CSIR-NCL Project Associate Aramid Polymers 2026

CSIR-NCL Project Associate Recruitment 2026: Overview

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, is filling Senior Project Associate and Project Associate-I positions in its Chemical Engineering and Process Development (CEPD) Division. Both roles sit under a sponsored project titled Development Of Spinnable Grade Meta And Para Aramid Polymers, funded by the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) under project code GAP338126. These are temporary project engagements, not regular CSIR jobs.

Aramids are the heat-resistant, high-strength polymers behind protective clothing and technical textiles, and this project is about making a spinnable grade of them that can be turned into fibre. The work is pilot-plant heavy, so the notice is aimed at chemical, petrochemical and polymer engineers rather than pure chemists.

CSIR-NCL runs several aramid projects at the same time, so keep the advertisement number 2026/CSIR-NCL/CEPD/GAP338126/897 handy and apply against this exact notice.

Posts and Disciplines

• Senior Project Associate: the experienced role on the project. You need an engineering degree plus research and development experience in industry, academia or a science and technology organisation; the experience needed is shorter if you hold a master's degree.
• Project Associate-I: the entry-level engineering role. A bachelor's degree in Chemical, Petrochemical or Polymer Engineering or Technology is enough, with no experience demanded.

Post-wise Duties

Senior Project Associate

You will run the pilot plant trials for polymer synthesis, work out the mass and energy balance for the pilot plant, and carry out lab-scale polymer synthesis experiments. Prior pilot-plant and process-development experience and hands-on use of GC and HPLC instruments will help you stand out.

Project Associate-I

You will help with the pilot trials, do the mass and energy balance work, run lab-scale synthesis, and also handle the characterisation of the polymer product. A good grip on process calculations and chemical engineering thermodynamics is what the project leader is looking for.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Tenure: The engagement lasts only as long as the sponsored project, and continuing depends on satisfactory performance and conduct.
• No claim to a CSIR post: This is not a CSIR/NCL appointment, temporary or otherwise, and it gives you no right to be considered for any CSIR-NCL post or fellowship later.
• Different age caps: The upper age limit is higher for the Senior Project Associate post than for Project Associate-I, so check the cap for the role you pick.
• Shortlisting: Meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview. A Screening Committee can limit interview calls based on qualifications and experience beyond the minimum, so list everything relevant in your form.
• Online interview: Shortlisted candidates get the interview link by email; no separate call letter is issued. For updates, you can contact the CEPD office at cepdoffice.ncl@csir.res.in.
• Joining and travel: Selected candidates must join immediately after the offer, and no TA/DA is paid for the interview.

Application Submission Notes

CSIR-NCL accepts applications only online through its project jobs portal. You need a valid email address and a portal registration before you start, and you should read the portal's How to Apply guidelines first. Photo and signature uploads must be JPG/JPEG within the size limits listed under required documents. Late applications are not considered.

• Run pilot plant trials for aramid polymer synthesis
• Work out mass and energy balances for the pilot plant
• Carry out lab-scale polymer synthesis experiments
• Characterise the polymer product (Project Associate-I)
• Use analytical instruments such as GC and HPLC during process work