Pioneering Research Opportunity at IIT Kanpur: Project Technical Support – III in Dengue Virus Genomics

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, consistently ranked among India’s top technical institutions, announces an exciting opportunity for highly motivated and skilled individuals to join a crucial public health research project.

The Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering (BSBE) is seeking applications for a purely temporary position of Project Technical Support – III under an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) funded initiative.

The Project: Deciphering Dengue Immunity

This project, titled “Mapping dengue virus (DENV) serotype-specific neutralizing epitopes on envelope E protein by deep mutational scanning,” is a high-impact study aiming to precisely identify the sites on the Dengue Virus (DENV) Envelope (E) protein that are crucial targets for the human immune system’s neutralizing antibodies.

Deep Mutational Scanning (DMS) is a cutting-edge technique that will be leveraged to systematically assess the impact of thousands of mutations on the E protein’s function and recognition by antibodies. The findings are expected to be pivotal for the rational design of next-generation Dengue vaccines and therapeutics, offering protection against the four distinct DENV serotypes that cause this debilitating mosquito-borne disease.

The research will be conducted at the state-of-the-art facilities within the BSBE Department, IIT Kanpur, under the guidance of Dr. Anusmita Sahoo, Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator.

Position Details

Role and Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a critical part of the research team, responsible for the execution of complex laboratory protocols essential for the project’s success. This is an excellent opportunity for hands-on experience in advanced virology and molecular techniques.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Molecular Biology related work: Execution of DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, cloning, and related genetic manipulation techniques relevant to deep mutational scanning library preparation.
• Cell-culture work: Maintenance of mammalian and insect cell lines, crucial for virus propagation and expression of the DENV E protein.
• Protein purification: Utilizing chromatographic and other techniques to isolate and purify the Envelope E protein for downstream assays.
• Immunoassays: Performing assays such as ELISA, Western blotting, and neutralization assays to characterize the immune responses.
• Sample processing: Handling and preparation of clinical or experimental samples with strict adherence to safety and ethical guidelines.

Essential Qualification Requirements:

Candidates must possess qualifications and experience as per ICMR/DHR guidelines:

• Three Years Graduate in a relevant subject/field + Three Years ExperienceOR
• Postgraduate (PG) degree in a relevant Subject/FieldOR
• For Engineering/IT/CS: First Class Four Year Graduate Degree + Three Years Experience

Application Procedure

The position is purely temporary, and applicants are strongly encouraged to apply well before the deadline.

Deadline for Application Submission: October 27, 2025

Application Submission Protocol:

1. Prepare your latest Bio-Data (CV), ensuring it is duly signed.
2. Compile photocopies of all supporting documents (certificates, testimonials) verifying date of birth, academic qualifications, and work experience.
3. Email the signed Bio-Data and supporting documents to BOTH the following email addresses:
   • asahoo@iitk.ac.in
   • anusmita.sahoo@gmail.com
4. The Subject Line of the email is mandatory and must read: “Project technical Support application”

Note: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview process. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to fix the criteria for screening the applications.

Join the dynamic research environment at IIT Kanpur and contribute to science that saves lives!