CSIR-CLRI Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026

CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai is looking for 3 talented researchers to join as Project Associate-I on a temporary basis. If you hold an M.Tech in Footwear Engineering and Management or a postgraduate degree in Biotechnology, Bioscience, or Biochemistry, this walk-in opportunity could be your gateway into one of India's most respected leather science research labs.

• Monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000 plus HRA -- a solid package for project-based research work at a nationally recognized CSIR laboratory
• Walk-in format means there is no lengthy online application process -- just download the form, fill it up, and appear at the venue on the test day
• NET/GATE qualified candidates get a direct pass to the interview round, completely skipping the written test
• Upper age limit is 35 years, with relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwBD/Women and 3 years for OBC candidates as per government norms
• For the Biotechnology track, candidates with hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression, pilot-scale protein purification, and biomaterial research will have a clear advantage

The selection process has two stages. Stage I is a qualifying written test featuring multiple-choice questions on your subject area, general awareness, reasoning, aptitude, and English -- all packed into a brisk 45-minute paper worth 50 marks. Candidates who clear the cutoff move to Stage II, which is a personal interview scheduled two days later. If you have already qualified NET, GATE, or a national-level exam by CSIR, DBT, DST, ICMR, UGC, IIT, IISc, or ICAR, you can skip Stage I entirely and walk straight into the interview.

1. Brush up on your core subject at the graduation level -- the MCQs test fundamental understanding, not rote memorization
2. Do not ignore General Awareness and English -- these sections can make or break borderline scores in a 50-mark paper
3. Practice time management -- you only have 45 minutes for the entire paper, so aim for under a minute per question
4. Carry your NET/GATE scorecard if you have one -- it gets you a direct interview and saves you the written test hassle

• Duly filled application form (available as annexure in the notification PDF)
• Birth certificate for age proof
• 10th and 12th marksheets and certificates
• Graduation and post-graduation certificates with marksheets
• Experience certificates, if applicable
• Photo ID proof -- Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or any government-issued photo ID
• Two passport-size colour photographs
• Self-attested photocopies of all the above, along with original certificates for on-the-spot verification
• NET/GATE qualifying certificate, if claiming exemption from written test

• Conduct research activities under assigned CSIR-CLRI projects in Footwear Engineering or Biotechnology domains
• Perform laboratory experiments, data collection, and analysis as directed by the project investigator
• Assist in recombinant protein expression, pilot-scale protein purification, and biomaterial research (for Biotechnology track)
• Contribute to research documentation, reports, and publications
• Maintain laboratory equipment and follow standard operating procedures