The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, has invited applications for the awarding of 50 fellowships under the M K Bhan-Young Researcher Fellowship Programme (MKB-YRFP) to encourage bright scholars to continue their research in the country after PhD. The online applications can be submitted until November 30.
The applicants should possess a PhD in any branch of life sciences, biotechnology, or allied areas. The research work could be carried out only at autonomous institutes under the DBT. The list of institutes is available on the DBT website.
The applicants should have an excellent track record as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, technologies developed, and patents (if any). Those who have submitted their PhD thesis will also be considered. The applicant must identify the host institute and the mentor. The application has to be endorsed by the mentor and the head of the host institute chosen by the applicant. Their age should not be over 35 years as of November 30. Candidates who already have other fellowships need not apply.
The scheme provided a consolidated monthly remuneration of Rs 75,000 per month. In addition to this, they will receive Rs 20 lakh as a research and contingency grant. However, there are conditions for the spending of the same.
The duration of the fellowship is three years, but in exceptional cases, it can be extended by another two years. They are not allowed to take a salary from anywhere else during the fellowship tenure.
Eligible applicants should submit applications as per the prescribed Performa via the host institute so that the same reaches the DBT before the 30th of this month. A mentor’s letter promising to provide a laboratory facility should be attached.
Each candidate can only engage one mentor in a year. However, the institutes under the control of the Biotechnology Department can recommend any number of mentors.