Bengaluru : The Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru, has invited applications for seven Research Associate positions under its Agricultural Development and Rural Transformation Centre (ADRTC). The engagement is for a research project titled “Situational Analysis of Tobacco Cultivation in India: A Landscape Assessment”, funded by Vital Strategies.
The project will examine tobacco cultivation systems, value chains, institutional arrangements, labour dynamics and opportunities for transition across major tobacco-growing states in India.
The positions are offered on a purely temporary and consultancy basis. Interested candidates with a relevant postgraduate qualification and at least two years of research experience can submit their applications by November 13, 2026.
ISEC Research Associate Recruitment 2026: Key Details
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Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Institute |
Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) |
|
Centre |
Agricultural Development and Rural Transformation Centre (ADRTC) |
|
Position |
Research Associate |
|
Number of positions |
7 |
|
Project |
Situational Analysis of Tobacco Cultivation in India: A Landscape Assessment |
|
Project funding |
Vital Strategies |
|
Engagement type |
Temporary, consultancy basis |
|
Consolidated remuneration |
₹1,15,000 |
|
Application mode |
Submission of documents to the Principal Investigator |
|
Last date |
November 13, 2026 |
|
Location |
Bengaluru, Karnataka |
Educational Qualification for ISEC Research Associate Posts
Candidates applying for the Research Associate positions must fulfil the following essential qualifications:
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Master's degree in a subject related to Social Sciences.
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Relevant disciplines include Agriculture, Economics, Rural Development, Sociology, Statistics, Public Health, Social Work, Geography or any allied discipline.
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At least two years of research experience in socio-economic surveys, agricultural research, policy research, public health research, rural development studies or related fields.
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Proficiency in MS Office and data management.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
The following qualifications and experience will be considered desirable:
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Postgraduate and above degree in a relevant discipline.
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Experience in literature reviews, secondary data analysis, report writing and stakeholder consultations.
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Experience handling quantitative and qualitative data.
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Working knowledge of statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, R or similar packages.
Job Responsibilities of Research Associates
Selected Research Associates will contribute to the project's field investigation, research documentation and analysis of tobacco cultivation in India.
The major responsibilities include:
1. Data Collection and Compilation
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Collect and validate secondary data on tobacco cultivation, including area, production and productivity.
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Compile time-series information covering specified agricultural years from 1960–61 to 2025–26 or the latest available year.
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Identify reliable government publications, databases, research reports and institutional records.
2. Tobacco Crop Life Cycle Mapping
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Map the tobacco crop life cycle, from seed selection and nursery preparation to cultivation, harvesting, curing, processing and disposal of crop residues.
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Document production practices, inputs, government schemes, subsidies and institutional support.
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Examine environmental implications and occupational and public health concerns.
3. Tobacco Value Chain Mapping
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Map the value chain from seed supply and input procurement to cultivation, processing, manufacturing, distribution and retail sale.
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Identify key stakeholders, market linkages and value addition at different stages.
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Prepare comprehensive value-chain flowcharts.
4. Institutional and Stakeholder Mapping
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Identify government departments, research institutions, industry representatives, tobacco growers' associations and other relevant organisations.
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Document their roles, programmes, support mechanisms and institutional linkages.
5. Research Documentation and Field Validation
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Prepare tables, graphs, charts, flowcharts, photographs and analytical summaries.
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Assist in preparing technical reports, stakeholder profiles and research documentation.
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Support field visits, stakeholder consultations, validation exercises and dissemination workshops.
Remuneration for ISEC Research Associates
The notification specifies a consolidated remuneration of ₹1,15,000 for the engagement.
The amount will be paid in two instalments:
|
Instalment |
Amount |
Payment condition |
|---|---|---|
|
First instalment |
₹50,000 |
Upon signing the consultancy contract |
|
Second instalment |
₹65,000 |
Upon satisfactory completion and submission of assigned deliverables |
|
Total |
₹1,15,000 |
|
The notification does not specify this amount as a monthly salary. It is a consolidated payment linked to the consultancy contract and completion of the assigned deliverables.
Tenure and Nature of Engagement
The appointments will be purely temporary and consultancy-based. The engagement will continue for the initial project period, depending on project requirements and satisfactory performance.
Selected candidates may be required to travel extensively across tobacco-growing regions in India for research and field investigation.
The engagement will not confer any right to claim regular employment at ISEC.
How to Apply for ISEC Research Associate Recruitment 2026?
Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
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Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
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Copies of educational qualifications.
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Experience certificates.
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Contact details of two references.
Applications should be addressed to the Principal Investigator of the project.
Application address:
The Principal Investigator
Project: Situational Analysis of Tobacco Cultivation in India: A Landscape Assessment
Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC)
Dr. V.K.R.V. Rao Road, Nagarabhavi
Bengaluru – 560072
Email: ramappa@isec.ac.in
Candidates should ensure that their applications reach the institute by the prescribed deadline.
Selection Process
Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. The notification does not specify a separate written examination.
ISEC reserves the right not to fill any position, increase or decrease the number of positions, or modify the selection process.
Important Date
|
Event |
Date |
|---|---|
|
Last date for receipt of applications |
November 13, 2026 |
Official Notification and Website
Candidates should refer to the official advertisement for complete information regarding qualifications, responsibilities, remuneration and application instructions.
Official notification PDF:
https://www.isec.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/ADRTC-Advertisement-for-Engagement-of-Research-Associates.pdf
ISEC website: https://www.isec.ac.in/
FAQs
1. How many Research Associate vacancies are available at ISEC?
ISEC has announced seven Research Associate positions under its Agricultural Development and Rural Transformation Centre (ADRTC).
2. What is the educational qualification for ISEC Research Associate recruitment?
Applicants must hold a Master's degree in a relevant Social Science discipline, such as Agriculture, Economics, Rural Development, Sociology, Statistics, Public Health, Social Work or Geography.
3. How much research experience is required?
Candidates must have at least two years of relevant research experience in areas such as socio-economic surveys, agricultural research, policy research, public health research or rural development studies.
4. What is the remuneration for the Research Associate positions?
The consolidated remuneration is ₹1,15,000, payable in two instalments of ₹50,000 and ₹65,000.
5. Is ₹1,15,000 a monthly salary?
No. The notification describes it as consolidated remuneration linked to the consultancy contract and completion of deliverables, not as a monthly salary.
6. What is the last date to apply for ISEC Recruitment 2026?
The last date for receipt of applications is November 13, 2026.
7. How can candidates apply?
Candidates must submit their detailed CV, educational certificates, experience certificates and contact details of two references to the Principal Investigator of the project.
8. What is the email address for the application?
Candidates can use ramappa@isec.ac.in for correspondence with the Principal Investigator.
9. Is the Research Associate engagement permanent?
No. The positions are purely temporary and consultancy-based and do not provide any claim to regular employment at ISEC.
10. Will selected candidates need to travel?
Yes. Selected candidates may be required to travel extensively across tobacco-growing regions in India for project-related fieldwork.
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