This Expression of Interest is for regular DHR/ICMR medical scientists seeking tenure-based deployment at Model Rural Health Research Units (MRHRUs). It is not an open direct-recruitment advertisement for the general public. Interested eligible scientists must send the prescribed signed EOI through the proper channel by 6 November 2026.
Who can apply?
The EOI is limited to regular scientists in the DHR/ICMR cadre with a medical background; MBBS/MD in Community Medicine is preferred. Scientist-D and Scientist-E are preferred; Scientist-C with relevant field-research experience may also be considered. The eligibility criteria include demonstrated experience in public-health research, epidemiology, clinical and implementation research.
Deployment details
| Item | Official details |
|---|---|
| Reference | ICMRHQ/R&PCell/Sci.Rec./Misc./2026; E-File 296490 |
| Assignment | In-charge / Lead Scientist at an MRHRU |
| Tenure | Maximum five years, on a rotatory basis |
| Location | MRHRUs; candidates indicate preferred unit(s)/location(s) |
| Vacancy count | Not specified. The background count of 39 established MRHRUs is not a count of advertised vacancies. |
| Upper age and fee | Not specified in the checked EOI |
| Pay | No fixed new salary is quoted; service benefits, HRA and financial provisions continue under applicable ICMR rules |
| Deadline | 6 November 2026; no closing hour specified |
| Notice language | English |
Selection
An independent committee considers candidates on a merit-cum-choice basis. Earlier performance assessments and publication equivalents are also considered. The notice does not announce a written-test or interview date.
Submission steps
- Use Annexure 1 in the official PDF. State preferred MRHRU locations, present designation/institute, education, service details, expertise and experience.
- Attach the requested research/publication details and community/population-based study experience, including the last-five-years information specified in Annexure 1, publication equivalents and the 200-word statement on your vision for leading an MRHRU.
- Send the signed, completed form with supporting documents through the proper channel to Ao.rpcell@icmr.gov.in by 6 November 2026.
The EOI also says submission within 30 days of issue, while its issue-date field is incomplete (‘Date: .10.2026’). The cover also carries a digital signature dated 7 October 2026. Its cover letter and submission section both give the explicit 6 November 2026 deadline. Do not calculate a different deadline from the incomplete date. It says hard copies may be sent to the Assistant Director General (Recruitment), ICMR, V. Ramalingaswamy Bhawan, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi – 110029; do not portray hard copy as an alternative that replaces the required email.
Official links
Related recruitment
For a separate direct-recruitment notice, see ICMR-NIE Chennai scientific vacancies. Its eligibility and application process are different from this internal MRHRU EOI.
Official source checked: 8 October 2026. Later official corrigenda take precedence.