CMFRI Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026

ICAR-CMFRI Kochi is hiring 1 Project Associate-I for a MoES-funded marine research project. If you have a Master's degree in Fisheries Science, Marine Science, Zoology or Marine Biology, you can apply by emailing your application to the project team. The last date to apply is 5 August 2026. Salary is Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 31,000 per month plus HRA depending on your qualification.

ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi has invited applications for one Project Associate-I position under the MoES-funded project "Exploration and inventory of seamount fishery resources with a focus on cephalopod assemblage in the Indian Seas and automated characterization using Artificial Intelligence." This is a contract post for one year and four months, or till the project ends, whichever is earlier. Your base place of posting is ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi, and you will need to travel on board commercial and research fishing vessels along the Indian coast for sampling and data collection.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: Master's Degree in Fisheries Science, Marine Science, Zoology, Mariculture, Marine Biology, Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university.
• Desirable Experience: Seaworthy and physically fit, proficient in swimming, experience in fisheries data collection on board vessels, fish and shellfish identification, photography/video editing, and scientific publications.

Age Limit

• Upper age limit is 35 years as on the date of advertisement.

Salary

• Rs. 31,000 per month + HRA if you have qualified NET/GATE or a national-level exam conducted by a Central Government department.
• Rs. 25,000 per month + HRA for other candidates who do not meet the above criteria.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection is based on:

1. Document Verification: Submit scanned copies of all original certificates from matriculation onwards along with your biodata.
2. Interview: Only shortlisted candidates will be informed by e-mail and called for an interview at ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi.

Note: No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview. Currently employed candidates must bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer. Concealing facts or canvassing in any form will lead to disqualification, and the Director, ICAR-CMFRI's decision is final and binding. This is a purely contractual, project-linked position - selected candidates cannot claim any regular appointment at the institute.

How to Apply

1. Fill in the application form (Annexure I & II) along with your biodata.
2. Attach scanned copies of your original educational and experience certificates.
3. Combine everything into a single PDF file.
4. Email your application to dom.seamounts@gmail.com before 5 August 2026.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 23 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 5 August 2026

• Collect fisheries data on board commercial and research vessels along the Indian coast
• Identify and record fish and shellfish species during sampling surveys
• Handle marine organisms and oceanographic equipment during field trips
• Enter, compile and tabulate research data for the project
• Prepare technical reports and assist with data analysis and image annotation
• Document research findings through photography and video during surveys
• Coordinate with the project team on sampling schedules and logistics