The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) is one of India’s premier research institutes focused on the fields of genomics, molecular medicine, bioinformatics, and systems biology. Established in 1977 in Delhi as the Centre for Biochemical Technology, it was later renamed as IGIB in 2002. The institute plays a key role in advancing India’s research capabilities in modern biology. Read more to know about CSIR Delhi recruitment opportunities and more.
Overview of IGIB
IGIB’s mission is to conduct high-quality multidisciplinary research that applies modern tools of biotechnology to understand life processes at a molecular and systems level. The institute aims to harness this knowledge towards developing affordable healthcare solutions as well as addressing India’s unique bioresources and biodiversity.
With over 400 scientists and technical staff working in over 30 state-of-the-art laboratories, IGIB is home to one of the most advanced genomics and proteomics research facilities in India. Key focus areas at IGIB include genomics, molecular design, proteomics, structural biology, computational biology, cell biology, and infectious diseases biology. The institute also houses high-performance computing facilities and core platforms for advanced technologies like next-generation sequencing, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, imaging, transgenic and gene targeting, and more.
IGIB has a strong academic program and offers MSc, MTech, and PhD degrees in various disciplines of modern biology and bioinformatics. The institute also plays a leading role in national and international research collaborations, working closely with premier institutions globally as well as with the Indian industry to translate its research into products and technologies that benefit society.
Major Research Initiatives
IGIB is at the forefront of several cutting-edge research programs that have both national and global impact. Some key initiatives include:
- Human Genome Project: IGIB was an early partner in the global effort to sequence the entire human genome. Its contributions helped provide the first human genome draft sequence for the Indian population.
- Tuberculosis: IGIB has done pioneering work in understanding the biology and pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This has aided development of affordable diagnostics and drug discovery for TB.
- Infectious Diseases Biology: IGIB studies mechanism and genetics of other major infectious diseases like malaria, HIV, dengue, hepatitis, etc. as well as antibacterial resistance.
- Cancer Research: Ongoing research focuses on cancer genomics, epigenetics, cell signaling, biomarkers and drug targets across various cancer types.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Studies examine the molecular genetics and genomics of cardiovascular diseases in the Indian population.
- Neurodegenerative Diseases: Research on neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, motor neuron disease, aims to identify diagnostic markers and drug targets.
- Plant Biology and Crop Improvement: Projects utilize genomics tools for improving drought tolerance, yield, nutritional quality etc. in various crops like rice, mustard, tomato etc.
- Environmental Biotechnology: Novel approaches using microbes are developed for bioremediation and bioenergy applications.
- Technology Development: IGIB has pioneered indigenous tools and databases for genomics, proteomics, metabolomics as well as for structural biology.
Notable Contributions
Over the decades, IGIB scientists have made several globally significant research contributions, including:
- First demonstration of stem cells in human embryo.
- Elucidation of molecular mechanisms of oral cancer; identified biomarkers.
- Development of improved diagnostics for tuberculosis.
- Genome analysis revealed distinct genetic architecture of Indian populations.
- Identified new diagnostic markers for acute myocardial infarction.
- Developed transgenic tomato with enhanced shelf-life.
- Novel discoveries related to malaria parasite biology and host interactions.
- Designed potential therapeutic molecules for diabetes.
- Discovered Indian-specific gut microbial profiles.
- Developed proteomics protocols for rapid infectious disease identification.
- Created curated databases and analysis portals for human microbes, proteomics data, transgenic resources etc.
Partnerships and Collaborations
IGIB has forged extensive national and global partnerships and networks to augment its research and development capabilities.
Some key collaborations include:
- Partnerships with CSIR labs across India in areas like new drug discovery, agri-biotech etc.
- Ties with premier Indian research institutions like IITs, AIIMS, NII etc. for joint programs in genomics, bioinformatics, infectious diseases etc.
- Collaboration with private sector like Piramal, L&T, Panacea Biotech for translation of leads into diagnostics and therapeutics.
- International partnerships with institutions across the USA, Europe, Australia, Japan, Brazil etc.
- Alliances with pharma majors like AstraZeneca, Merck, Pfizer, GSK etc. to tap research synergies.
- Partners in global consortiums on TB, malaria, microbiome, human genome, GM crops etc.
- Networks with WHO, UN organizations for advancing healthcare solutions globally.
Societal Impact
As CSIR’s nodal laboratory for genomics and molecular medicine, IGIB aims to harness modern life science tools to improve public health and food security. Some key contributions include:
– Pioneering research on oral cancer leading to affordable diagnosis and novel insights on disease mechanisms.
– TB diagnostic kits and leads for new TB drugs developed with affordable pricing for Indian and global healthcare needs.
– Genetic testing for cardiovascular diseases and high-altitude maladies.
– Mosquito control approaches like Wolbachia to tackle vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria etc.
– Molecular markers and germplasm for climate-resilient crops with enhanced yield, shelf-life, nutrition etc.
– Pollutant-degrading and renewable biofuel producing microbial strains.
– Genomics insights and databases to study population migration patterns, disease susceptibility etc.
– Policy inputs for national biotech development, regulation of GM crops, vaccines etc. based on genomics science.
– Hands-on training programs across India to build capacity in modern biology tools and techniques.
Here is a piece with information on job, research assistant, and internship opportunities at CSIR-IGIB along with details on how to apply:
Research and Career Opportunities at CSIR-IGIB
The CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) offers multiple research and career avenues for students, researchers and professionals across various disciplines of modern biology, bioinformatics, and allied areas.
CSIR Delhi Recruitment Job Opportunities
IGIB recruits scientists, technical officers and support staff on a regular basis through national level recruitments for its scientific divisions and administrative cadres. These positions help support the various research projects and core facilities at IGIB.
Typical designations include:
- Scientist Positions: For PhD qualified candidates in areas like genomics, structural biology, cell biology, biophysics, bioinformatics, biochemistry etc.
- Technical Officer Positions: For MSc/BTech qualified candidates with specializations in relevant areas.
- Technical Assistant Positions: For graduates in science/computer science.
- Administrative Positions: In areas like finance, procurement, HR, public relations etc.
Vacancy announcements are published on the CSIR and IGIB websites. Applications are accepted online along with eligibility verification. Shortlisted candidates go through a selection process comprising written test and interviews.
Research Assistantships
IGIB has a vibrant PhD and integrated MS-PhD program in diverse areas of modern biology and bioinformatics. Research assistantships are offered to meritorious students who qualify through a national entrance exam followed by an interview. Selected candidates work under the guidance of faculty members on cutting-edge research topics.
The institute also offers junior and senior research fellowships (JRF/SRF) linked to various funded projects handled by IGIB scientists. JD/MSc qualified candidates can apply for these positions as per vacancy announcements.
Internships at CSIR Delhi
IGIB encourages UG/PG students from science backgrounds to undertake short-term summer/winter research internships at the institute under scientist mentors. This provides hands-on research exposure in advanced genomics, proteomics, structural biology and other technologies.
Stipends are provided in certain cases. Students can browse ongoing projects on the IGIB website and contact potential guides to apply for relevant openings.
Happy to contribute to one health approach to AMR and it’s challenges in animal origin food value chain organised by @FollowCII and @cii_face . Let’s make it reality.@rajesh_gokhale @draghafur @IGIBSocial pic.twitter.com/XJRwcXvmMs
— Vijay Pal Singh (VPS) 🇮🇳 (@drvpsinghvet) November 3, 2022
Application Process
For job openings, candidates need to apply online as per the advertised position, eligibility criteria and selection process.
For PhD/research assistantships, students must take the national level joint CSIR-UGC NET exam conducted twice a year. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed.
Internship applications are accepted year-round directly by guide scientists based on available projects, student background and interests.
To conclude, IGIB provides exciting career avenues for students and professionals looking to build expertise in frontier areas of biology and biotechnology. By regularly visiting the CSIR website and recruitment portals, aspirants can apply for suitable job, research or internship opportunities.