Research Assistant - Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (PU)

About This Job

The Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (IMMG) at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, has announced an opening for a Research Assistant to work on a university-funded research project. The project, titled "Assessing Environmental Determinants of Childhood Stunting in Urban Communities of Lahore," is being carried out under the Punjab University Research Development Grant (URDG) scheme and is headed by Prof. Dr. Nousheen Zahra Zaidi as Principal Investigator. The position is a single vacancy offered on a purely project basis for a period of five months, giving an early-career microbiology researcher the opportunity to contribute to an applied public-health study examining how environmental conditions in Lahore's urban neighborhoods affect childhood nutrition and growth outcomes. As a project-funded studentship rather than a permanent university appointment, the role is best suited to a PhD scholar looking to combine hands-on laboratory and field research with an ongoing academic program.

To be eligible, applicants must have completed an M.Phil. or MS degree in Microbiology and must currently be enrolled as a PhD student — the advertisement does not accept candidates who are not already pursuing doctoral studies. While there is no rigid experience requirement, the selection committee has indicated a preference for candidates who bring relevant, hands-on exposure to children's nutrition assessment using WHO Anthro Plus software, GIS-based spatial analysis techniques, and broader public-health and epidemiological research methods. Familiarity with microbiological analysis of drinking-water samples, along with practical experience in field water sampling and sample handling, will also count in an applicant's favour, since the project's environmental-determinants focus draws directly on these skills. The advertisement is open to both male and female applicants, with no domicile restriction specified.

Interested candidates should send a complete application, along with an updated CV and attested copies of all relevant educational documents, by post to Prof. Dr. Nousheen Zahra Zaidi, Principal Investigator, PU Project, at the Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore. Applications must reach the Institute during office hours on or before the closing date of 30 September 2026; any application received after this date will not be entertained, so early submission by mail is strongly advised. There is no application fee mentioned for this posting. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, and no travelling or daily allowance (TA/DA) will be admissible for attending it. Because the position is entirely funded through the research project, its continuation — and any renewal beyond the initial five-month term — will depend on the availability of project funds going forward.

Job Information

Commission / Board

University of the Punjab

Place of posting

Lahore

City

Lahore

Postal Code

54000

Domicile

All Punjab Basis

Age (Male)

18–35 years

Age (Female)

18–35 years

Salary / BPS

As per project terms, subject to availability of project funds

Contract duration

05 months

Advt. date

17 September 2026

Last date

30 September 2026

Qualification Required

• Qualification: M.Phil./MS in Microbiology; candidate must be enrolled as a Ph.D. student.
• Experience: Preference given to candidates with related research experience in children's nutrition assessment through WHO Anthro Plus Software, GIS-based spatial analysis, public health research and epidemiological research, microbiological analysis of drinking water samples, and field water sampling and sample handling.

Posts Breakdown

Important Dates

1. Advertisement Published17 September 2026
2. Last Date to Apply30 September 2026

How to Apply

1. Send application along with CV and copies of relevant educational documents by post to Prof. Dr. Nousheen Zahra Zaidi, Principal Investigator, PU Project, Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore.
2. Applications must reach the Institute during office hours on or before 30.09.2026.
3. Applications received after the due date will not be entertained.
4. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.
5. No TA/DA will be admissible for the interview.

Additional Details

Funding Note

Studentship is purely project-based and its continuation is subject to availability of project funds.

Contact Person

Prof. Dr. Nousheen Zahra Zaidi, Principal Investigator, PU Project

Funding Scheme

Punjab University Research Development Grant (URDG)

Selection Note

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview; no TA/DA will be admissible for the interview.

Research Project Title

Assessing Environmental Determinants of Childhood Stunting in Urban Communities of Lahore

Share This Job

Know someone eligible for this post? Share it with them.