Vacancy Circular for Appointment on Deputation (Including Short-Term Contract) Basis – Scientist D and Scientist E, Department of Health Research
Introduction
The Department of Health Research (DHR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has released a vacancy circular for the appointment of Scientist D and Scientist E on deputation, including short-term contract basis. This recruitment drive is a strategic initiative to enhance the research capacity and technical expertise within DHR, a nodal agency responsible for promoting and coordinating biomedical and health research in India.
These positions are ideal for experienced professionals from government departments, academic institutions, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and recognized research organizations who wish to contribute to national health priorities and policy-driven research. By opening these opportunities through deputation and short-term contracts, the DHR ensures flexibility, knowledge exchange, and operational efficiency in critical areas of public health.
The Department of Health Research (DHR), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, invites applications for the positions of Scientist D and Scientist E. These prestigious roles, available on deputation or short-term contract, aim to strengthen India’s public health research infrastructure and foster innovation in critical research domains.
Program Overview
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Positions AvailableScientist D – 2 Posts
Scientist E – 2 Posts
These positions fall under the General Central Service, Group ‘A’, Gazetted, Non-Ministerial category, reflecting their strategic importance and leadership responsibilities within the department.
Pay Scales and Age Limits
| Position | Pay Level | Pay Range (₹) | Age Limit |
|---|
| Scientist D | Level 12 (7th CPC) | ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200 | Not exceeding 56 years |
| Scientist E | Level 13 (7th CPC) | ₹1,23,100 – ₹2,15,900 | Not exceeding 56 years |
These competitive pay levels align with senior scientific roles in the Government of India, offering financial stability and professional prestige.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet organizational and educational/experience criteria as outlined below:
For Scientist D
Organizational Requirement
Holding an analogous post on a regular basis in the parent cadre/department; or
Having five years of regular service in Level 11 (₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700) or equivalent.
Educational and Experience Requirement
Candidates must possess one of the following
combinations:
MD/MS/DNB or equivalent with five years of R&D/teaching/working experience.
MBBS + PhD with at least four years of experience.
PhD in specified life sciences or allied disciplines with five years of experience.
Postgraduate degree in relevant disciplines with eight years of research or teaching experience.
Tenure
For Scientist E
Organizational Requirement
Holding an analogous post on a regular basis; or
Having five years of regular service in Level 12 (₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200) or equivalent.
Educational and Experience Requirement
Candidates must meet one of the following:
MD/MS/DNB or equivalent in relevant disciplines.
PhD in specified fields with a minimum of seven years of R&D, teaching, or operational experience.
Tenure
Application Process
Eligible candidates are required to submit applications in triplicate through the proper channel, ensuring all necessary supporting documents are attached. Applications
should be addressed to:
The Under Secretary
Department of Health Research
Room No. 222, 2nd Floor
Indian Red Cross Society Headquarters
1, Red Cross Road
New Delhi – 110001
Email: [email protected]
Note: The last submission cycle closed in January 2025, extended from its original November 2024 deadline. For the next cycle (December 2025), the exact closing date will be updated soon.
Why This Opportunity Matters
1. Enhancing Scientific Leadership
The Scientist D and E roles are designed to bring experienced professionals into senior leadership positions to drive innovation, policy, and applied research for public health.
2. Strengthening the Research Ecosystem
These appointments will significantly enhance India’s capacity to conduct evidence-based, high-impact health research, contributing to improved healthcare outcomes nationwide.
3. Flexible Engagement
By offering both deputation and short-term contracts, the program ensures flexibility for candidates while allowing DHR to benefit from specialized expertise for time-bound projects.
4. Multidisciplinary Focus
The eligibility criteria encourage participation from experts across multiple disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in public health and biomedical research.
Who Should Apply
Mid-to-Senior Government Officers with experience in health research or public health administration.
Medical professionals (MD, MS, MBBS + PhD) looking for leadership roles in
research policy and strategy.Researchers and academicians with substantial contributions in biomedical sciences, epidemiology, or health systems.
Professionals in autonomous bodies or PSUs seeking to apply their expertise to national-level research initiatives.
Tips for a Strong Application
Highlight relevant research experience and leadership roles.
Ensure your application is complete, accurate, and endorsed by the parent department.
Include publications, grants, or significant research projects that demonstrate your capacity to contribute effectively.
Submit the application well before the closing date to avoid administrative delays.
Review and Update Recommendations
To maintain the article’s relevance:
Review annually for updates on eligibility criteria, deadlines, or policy changes.
Include recent examples of DHR projects or initiatives to keep the content dynamic and engaging.
Monitor updates on the ICMR official website (see below).
Conclusion
This vacancy circular is a strategic initiative to integrate top-tier scientific expertise into the Department of Health Research. The positions of Scientist D and Scientist E offer unparalleled opportunities to contribute to national health priorities, policy-driven research, and high-impact scientific collaborations. Interested and eligible candidates should prepare their applications meticulously and seize this opportunity to shape the future of India’s health research landscape.
Program Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Program Name | Scientist D and Scientist E – Deputation/Short-Term Contract |
| Host Organization | Department of Health Research (DHR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India |
| Location | New Delhi, India |
| Funded By | Government of India |
| Duration | Up to 4 years for Scientist D and 5 years for Scientist E (including prior deputation tenure) |
| Study Mode | Full-time, on-site |
| Eligibility | Officers from Central/State Governments, PSUs, autonomous bodies, recognized universities, and research institutions |
| Financial Support | Pay Matrix Levels 12 and 13 (as per 7th CPC) |
| Fields of Research | Biomedical sciences, public health, epidemiology, health policy, and allied disciplines |
| Deadline | Applications currently open; next cycle likely to be in December 2025 (exact date to be updated soon) |
| Official Website | Official Circular – ICMR |
References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a Scientist D in the Department of Health Research?A Scientist D manages advanced research projects, coordinates policy-driven studies, and supports national health programs through evidence-based research.
What is the salary for Scientist E in the Department of Health Research?A Scientist E earns a pay scale at Level 13, ranging from ₹1,23,100 to ₹2,15,900, along with government allowances.
Who can apply for the Scientist D position in DHR?Professionals from government bodies, research institutes, universities, or PSUs with relevant qualifications and experience are eligible.
What is the eligibility for the Scientist E position in DHR?Applicants need an MD, MS, DNB, or PhD with at least seven years of experience in biomedical or health research fields.
How do I apply for Scientist D or E posts in DHR?Submit your application in triplicate through the proper channel to the DHR office, along with all required supporting documents.
What is the maximum age for applying to Scientist D and E posts?The maximum age limit is 56 years for both positions as per the recruitment guidelines.
What is the duration of deputation for Scientist D and E positions?The deputation period is up to four years for Scientist D and up to five years for Scientist E, including prior tenure.
Can private-sector researchers apply for DHR Scientist positions?No, only professionals from government, recognized institutions, or autonomous organizations are eligible for these deputation or short-term contract roles.
What documents are needed for the DHR Scientist application?Applicants need proof of service, qualification certificates, experience letters, and a properly filled application form endorsed by their parent department.
When is the next application deadline for Scientist D and E posts?The next cycle is expected around December; the exact deadline will be announced on the DHR official website.
