Job position: Project Associate-I
Job Location: Ambala, Haryana, India
Applications are invited for the following post(s) for a Sree Padmavathi Venkateswara Foundation (Sree PVF) sponsored project entitled “Development of ASSURED (affordable, sensitive, specific, user friendly, robust, reusable, equipment-free, deliverable)-Biosensor for the detection and management of major apple viruses” on purely temporary basis.
Job Title – Project Associate-I
No. of Posts -1 (one)
Duration for JRF position:
The Research fellowship is a purely temporary assignment and the duration of the project is up to 2 years or till the termination of the project whichever is earlier. The performance of the selected candidate will be evaluated after initial 1 year; further extension of another 1 year will be subject to submission of progress report submitted by selected candidate and satisfactory assessment remarks given by the Principal Investigator.
Job Profile:
1. PA-I will be responsible for raising antibodies against viral CPs, designing viral sequence-specific epitopes using various bioinformatics and AI-based tools and use those sequences for antibody generation in rabbits. 2. PA-I will be responsible for the evaluating the efficacy of the novel epitope-based antibodies for virus detection of fruit crops at lab level and field level. This would include travelling to J&K and HP located apple orchards
. 3. PA-I will be responsible for developing biosensors using developed antibodies. 4. PA-I will be responsible to work with academic and industrial partners for commercial trial of the developed biosensors.Pay: Rs 31,000 per month + 8% HRA for 1st and 2nd year.
Age limit – As per GOI rules
Essential qualifications:
Master’s Degree in any branch of Life Sciences like Biotechnology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, etc. or M. Tech in above related area with at least 60% marks from a recognised University and should be NET/GATE qualified (as per DST guidelines). Candidates with good experience in bioinformatics, molecular biology and plant biotechnology will be preferred. Students may also register for PhD at MM (DU). The project involves cloning, protein purification, bioinformatics, antibody raising, and development of sensors.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates may submit their application and bio-data (also mentioning one page summary of their research experience during MSc and post MSc if any) through email to [email protected] by 21st September 2023 up till 5:00 P.M. Selected candidates will be called for a personal interview in the seminar room at Central Research Cell, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana on 25th September 2023 at 10:30 A.M.
No TA/ DA will be paid for attending the interview. Project Investigator: Dr. Sunny Dhir Associate Professor Central Research Cell, Department of Bio-Sciences & Technology MM (DU), Mullana Ambala, HR-133207
Contact: +91-9816272155;
Email: [email protected]
Possible interview questions may be asked for
1. Can you describe your educational background and any specific projects or research experiences that are relevant to this position?
Sample Answer: “I hold a Master’s Degree in Biotechnology with a strong academic record. During my academic journey, I completed projects related to molecular biology and bioinformatics, which have provided me with a solid foundation in these areas. Additionally, I have hands-on experience with cloning, protein purification, and antibody raising, which align with the requirements of this role.”
2. How familiar are you with bioinformatics and AI-based tools for designing viral sequence-specific epitopes? Can you provide an example of your experience in this area?
Sample Answer: “I am well-versed in using bioinformatics and AI-based tools to design viral sequence-specific epitopes. In a previous project, I utilized these tools to identify potential epitopes for a viral detection assay. I then selected the most promising epitopes for further experimentation, demonstrating my ability to leverage these tools effectively.”
3. What do you understand about the term “ASSURED-Biosensor,” and how do you envision its importance in virus detection for fruit crops?
Sample Answer: “An ASSURED-Biosensor stands for ‘affordable, sensitive, specific, user-friendly, robust, reusable, equipment-free, deliverable’ biosensor. It holds immense importance in virus detection for fruit crops as it addresses key challenges in diagnostics. It ensures accessibility, accuracy, and ease of use, making it valuable for timely detection and management of viral infections in fruit crops.”
4. Can you explain your approach to developing biosensors using antibodies generated during this project?
Sample Answer: “My approach to biosensor development involves immobilizing the generated antibodies onto a suitable platform. These antibodies will specifically bind to the viral antigens. When a sample is introduced, any viral presence will lead to a detectable signal, enabling virus detection. I will optimize the assay conditions for sensitivity and specificity.”
5. How do you plan to collaborate with academic and industrial partners for the commercial trial of the developed biosensors?
Sample Answer: “Collaboration with partners is crucial for the success of this project. I will establish clear communication channels and engage in regular meetings to discuss project progress. We will jointly plan and execute the commercial trial, ensuring that the biosensors meet industry standards and are ready for wider adoption.”
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