Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a premier educational institution, is inviting applications for two Project Technical Support – III positions. These roles are part of an exciting ICMR-funded project focused on AI-driven wearable biomarker validation for sleep disruption in major depressive disorder. This project offers a unique opportunity to work in a cross-species translational framework, providing invaluable experience in both clinical and research settings.
Description
The project, led by Prof. Samir Kumar Praharaj and Dr. Pavan Kumar Agrawal, aims to explore the intersection of neuroscience and technology. Successful candidates will contribute to groundbreaking research that bridges behavioral neuroscience and clinical applications. This initiative not only advances scientific understanding but also offers candidates the chance to pursue a PhD at MAHE, subject to eligibility.
Position
- Project Technical Support – III (Behavioral Neuroscience and Clinical Support)
- Project Technical Support – III (Clinical Research Support)
Project Details
Project Titled: “AI-Driven Wearable Biomarker Validation of Monoaminergic Sleep Disruption in Major Depressive Disorder: A Cross-Species Translational Framework”
Funded by: ICMR
Duration of the post: Up to 3 years, co-terminus with the project, subject to annual review of performance.
PI: Prof. Samir Kumar Praharaj, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, KMC, Manipal and Dr. Pavan Kumar Agrawal, Associate Professor, Centre for Molecular Neurosciences, Dept. of Anatomy, KMC, Manipal and Co-PIs at the MIT, Manipal, School of Computer Engineering.
Eligibility
Position A – Behavioral Neuroscience and clinical support Eligibility: M.Sc. in Life Sciences, Neuroscience, Biotechnology or equivalent with appropriate research experience. Candidates with UGC-CSIR/NET/GATE qualification will be preferred. Duties: Drosophila sleep recordings and data curation; assisting pharmacological and behavioural assays; and, on the clinical side, Participant recruitment and screening at the Psychiatry OPD, actigraph fitting, device rotation and data download, and participant compliance follow-up at KMC Psychiatry (training provided). Willingness to work with human participants is required for this position. Basic computational skills are essential but no prior computational coding skills are required.
Position B – Clinical research support Eligibility: M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology/Psychiatric Social work, or M.Sc. in Psychology or Masters in Social Work, desirable: prior clinical research exposure. Candidates with UGC-CSIR/NET/GATE qualification will be preferred. Duties: Participant recruitment and screening at the Psychiatry OPD; diagnostic interviews (training provided); scoring for depression; actigraph fitting and longitudinal compliance monitoring; treatment response tracking; IEC and records documentation. Basic computational skills are essential but no prior computational coding skills are required.
Minimum Monthly Remuneration
- Rs. 28,000 per month + 10% HRA, as per ICMR norms
How to Apply
Eligible candidates may apply with a detailed CV, cover letter along with contact details of two referees, as a single pdf file, on or before September 21, 2026, with the subject line “ICMR-PTS-III-Molecular Neurosciences (Position A)” or “ICMR-PTS-III-Molecular Neurosciences (Position B)” by email to jobs.research@manipal.edu. Shortlisted candidates will be informed by e-mail about the interview date. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
Important Date
Application Submission Deadline: September 21, 2026
Job Location
Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Madhav Nagar, Manipal 576104, Udupi, Karnataka, India
For Additional Information
For more details, refer to the official notification available on the www.manipal.edu or contact the HR department at jobs.research@manipal.edu.
Highlights
This job opportunity at MAHE offers a chance to work on a cutting-edge project in neuroscience and technology. With a competitive salary and the potential for PhD registration, this role is ideal for motivated individuals looking to advance their careers in research and clinical support.
- Opportunity to work on an ICMR-funded project
- Monthly Salary: Rs. 28,000 + 10% HRA
- Potential for PhD registration at MAHE
🔖 Post Expires on 21st September 2026