Ramalingaswami Fellowship in Biotechnology

Department of Biotechnology Ramalingaswami Fellowship

The Department of Biotechnology has instituted a scheme known as “Ramalingaswami Fellowship” for scientists of Indian origin who are working outside the country in various fields of biotechnology, life sciences, bio-engineering and translational health science and all other related disciplines, and who are interested in taking up scientific research positions in India. Ramalingaswami fellows could work in any of the scientific institutions / universities in the country and would also be eligible for regular research grant through extramural and other research schemes of various S&T agencies of the Govt. of India.

SCOPE:
All areas of life sciences & biotechnology, bio-engineering, health Care (human and animal) and bio- energy will be covered under this fellowship.

ELIGIBILITY:
i) The fellowship is open to scientists, physician researchers and bio-engineers from all over the world.
ii) The applicant should possess a higher degree or equivalent, such as PhD in life sciences/ agriculture, bioinformatics, engineering, masters in engineering or technology/ medicine etc. and have adequate professional experience.
iii) Fellowships are very selective and applicants who have a proven/ outstanding track record as evident from research publications and recognitions would be eligible.
iv) In case a fellow is offered permanent position, He/She can only avail either fellowship or salary at a given time

NUMBER and DURATION: 15 fellowship per year would be awarded. The duration of the fellowship will be for a period of five years. In exceptional cases, the duration of the award may be extended by additional 5 years.

NATURE OF SUPPORT:
* The amount of the fellowship will be of Rs.75,000/- (consolidated), non-taxable per month
* Each awardee will, in addition, receive a contingency of Rs.500,000 per annum for purchase of consumables, minor equipment, international and domestic travel, engaging project staff and other contingent expenditure to be incurred in connection with the implementation of the project.
* The Ramalingaswami fellows will be eligible for regular Research Grants through the extramural and other research schemes of various S&T agencies of the Government of India. In that case, the Co-PI should be a regular faculty member.

OTHER SUPPORT:
* In addition, the awardee may negotiate for housing, leave travel concession, medical benefits and other benefits applicable to regular faculty of the Institute University.

MODE FOR SELECTION:
• Awardees can choose to work at any S&T institution including University Departments or other academic Institutions and National Laboratories in India, provided the Institution at which they wish to pursue research is willing to provide the necessary R&D, administrative and basic infrastructural support to facilitate research.
• DBT will also facilitate collaborative work with biotech industry upon request by the scientist during their work period in the institutes / university.
• Selection of Ramalingaswami Fellows will be made periodically by an empowered Selection Committee specially appointed for the purpose.
• The applications of scientists and technologists duly forwarded by the host Institutions would be received against an advertisement.

Last date to apply-: 31st July 2009
For more info & application visit-: http://dbtindia.nic.in/