CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026

CSIR-CFTRI is hiring 1 Project Associate-I on a temporary contractual basis at its campus in Mysuru, Karnataka. If you have a B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical/Material Science/Polymer Science/Food Science & Technology/Chemical Engineering or an M.Sc. in Food Science & Technology or Chemistry, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 22 April 2026. Age limit is up to 35 years. Stipend ranges from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 31,000 per month plus HRA, depending on whether you hold a qualifying national test (GATE/NET).

CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 — 1 Post

CSIR – Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysuru, a constituent National Laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), has issued Advertisement No. PAT 13/2026 for engagement of one Project Associate-I (PAT-I) on a temporary contractual basis. The role is part of a research project titled "PLA and PBAT-based Biodegradable Polymeric Films with enhanced mechanical and barrier properties" (Post Code: MMP035202-01). The engagement is for a period of up to March 2027 and will be based at the CSIR-CFTRI campus in Mysuru, Karnataka.

Who Can Apply?

Essential Qualification

• Engineering Route: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering / Material Science / Polymer Science / Food Science & Technology / Chemical Engineering or equivalent
• Science Route: M.Sc. in Food Science & Technology / Chemistry or equivalent

Desirable Qualification / Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering with a Diploma from CIPET or equivalent, with hands-on expertise in film extrusion processes (Polymer Film Extrusion, Twin Extruder)
• Master's Degree in Material Science / Polymer Science / Plastic Technology or equivalent will be preferred

Job Requirement

• You will carry out R&D work as assigned on the biodegradable polymeric films project

Important Note on Total Tenure

• Candidates who have already completed 6 years of service as Project Staff in any CSIR Lab/Institute (across all projects combined) are NOT eligible to apply
• Only those whose final semester results are declared can apply — those with results awaited or appearing are not eligible

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 35 years (as on the last date of application, i.e., 22 April 2026)
• Age Relaxation: SC / ST / PwBD / Women candidates — 5 years relaxation
• Age Relaxation: OBC candidates — 3 years relaxation

Stipend (Salary)

• Candidates who have qualified a National Eligibility Test (CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, etc.): Rs. 31,000 per month plus HRA
• All other candidates: Rs. 25,000 per month plus HRA
• This is a project-based temporary engagement — no pension or permanent service benefits apply
• The engagement may be extended or curtailed based on project requirements and performance, and will end automatically on project completion or by March 2027, whichever is earlier

Selection Process

The selection will be done in 2 stages:

1. Shortlisting: A designated committee will shortlist candidates based on academic qualifications, percentage of marks, and relevant experience. Shortlisted candidates will be displayed on the CSIR-CFTRI website. No TA/DA is provided for the interview.
2. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a walk-in or scheduled interview. Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email to the address mentioned in the application form.

Final selection is based on performance in the interview. The committee may adopt any other methodology (such as higher qualification, percentage of marks, or Desirable Qualification/Experience) to reduce the number of candidates called for interview if applications are large in number.

How to Apply

1. Go to the CSIR-CFTRI PAT Cell portal at patcell.cftri.res.in
2. Register and fill in the online application form
3. Upload necessary documents — date of birth proof, caste certificate, qualification certificates, experience certificates, and a recent passport-size photograph
4. Submit the application online on or before 22 April 2026
5. No other mode of application (offline, email, post) will be accepted
6. Keep checking cftri.res.in for any addendum or corrigendum related to this notification

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 10 April 2026
• Application Start Date: 10 April 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 22 April 2026
• Interview Date: To be announced (shortlisted candidates will be informed via email)

• Carry out R&D work on PLA and PBAT-based biodegradable polymeric films as directed by the Principal Investigator
• Operate and maintain film extrusion equipment including twin extruders and related polymer processing machinery
• Prepare and characterize polymer film samples for mechanical and barrier property testing
• Record experimental data, maintain laboratory notebooks, and prepare progress reports
• Follow all laboratory safety protocols and CSIR guidelines during project work
• Assist in literature reviews, data analysis, and preparation of research publications or project reports
• Support senior researchers and Principal Investigator in day-to-day project activities