CSIR-NCL Project Associate-I Polymer Science 2026

CSIR-NCL Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026: Overview

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune is filling a Project Associate-I position in its Polymer Science and Engineering (PSE) division. The post sits under a DST-sponsored project on indigenizing HT-PEMFC (high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell) technology at the raw-material and sub-component level, with the aim of setting up pre-production scale manufacturing facilities.

The project code is GAP336226 and the project leader is Dr. Sreekumar Kurungot. This is a temporary project engagement, not a regular CSIR job, and it suits chemistry or nanoscience postgraduates who want lab experience in fuel-cell membranes.

If you have already worked on polymer synthesis and membrane fabrication, or handled characterization tools such as XPS, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, FTIR and UTM, you will stand out — the notice lists these as desirable, whether the experience came from a lab or from industry.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Tenure: The engagement lasts only as long as the sponsored project, and continues subject to your performance and conduct.
• Not a CSIR appointment: The post gives you no right or claim to any CSIR-NCL post or fellowship later.
• Pay depends on exam status: The higher pay slab is for candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC, ICAR or ICMR NET (including lectureship or assistant professorship), GATE, or a national-level exam run by central departments such as DBT or DST.
• Screening cut-off: Meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview call. A Screening Committee may limit the list based on qualifications and experience beyond the minimum, so mention every relevant qualification and experience in your form.
• Online interview: The interview is held online over a platform such as Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Cisco WebEx, and no separate call letter is issued.
• No TA/DA: No travel allowance is paid for the interview.
• Immediate joining: Selected candidates must join as soon as they receive the offer.

Application Submission Notes

You apply online only through the CSIR-NCL project jobs portal at jobs.ncl.res.in, and you need a valid email address before you start. Read the portal's How To Apply instructions first.

• Photo: JPG/JPEG, under 50 kb.
• Signature: JPG/JPEG, under 25 kb.
• Uploads: Readable scans of your mark sheets and one PDF file of all testimonials.

The interview shortlist is posted on the website and the divisional notice board, and the interview link goes to shortlisted candidates by email. For queries, contact Dr. Harsha Nagar at h.nagar.ncl@csir.res.in or 020-25902180.

• Synthesize polymers and fabricate membranes for high-temperature fuel cells
• Characterize polymers and membranes using tools such as XPS, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, FTIR and UTM
• Analyse data from synthesis and characterization experiments
• Contribute to scientific reports and project documentation
• Support the project's work on indigenizing HT-PEMFC raw materials and sub-components