DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Embryologist:
The job role involves processing samples for artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo transfer, and cryopreservation of genetic material such as sperm, eggs, and embryos. Expertise in semen processing, ovum screening, denudation, dish preparation, fertilization checks, embryo assessment, and vitrification is essential. Duties include collection of gametes, studying sperm DNA fragmentation, monitoring developmental stages of embryos, and conducting hormone assays and cryopreservation of tissues is needed. The Embryologist will collaborate with veterinarians, Biologist, animal section facilitating biobanking of bio-samples, supporting breeding efforts, and contribute to species recovery initiatives in adherence to ethical standards. Detailed record-keeping, report writing and sharing findings with the scientific community are key components of the role.

Senior Research Fellow:
The role involves collection of bio-samples and using advanced techniques in microbiology, molecular biology to identify pathogens, studying zoonotic diseases, and performing ELISA tests to assess reproductive health, carryout parasitological, histopathological test of morbid samples and maintaining a fully equipped laboratory. He/she will collaborate with biologists, sanctuary management team and veterinarians, for developing and implementing disease surveillance protocols, to enhance animal care and management. The position also involves mentoring staff, analyse molecular and microbiological data using basic bioinformatics tools, prepare research reports, applying research findings to support breeding and conservation programs for endangered species.

Junior Research Fellow:
The Junior Research Fellow required to collect samples and undertake required laboratory analysis (including parasitological, microbiological, hormonal, molecular assays etc.) to refine the protocols of conservation breeding programme and submit reports of the work done. He/she should work closely with senior researchers, biologists, veterinarians & zoo staffs to integrate research findings into disease diagnosis and zoo animal welfare. The Junior Research Fellow also required to associate with Field Biologist for ecological studies to collect samples from field and stay at night in the Pangolin Conservation Breeding Centre, Nandankanan (PCBC) to study nocturnal behaviour of Indian pangolins, whenever needed. It includes behavioural observation of pangolins to study the activity pattern, interaction between pangolins to assess compatibility, and maintaining meticulous record of mating behaviour, behaviour of pregnant females, nursing mothers and pangolin infants.

Age:
Upper age limit is 35 years as on O1.O1.2O25, relaxable up to 5 years in case of SC/ST and upto 3 years in case of SEBC candidates. Other Conditions:

Other Conditions:

1. Duration: The employment/contract of the above 3 posts: Embryologist, Senior Research Fellow and Junior Research Fellow is for a period upto twelve (12) months. The appointee will be engaged on probation for three (3) months. The engagement may be renewed after the probation period, in case the Nandankanan Authority decides to continue with the engagement.
2. Working hours: They are expected to be on duty when in the Centre for Conservation Research and Training (CCRT) at zoo opening to zoo closing hours. In case of Junior Research Fellow, he/she may have to work in assigned the working hours as per the need of assigned work at CCRT/PCBC. The candidate may be required to work on off days and beyond duty hours on the discretion of the Deputy Director, Nandankanan Zoological Park.
3. Leave: They are allowed for one day weekly off and 15 days casual leave per year with prior permission of Nandankanan Zoological Park Authority.
4. Remuneration: Remuneration is all inclusive of House Rent Allowance and other benefits. Expenses for travel and lodging will be paid as per the discretion of Nandankanan Zoological Park Authority for work related travels.
5. The park is under no obligation to continue the engagement and may discontinue the engagement with one (1) month prior notice, without assigning any reason thereof.
6. They will not use any data related to and collected for the study for commercial purpose. All scientific papers and reports will be owned by Nandankanan Zoological Park. No outside publication in any short of online/offline platform is allowed unless specially approved by the Project Investigations. Any data in any form recorded in personal mobile phone/camera should be immediately and as soon as possible transferred to a hard disk or computer of Nandankanan Zoological Park and no data related to the Park and the Project should be kept in personal mobile phones and cameras.
7. They will not disclose any data related to and collected for the programme for commercial purposes. The park should be acknowledged in any publications/presentation/research articles made regarding the study. All materials produced or acquired under the terms of engagement written, digital, pictures, films, graphics or other forms, shall remain the property of Nandankanan Zoological Park. The appointee shall not have any right to use such knowledge outside the engagement without prior written permission of the Nandankanan Zoological Park Authority. No such data should be copied by appointee without authorization.
8. They will not disclose any information related to the Park and the research project to outside personnel. All knowledge and information not within the public domain which may be acquired during the project, shall be for all time and for all purpose, regarded as strictly confidential and held in confidence and shall not be directly or indirectly disclosed to any person whatsoever, except with the written permission of the Deputy Director.
9. The engagement is subject to the conditions specified in the agreement to be signed by the selected candidate.

Selection procedure:

The model application form is available on the Nandankanan website i.e. www.nandankanan.org. For any quarry related to application & qualification, Description of work etc Dr. Rajesh Mohapatra, Biologist, Nandankanan can be contacted on Mobile No.9438918583 between 10.00AM to 5.30PM on working days. The candidates shall apply online on or before 25.01.2025 with duly filled-in applications with self-attested true copies of educational qualifications, research/laboratory experience, publications, proof for date of birth, category etc., along with 'No Objection Certificate' from present employer (if employed) to Conference hall of Nandankanan Zoological Park.

After scrutiny of the application form and credentials, the short-listed candidates will be allowed for interview. The selection of the applicant will be based on the academic qualification, interview performance, experience, and merit of the applicant. A merit list will be prepared considering top five suitable candidates for both the posts, which will be valid for 1 year. In case of non-joining/termination/resignation of 1st selected candidate, subsequent candidate in the merit list will be given offer to join. The Director, Nandankanan Biological Park reserves the right to select or reject candidature including cancellation of the advertisement without assigning any reason thereof.

For application queries, the candidate may contact in the following modes:

Dr. Rajesh K. Mohapatra, Biologist, Nandankanan can be contacted on Mobile No. 9438918583 between 10.00AM to 5.30PM on working days.