CSIR-NCL Project Associate-I MXene Recruitment 2026

CSIR-NCL Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026: Overview

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune is hiring a Project Associate-I for its Physical and Materials Chemistry (PMC) Division. The position is part of a research project funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) titled "Fluxional Homo-Hetero Hybrid Catalyst: Covalent Anchoring of Transition Metal Complexes on MXenes for Selective Electrochemical C-H Amination" (project code GAP348726).

In simple terms, the project builds MXene-based catalysts — thin, layered materials — and tests how well they drive electrochemical organic reactions. The notice is advertisement 2026/CSIR-NCL/PMC/GAP348726/873, issued on 8 September 2026. It is a good fit if you have a chemistry master's degree and enjoy both synthesis work and instrument-based analysis.

Candidates with an M.Sc in Organic or Analytical Chemistry stand out here. The lab prefers people who have already done organic synthesis and product workup, and who have used GC, GC-MS, HPLC or NMR to track reactions.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Nature of engagement: Purely temporary and tied to the sponsored project. It lasts only as long as the project, subject to satisfactory performance and conduct.
• No claim to a CSIR post: This is not a CSIR/NCL appointment. Working on the project does not give you any right to a regular CSIR-NCL post or fellowship.
• Pay depends on NET/GATE: The higher consolidated amount applies only if you have qualified CSIR-UGC/ICAR/ICMR NET, GATE or a similar national-level test run by a central department such as DBT or DST.
• Shortlisting: Meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview call. A screening committee may limit the list based on extra qualifications and experience, so mention everything relevant in your form.
• Interview: Held online (Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Cisco WebEx or similar). No call letter is sent separately and no TA/DA is paid.
• Joining: Selected candidates must join immediately after receiving the offer.

Application Submission Notes

You can apply only online through the CSIR-NCL project jobs portal at jobs.ncl.res.in. Keep a valid email ID, a scanned photo under 50 KB and signature under 25 KB (JPG/JPEG), readable scans of your mark sheets and a PDF of your testimonials ready before you start.

The shortlist will be posted on the website and the division notice board on 19 September 2026, and the interview link will reach shortlisted candidates by email. For updates, you can contact the project leader, Varun Natu, at vr.natu.ncl@csir.res.in or on 25902535.

• Synthesise MAX phases and etch them into MXenes using fluoride and molten salt routes
• Modify MXene surfaces through termination exchange, molecular grafting and metal nanoparticle decoration
• Prepare electrodes from catalyst inks and test them in three-electrode and divided-cell setups
• Measure onset potential, Tafel behaviour, active surface area, impedance and long-term stability
• Run organic electrosynthesis reactions and measure conversion, selectivity and faradaic efficiency
• Characterise fresh and used catalysts with chromatographic and spectroscopic methods
• Keep lab records and project instruments in order and follow up on purchases
• Help prepare progress reports, presentations and research manuscripts