IAV Kerala Scientist C Recruitment 2026

IAV Scientist C Viral Diagnostics Recruitment 2026

The Institute of Advanced Virology Kerala has released a recruitment notification for the post of Scientist C in the Department of Viral Diagnostics. This is a direct recruitment opportunity for experienced candidates with qualifications in life sciences, medical sciences, dental sciences, biomedical research, virology, and pathogen diagnostics.

The post is offered under Advt. No. IAV/308/HR/2026-3, dated 06 March 2026. The last date for online application submission is 15 May 2026, 5:00 PM. The official IAV recruitment page lists this as one of the permanent Scientist C positions and shows one vacancy for the Viral Diagnostics department.

Candidates interested in Scientist C virology jobs in India, especially in viral diagnostics and biomedical research, should carefully review the official notification before applying.

About Institute of Advanced Virology Kerala

The Institute of Advanced Virology, also known as IAV Kerala, is an autonomous institution under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Kerala. According to the official notification, IAV focuses on advanced research initiatives in virology and functions through departments working in specific areas of virology.

The institute is located at Bio 360 Life Sciences Park, Thonnakkal, Trivandrum, Kerala. For candidates working in virology, pathogen diagnostics, biomedical science, molecular diagnostics, and infectious disease research, this position offers a specialized research-career pathway in a government-supported institution.

Position Overview

The official notification confirms the post name, department, age limit, pay level, and number of vacancies for this Scientist C position.

Eligibility Criteria for IAV Scientist C Viral Diagnostics

Candidates must meet the essential educational qualification, publication requirement, and experience condition mentioned in the official notification.

Essential Qualification

Applicants must have either:

• Three-year Master’s degree in Medical/Dental Sciences, such as MD, DNB, or MDS; or
• PhD in Life Sciences

In addition, the candidate must have first-author or corresponding-author original research publications in diagnostics development against pathogens. The notification specifically mentions that these should be original research publications, other than systematic reviews, in PubMed/SCI-indexed peer-reviewed journals of repute.

Essential Experience

The candidate must have 3 years of documented experience in biomedical research in reputed national or international research organizations after obtaining the qualifying degree prescribed for the position.

Desirable Qualification

Experience as an independent Principal Investigator in externally funded projects, either ongoing or completed, is desirable.

Who Should Apply?

This position is best suited for candidates with a strong research record in:

• Viral diagnostics
• Virology
• Biomedical research
• Pathogen detection
• Diagnostics development
• Molecular diagnostics
• Infectious disease research
• Life sciences
• Medical or dental sciences

A strong applicant should be able to clearly demonstrate original research contributions in diagnostics development against pathogens. Candidates should also ensure that their post-qualification biomedical research experience is properly documented.

Salary and Pay Scale

The pay scale for the Scientist C post is:

Level 11: ₹67,700–₹2,08,700

The notification also states that pay and allowances are currently as per 7th CPC norms, regulated as per the instructions of the Government of Kerala from time to time.

Application Fee

The application fee is ₹1,500.

The fee must be paid through SB Collect. The official notification states that applications submitted without the fee will not be considered. It also states that the application fee, once paid, will not be refunded or adjusted under any circumstances.

SB Collect Payment Steps

As per the notification:

1. Visit the SB Collect portal.
2. Select Educational Institutions.
3. Select Institute of Advanced Virology.
4. Select APPLICATION FEE FOR SCIENTIST.
5. Pay ₹1,500.

Selection Process

The selection process will begin with screening of applications by a duly constituted screening committee. Only applications submitted in the prescribed format and supported by documentary evidence will be considered for shortlisting.

The institute may restrict the number of candidates called for the selection process if a large number of applications are received. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an in-person interview and personality assessment by a duly constituted selection committee.

The expected process is:

1. Online application submission
2. Application screening
3. Verification of eligibility and documents
4. Shortlisting
5. In-person interview and personality assessment
6. Final selection decision

Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee selection or interview call.

Documents Required

The official notification does not provide a complete document checklist. However, applicants should keep the following commonly required documents ready:

• Updated CV or resume
• Proof of age/date of birth
• MD/DNB/MDS/PhD degree certificate, as applicable
• Marksheets and degree certificates
• Experience certificates showing biomedical research experience
• Publication list
• Proof of PubMed/SCI-indexed publications
• Evidence of first-author or corresponding-author publications
• Details of diagnostics development research
• Externally funded project details, if applicable
• Application fee payment receipt
• ID proof
• Category certificate, if applicable
• No Objection Certificate, if currently employed in government, PSU, or autonomous institutions

Candidates already working under Central Government, State Government, Public Sector Undertakings, or autonomous bodies should apply through the proper channel. If they cannot forward the application through the proper channel, they must produce a No Objection Certificate from the current employer at the time of interview.

How to Apply for IAV Scientist C Viral Diagnostics Recruitment 2026

Candidates must apply through online mode using the official IAV application link.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Visit the official IAV recruitment page.
Step 2: Open the Scientist C recruitment notification.
Step 3: Select the notification for IAV/308/HR/2026-3 — Viral Diagnostics.
Step 4: Read the eligibility criteria, experience requirement, age limit, fee details, and general instructions carefully.
Step 5: Pay the application fee of ₹1,500 through SB Collect.
Step 6: Use the official Apply now link provided against the Viral Diagnostics post.
Step 7: Fill in the online application form carefully.
Step 8: Upload or submit the required documents as instructed.
Step 9: Submit the application before 15 May 2026, 5:00 PM.
Step 10: Save the submitted application and payment receipt for future reference.

The official notification states that the application must be submitted through online mode only and that incomplete applications or applications without relevant supporting documents will be rejected.

Important Dates

Why This Opportunity Matters

The IAV Scientist C Viral Diagnostics post is a relevant opportunity for researchers who already have a serious profile in biomedical research and diagnostics development. The position is not an entry-level research post. It requires an advanced qualification, original research publications, and documented research experience.

For candidates working in virology, molecular diagnostics, infectious disease research, clinical diagnostics, or pathogen-focused biomedical research, this role can support a more specialized scientific career in a government-backed virology research ecosystem.

Expert Tips for Applicants

• Customize your CV specifically for viral diagnostics and pathogen diagnostics.
• Highlight first-author and corresponding-author publications clearly.
• Mention PubMed/SCI indexing wherever applicable.
• Show direct evidence of diagnostics development against pathogens.
• Do not rely on a generic life-sciences CV.
• Include documented post-qualification biomedical research experience.
• Mention externally funded projects if you have worked as PI or independent project lead.
• Keep the SB Collect fee receipt safely.
• Apply before the final day to avoid technical or document-upload issues.
• Read the official notification carefully before submission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without the required diagnostics-related publications
• Ignoring the 3-year documented biomedical research experience requirement
• Missing the deadline of 15 May 2026, 5:00 PM
• Submitting an incomplete application
• Not attaching documentary evidence for claimed qualifications
• Forgetting to pay the application fee
• Assuming minimum eligibility guarantees an interview call
• Depending on unofficial job portals instead of the IAV official recruitment page
• Not arranging a No Objection Certificate when required

Quick Reference Table

Official Links

Official IAV Recruitment Page:
https://iav.kerala.gov.in/2026/03/06/recruitment-notification-scientist-c-positions/

Official Notification PDF:
https://iav.kerala.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/3-Scientist-C-Viral-Diagnostics-1.pdf

Official Application Link:
https://forms.gle/Pikh4Kq8VEUMcdPB8

SB Collect Payment Page:
https://www.onlinesbi.sbi/sbicollect/icollecthome.htm