NIPER Ahmedabad Recruitment 2026: Project Research Scientist Position in Pharmaceutical Drug Discovery

Exciting Career Opportunity in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Research

The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad, has announced a recruitment drive for highly qualified pharmaceutical scientists. The institute is actively hiring Project Research Scientists under a prestigious ICMR-funded research initiative focused on developing advanced cancer therapies.

This represents a significant career opportunity for pharmaceutical chemists and researchers seeking to contribute to cutting-edge drug discovery research.

About the Opportunity

NIPER-Ahmedabad, one of India’s premier pharmaceutical research institutions, is inviting applications for 2 positions of Project Research Scientist-III (Non-Medical) under an ICMR intermediate extramural research grant. This is a government-funded opportunity working on a specialized pharmaceutical project that addresses the urgent medical need for improved acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment options.

The position focuses on “Hit to Lead Optimization of Adamantane-Quinoxalone Hybrids for Precision Chemotherapy of Acute Myeloid Leukemia” (ICMR Project ID: IIRPIG-2025-01-00800), under the supervision of Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Associate Professor in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry. This project represents a critical advancement in precision oncology, combining computational chemistry strategies with experimental synthesis to develop targeted cancer therapeutics.

Position Details and Compensation

The recruitment advertisement details are as follows:

The salary structure of approximately ₹1,01,400 monthly (including house rent allowance) is competitive for research scientists in the pharmaceutical sector and reflects the specialized nature of the work. The position offers the potential for contract renewal for up to three additional years, making it a medium-term research opportunity suitable for scientists looking to build expertise in drug discovery.

Essential Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following mandatory criteria:

Educational Qualification:

• Postgraduate degree (including integrated PG programs) with a minimum of 5 years of post-qualification professional experience, OR
• PhD degree with a minimum of 2 years of post-qualification professional experience

Age Limit:

• Maximum 45 years as on the last date of application
• Age relaxation applicable as per ICMR norms

This eligibility structure ensures that the institute attracts experienced researchers with significant laboratory expertise, rather than entry-level candidates, thereby maintaining research quality standards.

Desired Qualifications and Expertise

While the above qualifications are essential, NIPER values candidates with additional specialized expertise:

Preferred Educational Background:

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or a closely related discipline
• First-class or equivalent grades in M.Sc., M.S. (Pharmacy), M.Pharm., or M.Tech. (Pharmacy) degrees

Core Technical Competencies:
The ideal candidate should demonstrate advanced skills in the following areas:

1. Organic Synthesis Expertise – Proficiency in designing and executing multi-step organic synthesis protocols for both carbocyclic and heterocyclic compounds
2. Drug Discovery Chemistry – Hands-on experience in synthesizing small-molecule candidates intended for pharmaceutical development
3. Transition-Metal Catalysis – Knowledge of modern catalytic transformations to enable efficient synthetic routes
4. C-H Bond Functionalization – Ability to work with contemporary methods for selective carbon-hydrogen bond modifications
5. Sustainable Chemistry – Experience with green chemistry principles and environmentally benign synthesis methodologies

These technical requirements align with contemporary pharmaceutical research standards, where efficiency, sustainability, and mechanistic understanding are paramount.

About the Research Project

The project—”Hit to Lead Optimization of Adamantane-Quinoxalone Hybrids for Precision Chemotherapy of Acute Myeloid Leukemia”—represents a significant advancement in cancer drug discovery. This initiative combines structure-based drug design with synthetic chemistry to develop novel hybrid molecules that may offer improved efficacy and reduced toxicity against acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a serious hematologic malignancy.

The “Hit to Lead” phase in drug discovery is critical; it involves optimizing promising chemical compounds (hits) into viable drug candidates (leads) that meet pharmaceutical criteria for efficacy, safety, and manufacturability. The Adamantane-Quinoxalone hybrid approach represents a novel medicinal chemistry strategy aimed at achieving better therapeutic outcomes for AML patients.

This project is funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), signifying its importance to the national pharmaceutical and medical research agenda. Working on this project would provide researchers the opportunity to contribute to cancer therapeutics development while strengthening India’s capacity in precision oncology research.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Application Timeline:

• Application Deadline: February 5, 2026
• Application Mode: Online only (via Google Form)

Application Instructions:

1. Access the Application Form: Visit the official Google Form link: https://forms.gle/ETiwggKAovcwUbTb9
2. Complete Online Application: Fill all mandatory fields accurately, including personal details, educational qualifications, work experience, and technical expertise
3. Submit Within Deadline: Ensure your form submission is completed before 11:59 PM on February 5, 2026
4. Prepare Documentation: Arrange original copies of:
   • Educational certificates and mark sheets
   • Degree documents (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
   • Experience certificates from previous employers
   • Proof of application submission
   • Any relevant research publications or technical certifications

Post-Application Process:

• Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email regarding the next screening stage
• The selection process may include online or offline interviews
• Candidates must produce original documents during the verification stage
• A copy of the application proof must be presented with original documents
• No Travel Allowance (TA) or Daily Allowance (DA) will be provided for attending interviews

Important Terms and Conditions

Prospective applicants should be aware of the following conditions:

1. Position Nature: This is a temporary, contractual position with tenure co-terminus to the project duration
2. Performance-Based Renewal: Extensions beyond the initial year are contingent on satisfactory annual performance evaluations and continued project funding
3. Application Validity: Only applications submitted through the official Google Form link will be accepted; applications through other channels will be rejected
4. Verification Requirements: All original certificates must be produced at the time of verification; incomplete documentation may lead to disqualification
5. Code of Conduct: Any form of canvassing, unfair means, or misconduct will result in immediate disqualification
6. Communication: All further updates will be sent to the provided email address; candidates should monitor their email regularly

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Pharmaceutical chemists with 5+ years of industrial or academic research experience
• Research scientists transitioning from pharmaceutical companies to academic research environments
• Doctoral researchers with strong synthetic chemistry backgrounds seeking to lead research teams
• Drug discovery professionals interested in contributing to cancer therapeutics development
• Postdoctoral researchers looking for stable, medium-term research positions in premier institutions

The position offers intellectual challenges, exposure to cutting-edge pharmaceutical research methodologies, and the prestige of working with a nationally recognized research institute.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the recruitment process or project details, candidates may reach out through:

• Email: rolling.recruitment@niperahm.res.in
• Institution Website: NIPER Ahmedabad Official Portal
• Application Portal: https://forms.gle/ETiwggKAovcwUbTb9

Conclusion

This NIPER Ahmedabad recruitment represents a meaningful opportunity for experienced pharmaceutical scientists to contribute to cancer drug discovery research while advancing their professional careers. With competitive compensation, the potential for contract extension, and exposure to contemporary pharmaceutical research methodologies, this position aligns well with the aspirations of dedicated researchers in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.

Interested candidates are encouraged to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria, prepare comprehensive applications, and submit through the official channel before the February 5, 2026 deadline. For those meeting the required qualifications and possessing the desired technical expertise, this opportunity could be a pivotal step in a rewarding pharmaceutical research career.