Position: Assistant Professor/Founding Faculty in Applied Virology & Molecular Diagnostics

Institutional Background: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is a nationally respected educational and cultural trust with a long standing tradition of academic excellence.

Bhavan’s College is launching a new Undergraduate Vocational Program in Applied Virology & Molecular Diagnostics from the academic year June 2026.

The program has been conceptualized in response to the growing global importance of viruses in human health, biotechnology, diagnostics, and global public health preparedness. Designed under the framework of the National Education Policy 2020, the curriculum integrates foundational biological sciences with practical training in molecular diagnostics, viral detection technologies, biosafety practices, and epidemiology of viral diseases.

This initiative aims to become one of Mumbai’s first undergraduate science programs focused on applied virology and molecular diagnostics, with strong emphasis on laboratory training, research exposure, and industry engagement. This program is designed to bridge academic training with industry and public health needs.

The institution is strengthening its microbiology and molecular biology laboratory facilities to support practical training and research in virology and related disciplines.

Applications are invited from motivated candidates for the position of Assistant Professor/Founding Faculty in Applied Virology, who will contribute to undergraduate teaching, laboratory development, and the academic growth of this new program and related activities.

Job Details:

Position: Assistant Professor/Founding Faculty – Applied Virology & Molecular Diagnostics

Department: Biological Sciences

Location: Bhavan’s College, Mumbai, India

Start Date: June 2026 (or earliest possible)

Key Responsibilities:

Teaching

1. Deliver undergraduate courses in virology, molecular biology, and molecular diagnostics
2. Design and conduct laboratory practicals aligned with the program curriculum
3. Mentor undergraduate student projects and research activities

Program Development

1. Contribute to the academic development and long-term growth of the Applied Virology program
2. Assist in establishing and strengthening virology and molecular diagnostics laboratory infrastructure
3. Participate in curriculum refinement in line with emerging developments in virology and
   biotechnology

Laboratory Development

1. Establish and maintain virology and molecular biology laboratory practices
2. Implement biosafety and laboratory quality standards
3. Support training in cell culture, viral detection techniques, and molecular diagnostics

Research

1. Develop research activities in viral diagnostics, molecular virology, or epidemiology of viral diseases
2. Publish research in peer-reviewed scientific journals
3. Encourage undergraduate participation in research projects
   
   

Academic Contribution

1. Organize workshops, seminars, and academic training programs
2. Build collaborations with research institutes, diagnostic laboratories, and biotechnology organizations

Assessment

1. Conduct student evaluations and academic assessments as per institutional and program
   requirements

Qualifications:

1. PhD in Virology/Microbiology/Molecular Biology/Biotechnology or related life science discipline
2. 3-5 years of teaching or research experience in virology, molecular diagnostics, or related areas preferred
3. Experience with cell culture and virus cultivation
4. Experience in biosafety laboratory work
5. Practical experience with PCR and viral diagnostic methods

Desired Skills:

1. Strong teaching and communication abilities
2. Experience in laboratory training of undergraduate students
3. Ability to mentor student research projects
4. Research orientation with potential for scientific publications
5. Interest in building and developing new academic programs

Remuneration:

1. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Nature of Appointment:

1. Initial 3-year contractual appointment, renewable based on performance, program continuity, and
   institutional requirements.

Benefits:

1. Opportunity to help establish and shape a new undergraduate program in Applied Virology
2. Access to microbiology and molecular biology laboratory facilities
3. Opportunities for collaborative research with diagnostic laboratories and research institutes
4. Support for academic development in the form of participation in conferences and workshops
5. Academic environment with scope for research publications and student mentorship
6. Provident Fund as per institutional policy
7. Paid academic leave as per institutional norms

Application Process:

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Statement of teaching and research interests
3. Contact details of two academic referees

Applications should be sent to:

1. zpbhathena@brcmicrobiology.in
2. sandhya_s10@brcmicrobiology.in

Application deadline:

30th April 2026 or open until filled.