The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has announced a research-focused recruitment opportunity for the post of Project Associate-I / Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under a DBT-funded national wheat genomics project titled:
“Germplasm Characterization and Trait Discovery in Wheat using Genomics Approaches and its Integration for Improving Climate Resilience, Productivity and Nutritional Quality.”
This is a temporary, project-based position offering an excellent opportunity for young researchers passionate about genetics, plant breeding, and genomics research to work on a cutting-edge scientific initiative.
🌾 About SKUAST-Kashmir
The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) is one of India’s premier agricultural universities, located in the scenic region of Jammu and Kashmir. Renowned for excellence in education, research, and innovation, SKUAST-K actively contributes to sustainable agricultural development across the region.
The Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding under the Faculty of Agriculture (FoA), Wadura, has a strong research base in crop improvement, molecular breeding, and genomics, collaborating with national and international institutes on food security and climate resilience projects.
🔬 About the Project
This DBT-funded project aims to explore wheat germplasm characterization and trait discovery through modern genomics approaches. The goal is to improve climate resilience, productivity, and nutritional quality in wheat — one of India’s major food crops.
Key Objectives:
Identify genes linked to heat and drought tolerance using genomic tools.
Enhance wheat productivity and nutritional content through molecular breeding.
Develop climate-smart wheat varieties suitable for future environmental challenges.
Integrate genomic findings into sustainable agricultural practices.
This initiative provides an excellent platform for researchers to gain hands-on experience in plant genomics, field phenotyping, bioinformatics, and molecular analysis.
📘 Project Associate / JRF – Post Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Project Associate-I / Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Number of Posts | 01 (One) |
| Funding Agency | Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India |
| Project Title | “Germplasm Characterization and Trait Discovery in Wheat using Genomics Approaches and its Integration for Improving Climate Resilience, Productivity and Nutritional Quality” |
| Division / Department | Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture (FoA), Wadura, SKUAST-Kashmir |
| Principal Investigator (PI) | Dr. Reyazul Rouf Mir, Professor (GPB) & Principal Investigator, FoA, Wadura, Sopore |
| Emoluments | ₹37,000 per month + HRA (as per DBT norms) |
| Nature of Position | Temporary & Co-terminus with the project duration |
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Essential Qualification:
M.Sc. in Agriculture (Genetics and Plant Breeding)
orM.Sc. in Plant Sciences
Desirable Qualification:
Experience in trait phenotyping under field conditions.
Exposure to controlled experimental setups.
Hands-on work in crop research, especially in wheat or related cereals.
🧾 Application Process
How to Apply:
Eligible candidates must submit their applications on plain paper, including the following documents:
Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Copies of degree certificates and mark sheets
Experience certificates (if applicable)
NET qualification certificate (if any)
Details of publications, awards, and research achievements
Submission Email:
📧 Send applications to rrmir@skuastkashmir.ac.in
Last Date to Apply: 🗓 November 14, 2025
Interview Date: 🗓 November 18, 2025
Venue:
Office of the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, SKUAST-Kashmir
Important Note:
No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
Final selection will depend on interview performance and academic record.
Candidates are advised to check the official SKUAST-K website for updates.
🧭 Why Apply for SKUAST Kashmir Project Associate Recruitment 2025?
This recruitment offers a valuable research opportunity for young scientists aiming to build a career in plant genetics and biotechnology. Selected candidates will:
Work on a nationally significant DBT wheat genomics project.
Gain experience in molecular breeding and genomic analysis.
Collaborate with top research institutions across India.
Receive mentorship from Dr. Reyazul Rouf Mir, a renowned expert in wheat genetics and breeding.
This experience will strengthen their academic and professional profiles for PhD or postdoctoral research opportunities in future.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Release | November 1, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | November 14, 2025 |
| Interview Date | November 18, 2025 |
| Venue | Office of Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, SKUAST-Kashmir |
💡 Key Highlights at a Glance
| Particulars | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiter | SKUAST-Kashmir |
| Post Name | Project Associate-I / JRF |
| Field | Genetics and Plant Breeding |
| Project Type | DBT-Funded Wheat Genomics Research |
| Salary | ₹37,000 + HRA per month |
| Location | Wadura, Sopore (Jammu & Kashmir) |
| Application Deadline | November 14, 2025 |
| Interview Date | November 18, 2025 |
🌱 Impact on Indian Agriculture
Wheat is a vital crop for India’s food security. With climate change, rising temperatures, and erratic rainfall patterns threatening yield, this project focuses on developing climate-resilient and high-yield wheat varieties.
Through advanced genomic and molecular breeding techniques, the project aims to:
Strengthen India’s food security.
Develop sustainable wheat varieties for future climates.
Support farmers with improved crop performance.
Contribute to long-term agricultural sustainability in Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.
✅ Conclusion
The SKUAST Kashmir Project Associate Recruitment 2025 presents an outstanding opportunity for passionate researchers to contribute to India’s agricultural innovation through genomics.
Working under expert mentorship and a national-level DBT project, the selected candidate will gain unmatched experience in wheat genetics and climate-resilient crop research.
📌 Apply by November 14, 2025, and attend the interview on November 18, 2025, at the Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, SKUAST-Kashmir.
For official updates, visit the SKUAST-K official website.
