The Programme “Chief Minister’s Career Advancement in Biotechnology (CM-CAB)” aims at providing opportunities to Young Faculty and Scientists in Biotechnology to have national and/or international collaborative research training and exposure to advanced techniques and technologies in emerging fields of biotechnology. The fellowship is envisaged to help the candidate further his/her research capability and expertise to contribute to higher education with a global perspective as well as to forge long-term relationships with distinguished experts in these fields.
Fellowship Duration
- For institutions abroad: The fellowship duration is 3-6 months.
- For institutions within India: The fellowship duration is 3-12 months.
Host Institution :The applicant must submit a consent letter from the Host faculty/scientist who agrees to host the fellow in their institution or laboratory, detailing the facilities they will extend for the fellow’s proposed work.
Terms and Conditions of the Fellowship
- A progress report must be submitted every six months to the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE/KBC), along with remarks from the host institution.
- Upon completion of the fellowship, a detailed research report and audited statements must be submitted to KSCSTE/KBC.
- If the fellow wishes to discontinue the fellowship before completing the tenure, they must submit their resignation and explain the reasons. The fellow will then be required to refund the expenditure incurred by KSCSTE/KBC during the fellowship.
- Fellows must inform KSCSTE/KBC of any achievements, patents, or publications arising from their research during the fellowship. Proper acknowledgment of KSCSTE/KBC should be made in all related publications or patents.
Benefits
- Fellowship:
- USD 1500 per month (converted into equivalent Indian Rupees) for institutions abroad.
- ₹50,000 per month for institutions within India.
- Contingency Grant: A grant for expenses related to local travel, VISA fees, insurance, etc., up to a maximum of ₹50,000.
Eligibility
- Permanent employees of academic or research institutes in Kerala.
- The candidate must be officially sponsored by their employer to undertake research/training under CM-CAB.
- A Ph.D. degree in biotechnology-related subjects is required.
- A proven record of independent research, evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals and patents.
- Age Limit: Maximum age of 37 years (with a relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and/or women candidates).
Note: The pay and allowances during the fellowship period will be borne by the institution.
Application Process
Online Application
- Step 1: Submit applications in the prescribed format when the program is advertised on the KSCSTE website.
- Step 2: Applications will be screened for eligibility, peer-reviewed, and shortlisted.
- Step 3: Shortlisted candidates will appear for a discussion with a committee of experts, and the final selection will be based on:
- Scientific merit of the proposal
- Applicant’s experience
- Publications
- Infrastructure of the host institution
- Step 4: Selected candidates will need to execute an agreement and must join the host institution within three months.
Contact Details
- Scientist-in-charge, Kerala Bio-Technology Commission, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
- Address: Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004
- Phone: (0471) 2548406, 2548254
- Email: [email protected]
Documents Required
- Identity proof of applicant (Aadhaar card, voter ID card, etc.)
- Passport size photographs
- Proof of age
- Community certificate, if applicable
- Educational certificates
- Details of the Project/Research work
- Experience certificate, if any
- Details of publications
- Consent letter from the host faculty/scientist
- Any other required document
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is this program being undertaken?
Research training in biotechnology is meant to be given to young academics and scientists so they may improve their capacity for research by means of national and worldwide partnerships.
Q2: Of this program, which is the implementing agency?
The implemented agencies are the Kerala Biotechnology Commission (KBC) and the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (KSCSTE).
Q3: Under the program, who qualifies to reap rewards?
Qualified are faculty members and researchers having a Ph.D. in biotechnology and a track record of success. They have to be committed workers of Kerala’s academic or research institutes.
Q4: Under the plan, what is the highest age limit to apply?
General candidates have a maximum age of 37 years; women candidates and SC/ST candidates have five years of relaxation.
Q5: Under the plan is there any age relaxation?
Indeed, women candidates and SC/ST have a five-year break.
Q6: For what minimum qualification one must apply for the program?
One must have a Ph.D. in disciplines connected to biotechnology.
Q7: Should the host university be outside India, how much would the candidates get paid?
Paid will USD 1500 monthly, translated to Indian Rupees.
Q8: Should the host institution be within India, how much would the candidates be paid?
Monthly fellowship grant will be ₹50,000.
Q9: Under the scheme, what will the contingency grant pay be?
For things like insurance, VISA fees, and local travel, the contingency grant runs up to ₹50,000.
Q10: The fellowship lasts what length of time?
For overseas host universities, the fellowship runs three to six months; for institutions inside India, it runs three to twelve months.
Q11: How might a candidate apply for the program?
Applicants must apply via the KSCSTE website during program advertising.
Q12: Where might an applicant get in touch about this program?
Candidates may get in touch with the KBC at the above specified address and email address.