ICMR invites applications for Nurturing Clinical Scientists (NCS) Scheme 2022, MBBS, BDS medicos can apply

New Delhi: Through a recent notice, the Indian Council of Medical Research, (ICMR) has invited applications for the "Nurturing Clinical Scientists (NCS) Scheme" 2022. MBBS and BDS medicos can apply under this initiative by 30th June 2022, 5.30 pm.

The Scheme of ICMR "Nurturing Clinical Scientists" has been instituted to foster high quality research opportunities for Fresh MBBS/BDS candidates, within two years of completing their degrees (Interns/MD/MS/MDS are NOT eligible) in the cutting edge areas Fundamental Basic/Clinical Research in communicable and non communicable diseases, and reproductive health including nutrition etc. as per the ICMR mandate at MCI/DCI recognized medical colleges/ICMR network of Institutes/Centers, among others.

Special focus will be on fundamental research in areas of health research and other priority areas identified by ICMR from time to time, keeping in mind the National Health Policy 2017.

The selected candidates will enroll themselves for pursuing Ph.D. in any UGC recognized University/MCI/DCI recognized medical colleges/institutes. The applicants will have to submit a Concept Note of the research work (1000 words only) to be undertaken for pursuing Ph.D. to ICMR for the same duly checked and under the supervision of any Guide from the concerned Host Institution.

After the review of the Concept Notes, only the shortlisted candidates will be called for presentation/personal discussion by ICMR. The shortlisted candidates will have to further submit and present the detailed research proposal (kindly see Annexure-2 for information on the same), based on the concept note submitted earlier at the time of application. Only the shortlisted candidates will be informed via email for the same.

After the final selection of the detailed research proposal the selected candidates will be issued an Award letter for the NCS fellowship by ICMR and then they can join and for joining it is mandatory for the all the Clinical Scientists to undertake the "ICMR-NIE Certification e-Course on Health Research Fundamentals" (detailed information of the e-Course available on the following link: http://nie.gov.in/niecer/niecer_page.htm).

Applications will be accepted annually i.e. in June only. Applications are now invited under this initiative by 30th June 2022 (by 05:30pm).

Seats:

Total no. of max. seats are limited to fifty (50), in which 40 seats are for MBBS and 10 seats for BDS, which will be filled only if, suitable candidates are found.

Essential Qualification:

ONLY MBBS/BDS candidates within two years of completing their degree from MCI/DCI recognized medical/dental colleges, passing all MBBS/BDS examination in the first attempt with 60% or more aggregate marks. (Please note: Interns/MD/MS/MDS are not eligible).

Tenure:

Three years (2+1) or submission of Ph.D. thesis (whichever is earlier). In case a candidate leaves the Scheme before completion of one year, then he/she will have to refund the entire salary and contingency amount to ICMR from the date of joining.

Maximum Age Limit:

32 years, relaxable up to five years in case of SC/ST/PH and three years for OBC and women candidates, as on last date of application. For deserving candidates also, age can be relaxed maximum up to maximum of three years based on earlier work done, publications, awards etc. along with the request by sponsoring Principal/Director/Director-in-Charge. Director General, ICMR may consider and relax on the recommendation of the Selection Committee.

Remuneration:

ICMR Clinical Scientists will be paid a consolidated salary of Rs. One lakh per month only, (No HRA) and research contingency of Rs. three lakhs for three years (Rs. 1.00 lakh per year to be utilized for research work- may see the details for utilizing contingency on the ICMR epms portal for adhoc schemes). The fellowship amount will be paid to the concerned institute/organization/university/medical college, in every six months installments, upon timely submission of Annual Progress Reports (APRs) and Utilization Certificates (UC) as per existing guidelines.

Mode of Selection:

Eligible candidates must route their applications as per instructions given below before the given deadline. Application received after the closing date will NOT be considered. Selection of the "ICMR-NCS" will be made by the constituted Selection Committee by Director General, ICMR based on their Concept Note, Detailed research proposal and Academic, Professional records. Initially the candidates will be shortlisted based on the concept note duly approved and checked by the Guide submitted to ICMR at the time of application. Result email will be sent only to the shortlisted candidates, who will have to then submit their detailed research proposal duly approved and checked by the Guide and forwarded through the Head of the Host Institution for presentation before the Selection Committee Members.

Accommodation and other benefits: No accommodation facilities will be provided by ICMR.

HOW TO APPLY:

i. Completed applications (only in prescribed format-Annexure-3) to be duly filled and submitted along with the required enclosures and credentials (IMPORTANT: in a single PDF file, sequence of documents should be- Application form, Concept Note, Personal Statement, Curriculum Vitae (CV), Degrees and certificates) as required ONLY through email to icmrcri.hrd@gmail.com, addressed to: Dr. Ginu S. Khan, Scientist-C, HRD by 30th June, 2022 (by 05:30pm). 

i. The documents should be attested as given below, to be attached with the application form:-

a) Concept Note of the Research Proposal (1000 words only)- to be checked and attested

by Guide (sign & seal)

b) Personal Statement (300 words only)- Self attested

c) Detailed and updated CV- Self attested

d) Academic & Professional certificates/degrees- Self attested

e) Caste and Disability Certificate (if applicable)

To view the official notice, Click here : https://main.icmr.nic.in/ncs_2022.pdf