CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-II Recruitment 2026

CSIR-CFTRI Mysuru is hiring 1 Project Associate-II (PAT-II) for a research project on gut health and autism. If you have a Master's degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Food Science and Nutrition, or Life Sciences and 2 years of R&D experience, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 24 May 2026. Stipend is Rs. 28,000 per month plus HRA.

CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI) Project Associate-II Recruitment 2026

CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysuru — a constituent National Laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research — has released Advertisement No. PAT 22/2026 for the engagement of 1 Project Associate-II (PAT-II) purely on a temporary contractual basis. The position is for the project titled "Development of a Gut-Protective Fruit-Based Functional Formulation for Autism: Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Function, Gut Microbiota and Gut-Brain Axis Health" (Project Code: RDS026004). The engagement is for a period up to March 2027 at CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru, Karnataka. Selection is purely through an interview — there is no written exam.

Who Can Apply?

Essential Qualification

• You must have a Master's Degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Food Science and Nutrition, or Life Sciences from a recognized University or equivalent.
• You must also have 2 years of experience in Research and Development in industrial and academic institutions, or science and technology organisations and scientific activities.
• The period of experience is counted only after the date of acquiring the essential qualification.
• Only candidates whose results have been declared can apply — final semester appearing or result awaited candidates are not eligible.

Desirable Qualification

• Master's degree in Biochemistry with practical experience in molecular biology methods.
• Prior hands-on experience in in vitro cell culture techniques and in vivo animal handling is highly preferred.

Important Note

• As per CSIR OM dated 02.09.2024, the total period of engagement of a Project Staff in different CSIR projects taken together shall not exceed 6 years. If you have already served 6 years in any CSIR Lab/Institute as Project Staff, you are not eligible for this position.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 35 years as on 24 May 2026 (the last date for receiving applications).
• Age Relaxation: 5 years for SC, ST, PwBD and Women candidates; 3 years for OBC candidates.

Salary

• Stipend: Rs. 28,000 per month plus HRA as per rules.
• No other allowances will be admissible.
• This is a fixed consolidated stipend; the engagement does not confer regular CSIR employment.

Selection Process

Selection is based on interview only:

1. Shortlisting: The designated committee will shortlist candidates based on percentage of marks in essential qualification, higher qualifications, or desirable qualification/experience.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be informed by email about the interview date and venue. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
3. Final Selection: Based on interview performance against the available position.

Note: There is no written exam. The list of shortlisted candidates will be displayed on the CSIR-CFTRI website.

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 supporting documents — date of birth proof, caste certificate, qualification certificates, experience certificates, etc.
4. Submit the online application on or before 24 May 2026.
5. No other mode of application will be accepted. Applications received after the due date will not be considered.
6. Keep visiting cftri.res.in for any addendum, corrigendum or updates.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 11 May 2026
• Last Date for Online Application: 24 May 2026
• Interview Date: To be announced (notified via email)
• Engagement Period: Until March 2027 (co-terminus with project)

• Carry out research and development work for the project on gut health and autism as assigned by the Principal Investigator
• Perform molecular biology experiments and laboratory analysis related to gut-protective fruit-based formulations
• Conduct in vitro cell culture experiments and assist in in vivo animal handling studies
• Maintain detailed laboratory records, observations and experimental data
• Analyse experimental results on gastrointestinal function, gut microbiota and gut-brain axis
• Prepare research reports, presentations and contribute to publications
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and institutional research guidelines