Chief Minister Career Advancement in Biotechnology

Description
The programme “Chief Minister’s Career Advancement in Biotechnology CM-CAB ” aims at providing opportunities to Young Faculty and Scientists in Biotechnology to have national and/or international collaborative research training and exposure to advanced techniques and technologies in emerging fields of biotechnology. The fellowship is envisaged to help the candidate further his/her research capability and expertise to contribute to higher education with a global perspective as well as to forge long-term relationships with distinguished experts in these fields. Fellowship Duration: The duration of the fellowship will be 3-6 months, where the host institution is from abroad. In the cases where the host institution is within India, the fellowship will be for 3-12 months. Host Institution: The applicant should produce along with the application a consent letter from a Host faculty/ scientist that details his/her willingness to host the fellow in their institute or laboratory. The consent letter should clearly mention that the host faculty/scientist will extend the facilities to the fellow to carry out the proposed work. Terms and conditions of the Fellowship: - A progress report has to be submitted to the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment/Kerala Bio-Technology Commission KSCSTE/KBC every six months with the remarks of the Host faculty/scientist where they are undertaking research. - On completion of the tenure of the CM-CAB fellowship, the fellow must submit a detailed consolidated report of research work done during the entire period of fellowship and audited statements of expenditure to the KSCSTE/KBC. - No fellow shall discontinue his/her CM-CAB fellowship without prior approval of KSCSTE/KBC. In case he/she wishes to discontinue the fellowship prior to completion of the tenure, he/she must submit the resignation to the KSCSTE/KBC through the Mentor Scientist and the Head of the Institution indicating specific reasons for not continuing the fellowship. In such cases, the Fellow shall be required to refund the whole of the expenditure incurred on him/her during the fellowship period to KSCSTE-KBC - The CM-CAB fellow shall inform KSCSTE/KBC about any achievements, patents, and submission/publication of any research paper arising out of the research work done during the tenure of the PD fellowship. - Due acknowledgment of KSCSTE/KBC shall be given in all the publications/patents emanating from the research work.

Benefits
• Fellowship of USD 1500 per month (in equivalent Indian Currency) in cases where the host institution is outside India.
• The fellowship will be ₹50,000/- per month if the host institution is within India.
• A contingency grant to meet the expenses for local travel, VISA fees, insurance, etc. will also be paid as per actuals subjected to a ceiling of ₹50,000/-.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The fellowship is offered to a scientist/faculty who is a permanent employee of an academic/research institute in Kerala State.
2. The candidates must be officially sponsored by their employer/head of the institution with the commitment to depute them for research/training under CM-CAB.
3. The applicant should possess a Ph.D. degree in biotechnology-related subjects.
4. The applicant should have a proven record of independent research work evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed, indexed journals and patents.
5. Age Limit – 37 years, with 5 years relaxation in the case of SC/ST and/or Women Candidates.
6. **Note:** The pay and allowances during the fellowship period will have to be paid by the institution to the candidate.

Required Documents
• Identity proof of applicant
• Passport size photographs
• Proof of age
• Community certificate (If applicable)
• Educational certificates
• Details of the Project/research work
• Experience certificate, if any
• Details of Publications
• A consent letter from a Host faculty/scientist that details his/her willingness to host the fellow in their institute or laboratory.
• Any other document, if required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the aim of this programme?
A: The programme "Chief Minister's Career Advancement in Biotechnology (CM-CAB)" aims at providing opportunities to Young Faculty and Scientists in Biotechnology to have national and/or international collaborative research training and exposure to advanced techniques and technologies in emerging fields of biotechnology.

Q: Which is the implementing agency of this programme?
A: Kerala Biotechnology Commission (KBC) under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)

Q: Who is eligible to get the benefits under the programme?
A: The fellowship under the programme is offered to a scientist/faculty who is a permanent employee of an academic/research institute in Kerala State.

Q: What is the maximum age criterion to apply under the programme?
A: The age of the candidate should be below 37 years.

Q: Is there any age relaxation under the programme?
A: Yes, relaxation in age is up to a maximum of 5 years for SC/ST and/or Women Candidates.

Q: What is the minimum qualification required to apply for the programme?
A: The applicant should possess a Ph.D. degree in biotechnology-related subjects.

Q: How much will the amount be paid to the candidates in cases the host institution is outside India?
A: Fellowship of USD 1500 per month (in equivalent Indian Currency) in cases where the host institution is outside India.

Q: How much will the amount be paid to the candidates if the host institution is within India?
A: The fellowship will be [?]50,000/- per month if the host institution is within India.

Q: How much will the contingency grant be paid under the programme?
A: A contingency grant to meet the expenses for local travel, VISA fees, insurance, etc. will also be paid as per actuals subjected to a ceiling of [?]50,000/-.

Q: What is the duration of the fellowship?
A: The duration of the fellowship will be 3-6 months, where the host institution is from abroad. In the cases where the host institution is within India, the fellowship will be for 3-12 months.

Q: How can an applicant apply for the programme?
A: The applications in the prescribed format are to be submitted as and when the programme is advertised on the KSCSTE website.

Q: Where can an applicant contact regarding this programme?
A: The Scientist-in-charge, Kerala Bio-Technology Commission, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 004, Phone: (0471) 2548406, 2548254, E-mail: [email protected]