CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate Recruitment 2026 (FTT020603)

CSIR-CFTRI is hiring 3 Project Associate – I researchers for ongoing projects at its Mysuru campus. If you have an M.Sc. in Chemistry or an M.Sc. in Microbiology, Biotechnology or Biochemistry, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 16 August 2026. You need to be under 35 years old as on the closing date. The monthly stipend is Rs. 25,000 plus HRA.

CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI) Project Associate Recruitment 2026 - 3 Posts

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysuru, is one of the constituent laboratories of CSIR functioning under India's Ministry of Science and Technology. Set up in 1950, it is the country's leading institute for food science and technology research, working on food processing, food safety, packaging, sensory science, nutrition and food biotechnology. Its Project Manpower (PAT Cell) portal continuously advertises short-term research positions linked to sponsored and grant-funded projects, and this round has opened 3 Project Associate – I positions across two separate research projects – one needs a Chemistry background and the other two need a background in Microbiology, Biotechnology or Biochemistry.

These are purely temporary, project-linked positions tied to the funding and duration of the sponsored research work. Since CSIR-CFTRI has discontinued hiring from its earlier empanelled Subject Panels, this is a fresh, standalone advertisement — freshers looking to start a research career at a premier CSIR food-science lab, or postgraduates wanting hands-on exposure to institute-grade laboratory work before pursuing further studies, should apply.

Vacancy Breakdown

• Project Associate – I (Chemistry, Post Code FTT020603-02): 1 post — M.Sc. in Chemistry or equivalent
• Project Associate – I (Microbiology/Biotechnology/Biochemistry, Post Code FTT020603-01): 2 posts — M.Sc. in Microbiology, Biotechnology or Biochemistry or equivalent

Both post codes carry the same stipend, age limit and closing date, so you only need to pick the post code that matches your postgraduate specialisation when you fill the form.

Who Can Apply?

For Project Associate – I (Chemistry):

• Qualification: M.Sc. in Chemistry or equivalent from a recognized university

For Project Associate – I (Microbiology/Biotechnology/Biochemistry):

• Qualification: M.Sc. in Microbiology, Biotechnology or Biochemistry or equivalent from a recognized university

No prior work experience is asked for either post — this makes it a good entry point for fresh postgraduates who want lab-based research exposure. "Equivalent" degrees from any UGC-recognized university are accepted, so check your marksheet against the exact subject names listed above before you apply.

Age Limit

• You should be under 35 years of age as on the closing date of the online application (16 August 2026).

Salary

• Selected candidates will get a monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000 plus HRA for both posts.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) is paid on top of the base stipend as applicable.
• These are consolidated project stipends, not regular government pay-scale salaries, since the positions are temporary and tied to project funding.

How to Apply

1. Go to the CSIR-CFTRI Project Manpower Portal at patcell.cftri.res.in.
2. Click on the Apply Online link and register with your basic details.
3. Choose the correct post code — FTT020603-02 for Chemistry or FTT020603-01 for Microbiology/Biotechnology/Biochemistry.
4. Fill in the online application form with your educational and personal details.
5. Upload your documents, photo and signature as required.
6. Submit the form before the last date.

Note: With effect from 1 January 2026, CSIR-CFTRI has discontinued hiring from its old empanelled Subject Panels. You must apply separately to each individual advertisement, including this one, to be considered for the selection process and interview. The portal also carries several other Project Associate openings with different subject requirements and deadlines — check patcell.cftri.res.in regularly if this particular post code does not match your qualification.

Important Dates

• Last Date to Apply Online: 16 August 2026

• Conduct laboratory experiments and chemical/microbiological analysis as per project protocols
• Collect, record and interpret experimental data and test results
• Prepare technical notes, reports and research documentation for the project
• Maintain lab equipment, reagents, chemicals and biological samples
• Support senior scientists and project investigators in day-to-day research work
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and institute quality standards
• Participate in project review meetings and update work progress regularly