Amazingly, these structures produced digestive enzymes, as if they resided in the stomach and not the lung. The researchers next activated the oncogenes SOX2 or KRAS in addition to knocking out the NKX2-1. They found that mice with the superimposed SOX2 mutations developed tumors that looked as if they belonged in the foregut; those with KRAS mutations developed tumors that resembled
By Disha Padmanabha New research from Duke has found that some lung cancer cells with errors in transcription factors begin to resemble their nearest relatives – the cells of the stomach and gut. (Credit – Tata Lab, Duke University)
parts of the mid- and hindgut. “Cancer biologists have long suspected that cancer cells could shape shift in order to evade chemotherapy and acquire resistance, but they didn’t know the mechanisms behind
such plasticity,” said Tata. “Now that we know what we are dealing with in these tumors – we can think ahead to the possible paths these cells might take and design therapies to block them.”
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Vol. 02 NO 15
April 10th, 2018.
CRISPR a Solution to Inherited Blood Disorders: Study Sickle cell is essentially caused by a typo in the instructions for making the protein haemoglobin, which is densely packed into red blood cells. Sickle cell disease causes normally round red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body, to become shaped like a sickle. These deformed cells can lock together to block the flow of blood around the body. This can cause intense pain, organ damage and can be fatal. Now, a University of South Wales, Sydney-led study has determined how naturally-occurring gene mutations can counter the effects of inherited blood diseases. This, in turn, has opened the potential to use gene editing to treat patients with sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and other disorders. Humans express different forms of hemoglobin genes at different developmental stages, the authors explain. The early human embryo expresses embryonic globin genes; then there is a switch to producing a fetal form of hemoglobin, and at around the time of birth production is switched again from the fetal to the adult form of hemoglobin. Adult humans generally only produce only about 1% residual fetal hemoglobin. However, some individuals have a rare, benign condition known as hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH), which means that they continue to produce fetal hemoglobin into adulthood. For patients with HPFH who also have ß-hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease or ß-thalassemia, this continued pro-
duction of fetal hemoglobin reduces the severity of their disease because the extra fetal hemoglobin compensates for the lack of adult hemoglobin. The ability to trigger production of fetal hemoglobin intentionally therefore represents a “therapeutic goal” for widespread treatment of blood disorders, the team states. “The fetal hemoglobin gene is naturally silenced after birth,” comments Dr. Crossley. “For 50 years, researchers have been competing furiously to find out how it is switched off, so it can be turned back on.” The scientists used gene editing to introduce the mutations into blood cells as a way to boost fetal hemoglobin production. The mutations that cause the disorders are naturally carried by a small percentage of people, but the highly individualized method could help treat some of them. The two genes that switch off the fetal hemoglobin gene by binding directly to it are called BCL11A and ZBTB7A. Later, after this discovery, the scientists turned their attention to using the gene-editing technology CRISPR to introduce the good mutations into the genome. “It is organic because no new DNA is introduced into the cells; rather we engineer in naturally occurring, benign mutations that are known to be beneficial to people with these conditions. It
BRAIN, SPINAL CORD INJURY COULD BE TREATED WITH THE HELP OF GENE THERAPY Astrocytes have diverse functions in the healthy CNS and participate in CNS pathophysiology. In the healthy CNS, astrocytes provide structural and metabolic support, regulate neurotransmitter uptake and synaptic transmission, and help maintain the blood-brain barrier. Following traumatic injury to the CNS such as a spinal cord injury, astrocytes display a gradient of responses centered around the lesion site. The role of reactive astrocytes and the glial scar in recovery and repair after CNS injury is complex. Despite the increasingly recognized importance of reactive astrogliosis in the pathogenesis and outcome of neurological conditions, our understanding of its molecular regulation remains limited, especially regarding cell-intrinsic mechanisms. Now, a team of scientists have demonstrated the role of leucine zipper-bearing kinase (LZK) (MAP3K13), a conserved mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK), in reducing scars and, potentially, more effective recovery from injury. The research examined spinal injuries but likely has implications for treating a number of brain conditions through gene therapy targeting astrocytes, said Dr. Mark Goldberg, Chairman of Neurology & Neurotherapeutics at UT Southwestern. “We’ve known that astrocytes can help the brain and spinal cord recover from injury, but we didn’t fully understand the trigger
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that activates these cells,” Dr. Goldberg said. “Now we’ll be able to look at whether turning on the switch we identified can help in the healing process.”
By Disha Padmanabha
should prove to be a safe and effective therapy,” said Merlin Crossley, professor and deputy vice chancellor of UNSW, in a statement. “Our new approach can be seen as a fore-
runner to organic gene therapy for a range of common inherited blood disorders including beta thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia.”
SYNERGISTIC PATHWAYS ALLOW RESEARCHERS TO PROTECT ANIMAL MODELS FROM CANCER PD-1 checkpoint blockade has revolutionized the field of cancer immunotherapy, yet the frequency of responding patients is limited by inadequate T-cell priming secondary to a paucity of activatory dendritic cells (DCs). DC signals can be bypassed by CD27 agonists and we therefore investigated if the effectiveness of anti-PD-1/L1 could be improved by combining with agonist anti-CD27 monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Experimental Design: The efficacy of PD-1/ L1 blockade or agonist anti-CD27 mAb was compared with a dual-therapy approach in multiple tumor models, by researchers at the University of Southampton. When given alone, each treatment produced 10% protection from cancer, but when administered together, they provided 60% protection, they have now reported. Professor Aymen Al-Shamkhani, who heads the laboratory in which the study was carried out, said: “Using checkpoint blockade has revolutionised the field of cancer immunotherapy, but it is not enough to simply stop the cancer from evading the immune system, we need to boost the immune system to fight the cancer off. By combining checkpoint block-
ade with an anti-CD27 antibody, we have been able to show that the two approaches can be harnessed to potentially improve current treatment options.” The study, funded by Celldex Therapeutics and Cancer Research UK, also revealed that the combination treatment activated different, yet synergistic pathways that culminated in stronger immune responses against the cancer. The research team say this pre-clinical work supports on-going clinical trials that are already testing the combination in patients. Dr Catherine Pickworth, from Cancer Research UK, said: “Immunotherapy treatments are already showing huge promise for a number of cancer types, but they don’t work for everyone. This work in mice suggests that using two types of immunotherapy could be an effective way to tackle this problem. Now we need to see if this particular approach works in patients. Cancer Research UK is funding several studies, looking at combining different types of immunotherapy so we can provide more treatment options and help more people beat their cancer.”
Working in mice with spinal cord injuries, the team found that deleting the LZK gene reduced astrogliosis—the increase in astrocyte numbers in response to injury and infection—and resulted in a bigger wound. Overexpressing LZK boosted astrogliosis and led to the creation of a smaller scar. A smaller scar likely aids the healing process by isolating the injured neurons, similar to how isolating a spreading infection can improve recovery. Further study is needed to analyze whether a compact scar tissue indeed improves recovery and how this process affects the neurons’ ability to reform connections with each other. Lead author, Dr. Meifan Amy Chen said, “It has been a big mystery whether increasing astrocyte reactivity would be beneficial. The discovery of LZK as an on switch now offers a molecular tool to answer this question.”
By Disha Padmanabha
By Disha Padmanabha