CSIR-NCL Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 - Adv 816

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune is hiring for the post of Senior Project Associate to work on a CSIR-sponsored research project. You can apply online only through the official portal jobs.ncl.res.in. The last date to apply is 4 August 2026. This is a temporary, project-based engagement (Advertisement No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/CEPD/CSR1426/816) and no application fee is mentioned in the official guidelines.

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

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), one of the constituent laboratories of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has invited applications for the post of Senior Project Associate (Advertisement No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/CEPD/CSR1426/816). NCL, based in Pune, is one of India's leading chemistry and chemical engineering research institutes, working on catalysis, polymer science, organic chemistry, biochemical sciences and process engineering. This engagement is for a fixed period tied to the sponsored project and is a good opportunity if you want hands-on research experience at a premier CSIR laboratory.

NCL runs several specialised research divisions — including Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science and Engineering, Physical and Materials Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Process Development, and Biochemical Sciences — along with pilot-plant and analytical characterisation facilities that support both academic research and industry-sponsored projects. Working as a Senior Project Associate here gives you exposure to well-equipped labs and experienced scientists, which is valuable if you are considering a longer-term research career after this project ends.

Because this is a project-specific engagement rather than a regular government post, the exact number of positions, monthly fellowship amount, and detailed eligibility criteria are published against the advertisement itself on the CSIR-NCL recruitment portal. Register or log in at jobs.ncl.res.in and open the Senior Project Associate listing under "New Jobs" (applications open 22 July 2026) to see the full requisition before you apply.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification and experience: Listed against the Senior Project Associate listing (Advertisement No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/CEPD/CSR1426/816) on the portal — check the live advertisement for the required degree, subject, minimum marks and experience before you apply.
• Positions such as Senior Project Associate at CSIR institutes are typically offered to candidates with a postgraduate degree (M.Sc./M.Tech./M.E.) or a Ph.D. in a relevant science or engineering discipline, often with some prior project or laboratory experience — this can vary by project, so always confirm the exact requirement on the advertisement.
• You must enter academic details from 10th standard onward in the online application form, along with any fellowship or other qualification (JRF/SRF/NET/GATE) you hold, if applicable.
• Both freshers and candidates with prior project experience can apply — the online form has a separate, optional section to declare your past work experience.

Selection Process

Based on the official CSIR-NCL application guidelines, the selection for project positions like this generally follows these steps:

1. Screening of applications based on the qualification, marks and experience you enter online.
2. Interview of shortlisted candidates — for some positions this is conducted online (a video-call link is emailed to your registered address), while for others you may be called for a physical interview at NCL, Pune.
3. If you are called for a physical interview, carry your original certificates and testimonials for verification. No TA/DA is paid for attending the interview, and no separate interview call letter is issued — keep checking your registered email and the portal for updates.

How to Apply

1. Go to the CSIR-NCL recruitment portal at jobs.ncl.res.in.
2. If you are a new user, click New Registration, enter your email ID and date of birth, and verify your account through the activation email.
3. Log in and open the listing for Senior Project Associate (Advertisement No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/CEPD/CSR1426/816) under "New Jobs".
4. Fill in your personal details, academic qualifications (from 10th standard onward), fellowship/other qualifications, and experience.
5. Upload your photograph (JPG format, 5-50 KB) and signature (JPG format, 5-25 KB).
6. Preview your application and submit it online before the deadline — you do not need to send a hard copy to NCL.

Make sure you have a stable internet connection and pop-ups enabled in your browser while filling the form, and check your email inbox and spam folder regularly for updates on shortlisting.

Important Dates

• Online Application Start: 22 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 4 August 2026

• Plan and conduct experiments for the assigned research project under the guidance of the Principal Investigator
• Analyze experimental data and prepare technical reports and presentations
• Maintain accurate lab records, logbooks and sample inventories
• Review scientific literature relevant to the project and summarize key findings
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments used in the project
• Mentor junior project staff and research scholars working on the same project
• Follow all lab safety protocols and CSIR-NCL institutional guidelines
• Assist in preparing project progress reports for the funding agency