VACANCY NOTICE
Publish Date: 6th November, 2026
Project Name: Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Gut Microbiome Composition and Metabolic Health in Overweight and Obese Indian Adults: A Randomized Controlled Study
Position Code: IIPHG/REC/2026-27/138
Position Title: Project Research Scientist-III (Non Medical)
No. of Posts: 02 (Two)
Location: IIPH Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Duration of Position: 11 Months
Brief on the Organization:
Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG) is a University established under IIPHG Act, 2015 of Gujarat State. It offers courses in the field of Public Health. It also undertakes various research projects in the field of Public Health. The university is established by Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) with support from the Government of Gujarat, Department of Health & Family Welfare.
Project Brief
This project is a randomized controlled trial in overweight and obese Indian adults that examines how structured intermittent fasting influences gut microbiome composition, gut-derived metabolites and cardiometabolic health, with the aim of understanding the biological mechanisms behind its benefits and informing future precision nutrition strategies. Funded under the ICMR Anveshan Extramural Grants.
Deliverables:
• Overall project coordination and day-to-day implementation of the RCT as per protocol and SOPs
• Delivery of the intermittent fasting intervention and standard lifestyle counselling; dietary assessment and adherence monitoring
• Managing biological sample workflows (collection, processing, storage, transport) and coordinating microbiome (16S rRNA) and metabolite (LPS, SCFAs, TMAO) analyses with collaborating laboratories
• Data quality assurance, database management and statistical / bioinformatic analysis of datasets; preparation of progress reports, ethics/CTRI documentation and manuscripts
• Any other activities as assigned by the Pl or Supervisor.
Qualification: (Minimum)
Minimum: (as per ICMR norms):
(1) Post-graduate degree (including integrated PG degree) with 5 years’ experience, or Ph.D.;
(2) For Engineering / IT / CS: first-class four-year graduate degree with 5 years’ experience.
Qualification and experience should be in a relevant discipline (Nutrition / Dietetics / Public Health / Life Sciences / Biotechnology / Microbiology / Biochemistry / Biostatistics or related) from an institution of repute.
Desirable: Ph.D. with research experience in clinical trials, nutrition or microbiome / metabolic research; publications in SCI-indexed journals.
Experience:
Minimum: As per the essential qualification above; experience should have been gained after acquiring the minimum essential qualification.
Desirable: Experience in conducting RCTs, handling biological samples and dietary assessment; knowledge of 16S microbiome data analysis (QIIME2 / R) and longitudinal / multivariable statistical analysis (R, STATA, Python).
Other Requirements:
Travel & Place Percentage of travel :
liasioning Requirement :
Coordination with collaborating laboratories and departments
Report Writing & Documentation :
Yes - progress reports and manuscript writing required
Operational Requirement :
Intervention delivery, sample workflows and data quality
Computer Knowledge :
MS Office; R / STATA / Python / QIIME2 (desirable)
Last Date of Receipt of Applications: 15th November, 2026.
Remarks:
• Interested and eligible candidates are requested on apply online at https://iiphg.edu.in/work-with-us/.
• Please select the Name of the Post “Project Research Scientist-III (Non Medical)” OR Position Code (IIPHG-REC-2026-27-138) in the subject.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview.
• Mere eligibility will not entitle any candidate being called for interview.
• Candidates applying for more than one post are required to submit separate application for each post.
• Call letters to the shortlisted applicants shall be sent by email. No postal
• communication shall be made.
• Incomplete applications, shall be summarily rejected and no communication in this regard shall be entertained.
• No TA / DA will be paid to attend the selection process, if called for.
• Persons employed in Government/Semi-Government Organization or Educational Institutions in India must apply through proper channel.
• IIPHG reserves the right to fill or not to fill any or all available positions.
• The requirements of minimum qualification and/or experience may be relaxed in the case of candidates with outstanding credentials.
• No correspondence will be entertained from candidates regarding any delays, conduct & result of interview and reasons for not being called for interview.
• Women are encouraged to apply.