CSIR-NCL Project Associate Recruitment 2026 - Advt 834

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune is looking for a Project Associate to work on its project on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) for Affordable Health Care. This is a temporary, project-linked position, and you can apply online through the CSIR-NCL jobs portal. The last date to apply is 15 August 2026. The post is open to Science postgraduates as per CSIR-HRDG norms for Project Associate positions.

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) Project Associate Recruitment 2026 - Advt 834

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) is one of India's leading chemistry research institutes, part of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) network under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Based in Pune, Maharashtra, the lab carries out research in organic chemistry, catalysis, polymer science, materials science, and pharmaceutical sciences, and regularly hires Project Associates to work on its sponsored research projects.

CSIR-NCL has invited applications for a Project Associate position (Advertisement No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/ORG/MMP035203/834) under the CSIR-funded project "Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) For Affordable Health Care (AHC)". This is a short-term research role linked to the project's duration — a good opportunity for Science graduates to gain hands-on research experience in pharmaceutical chemistry. The engagement is purely temporary on a contract basis and does not create any claim for a regular CSIR appointment.

The project focuses on developing cost-effective, efficient synthetic routes for active pharmaceutical ingredients — a step toward affordable healthcare and reducing dependence on imported drug intermediates. If selected, you would work under a Principal Investigator on synthesis, purification, and analysis of pharmaceutical compounds in a well-equipped CSIR-NCL laboratory.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: A Postgraduate degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in Chemistry or a related Science discipline, in line with CSIR-HRDG eligibility norms for Project Associate-I/II positions. Check the official notice on jobs.ncl.res.in for the exact subject requirement for this project.
• Nature of Engagement: Purely temporary and on a contract basis, co-terminus with the sponsored project.
• This role suits recent M.Sc. Chemistry graduates, especially those with a NET/GATE qualification, who want hands-on research exposure in pharmaceutical process chemistry.

Age Limit

• As per general CSIR-HRDG norms, the upper age limit for Project Associate positions is around 35 years. Refer to the official notice for the exact age criteria and any relaxations applicable to this position.

Salary

• CSIR Project Associates are typically paid a consolidated stipend in the range of Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 35,000 per month (plus HRA), depending on qualification and experience, as per CSIR-HRDG norms. The exact stipend for this position is mentioned in the official notice.

Selection Process

CSIR-NCL project positions are usually filled through the following process:

1. Screening of Applications: Your qualifications and experience are screened against the project's eligibility criteria.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview, and results are published on the CSIR-NCL jobs portal and the divisional notice board.

Refer to the official notification for the exact selection process applicable to this position.

How to Apply

1. Go to the CSIR-NCL jobs portal at jobs.ncl.res.in.
2. Click on New Registration to create your application account.
3. Select advertisement number 2026/CSIR-NCL/ORG/MMP035203/834 and fill in your details.
4. Upload your documents, certificates, and photo.
5. Submit your application online before the last date.

Important Dates

• Application Start Date: 5 August 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 15 August 2026

• Carry out multi-step organic synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
• Perform purification, characterization, and analysis of synthesized compounds
• Maintain detailed lab notebooks and experimental records
• Support process development and scale-up of API synthesis routes
• Operate and maintain analytical and lab instruments used in the project
• Follow lab safety protocols and CSIR-NCL guidelines
• Assist in preparing project reports and research documentation
• Coordinate with the Principal Investigator and project team on research progress