CSIR-IHBT Project Associate Recruitment 2026

CSIR-IHBT (CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology), Palampur is hiring 3 Project Associates/Senior Project Associate for a research project on detecting tea foliar diseases using hyperspectral remote sensing and AI. If you have a B.E./B.Tech, MCA, or a relevant Master's degree, you can apply online through email. The last date to apply is 12 August 2026. Monthly stipend ranges from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 42,000 plus HRA, depending on the post and your qualification.

CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) Project Associate Recruitment 2026 - 3 Posts

CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), working on biotechnology and bioresource research in the Himalayan region. The institute has invited applications through Advertisement No. 13/2026 for 3 positions — Project Associate PAT-I, Project Associate PAT-II, and Senior Project Associate — under the project "An Innovative approach to detect tea foliar diseases using hyperspectral remote sensing and AI techniques (HRS-Tea)" (Project Number NCP020401). These are purely temporary positions, co-terminus with the project, which runs until 31 March 2028. Candidates with a background in computer science, remote sensing, GIS, or AI & data science are encouraged to apply.

Vacancy Details

The number of positions actually filled may vary depending on the suitability of candidates and the access needs of the project.

Who Can Apply?

Project Associate PAT-I (Rs. 25,000-31,000 + HRA):

• Qualification: B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science/Information Technology, or MCA, or a Master's in Remote Sensing/GIS/Geoinformatics/AI & Data Science from a recognized university
• Desirable: Working knowledge of AI/Machine Learning/Python programming/drone image processing

Project Associate PAT-II (Rs. 28,000-35,000 + HRA):

• Qualification: B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science/IT/Electronics (embedded programming), or a Master's in Remote Sensing/GIS/Geoinformatics/Geography/Forestry/Ecology/Computer Science/AI & Data Science, plus 2 years of R&D experience in academic or scientific institutions
• Desirable: 2 years of experience in drone-based or hyperspectral remote sensing/AI

Senior Project Associate (Rs. 42,000 + HRA):

• Qualification: B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science/IT/Electronics, or a Master's in Remote Sensing/GIS/Geography/Forestry/Ecology/AI & Data Science with 3 years of R&D experience, OR a Doctoral degree in a related discipline with 2 years of R&D experience
• Desirable: 2 years of experience in drone-based or hyperspectral remote sensing/AI

Candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC/ICAR/ICMR NET (including lectureship/assistant professorship), GATE, or national-level exams conducted by central government departments/agencies get the higher stipend within each post's range.

Age Limit

• You should be under 35 years for Project Associate PAT-I and PAT-II, or under 40 years for Senior Project Associate, as on 12 August 2026.
• Age Relaxation: SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates get 5 years relaxation, and OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation, or as per Government of India instructions issued from time to time.

Salary

• Project Associate PAT-I: Rs. 31,000 + HRA (NET/GATE qualified) or Rs. 25,000 + HRA (others)
• Project Associate PAT-II: Rs. 35,000 + HRA (NET/GATE qualified) or Rs. 28,000 + HRA (others)
• Senior Project Associate: Rs. 42,000 + HRA

Selection Process

Selection is done in 2 stages:

1. Screening: A duly constituted Screening Committee will scrutinize all applications received.
2. Interview: Recommended candidates will be interviewed over Video Conferencing/MS Teams. The interview date will be announced separately.

If selected, the information you provide will be verified against your original documents. If any information is found false or incorrect, your offer of engagement will be cancelled immediately.

How to Apply

1. Download the application proforma attached with the advertisement.
2. Fill in all columns of the form carefully in your own handwriting.
3. Attach self-attested copies of your certificates and experience proof.
4. Email the complete application as a single PDF file to amit.kumar07@csir.res.in with the subject "Application for the position of [Post Name] (Position Code [Code])".
5. Make sure your email reaches on or before 12 August 2026.

Incomplete applications, late submissions, applications received through any other mode, or a single form used to apply for multiple posts will not be accepted and will be rejected right away. If your university awards CGPA/SGPA grades, convert them to a percentage using your university's own formula before applying.

Important Dates

• Last Date to Apply: 12 August 2026
• Interview Date: To be announced (Video Conferencing/MS Teams)
• Project Tenure Ends: 31 March 2028

• Collect and analyze hyperspectral remote sensing data for tea foliar disease detection
• Develop and test AI/machine learning models for disease classification
• Process drone-based and satellite imagery using GIS tools
• Assist in field data collection and calibration of remote sensing instruments
• Maintain project records, datasets, and technical documentation
• Prepare progress reports and research findings for the project team
• Support senior researchers in data analysis and interpretation
• Coordinate with project collaborators and stakeholders as required