CSIR-NCL Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune is hiring 3 Project Associate-I researchers for a sponsored project on seawater electrolysis. If you have a Master's or Integrated Master's degree in Chemistry (or a related science/engineering discipline), you can apply online. The last date to apply is 15 July 2026. Salary ranges from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 42,000 per month depending on your qualification. This is a hands-on opportunity to work on green-hydrogen research that supports India's clean-energy goals.

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 - 3 Posts

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune has invited applications for 3 Project Associate-I posts under a sponsored project titled "Development of Mini-Pilot Scale Seawater Electrolysis Unit" (Advt No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/PMC/MLP002926/775), run under the Physical and Materials Chemistry stream at the institute. Seawater electrolysis is a process that can generate hydrogen gas directly from seawater, and this project focuses on scaling up the technology from a lab-scale setup to a working mini-pilot unit — a step that matters for India's push toward green hydrogen. This is a purely temporary, project-based engagement that runs co-terminus with the sponsored project, and it does not entitle you to a future or permanent position at CSIR-NCL. Chemistry, Physics, Electronics, Instrumentation and Mechanical Engineering postgraduates who want hands-on research experience should apply before the deadline.

CSIR-NCL, established in 1950, is one of India's leading government chemistry research institutes, with active programs in materials science, polymer science, chemical engineering, biochemical sciences and energy research. Seawater electrolysis is closely linked to India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to make the country a global hub for green hydrogen production, and scaling this technology from the lab to a mini-pilot unit is an important step toward that goal. Selected candidates will be based at the CSIR-NCL campus in Pune, Maharashtra, and will work with a multi-disciplinary team combining chemistry, electronics, instrumentation and mechanical engineering skills.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: Master's / Integrated Master's degree in Chemistry, or an equivalent postgraduate qualification in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Physics, Electronics, Instrumentation or Mechanical Engineering from a recognized university.
• Preferred Qualification: Candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC NET, ICAR NET, ICMR NET, GATE, DBT or DST or an equivalent national-level exam are eligible for a higher fellowship amount.

Note: You can apply from any of the listed disciplines as long as your degree is relevant to the project's chemistry and instrumentation work — you do not need to hold a Chemistry degree specifically.

The project needs a mix of skills — chemistry for the electrolyte and catalyst work, and electronics, instrumentation or mechanical engineering for building and operating the pilot unit — so candidates from any of these backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Salary

• Selected candidates will get a consolidated monthly pay ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 42,000, depending on the post and whether you hold a qualifying national-level exam score such as NET, GATE, DBT or DST.
• This is a consolidated project emolument fixed by the project's funding norms, not a regular CSIR pay scale, and it does not include the usual government allowances like DA or medical benefits.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

There is no written test for this position. Selection is done in 2 stages:

1. Shortlisting: Applications are screened based on your qualifications and any relevant experience beyond the minimum eligibility criteria.
2. Online Interview: Only shortlisted candidates are invited for an online interview to assess their fit for the project.

Since only 3 posts are open and the project needs candidates from a mix of chemistry, electronics and mechanical backgrounds, having some prior lab or instrumentation experience will help during shortlisting. This project is at an early build-and-test stage, so hands-on skills like using lab instruments, basic electronics or fabrication experience will count in your favour, even if not explicitly listed as mandatory.

How to Apply

1. Go to the CSIR-NCL project jobs portal at jobs.ncl.res.in.
2. Complete the New Registration on the portal using your email ID and basic details.
3. Select the "Development of Mini-Pilot Scale Seawater Electrolysis Unit" advertisement (Advt No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/PMC/MLP002926/775) from the list of open positions.
4. Fill in your qualification, experience and personal details in the online form.
5. Upload the required documents (certificates, mark sheets, ID proof) as asked in the form.
6. Submit your application online before 15 July 2026.

Keep a copy of your submitted application and registration ID — CSIR-NCL will contact only shortlisted candidates for the interview.

Before you start, keep scanned copies of your degree certificates, mark sheets, NET/GATE/DBT/DST score card (if applicable) and a recent photograph ready — this makes the online form easier to complete in one sitting. Note that the consolidated pay for CSIR project positions is fixed separately by the project's funding agency and is not linked to the regular 7th Pay Commission matrix.

Important Dates

• Application Start Date: 7 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 15 July 2026

• Assist in building and testing components of the mini-pilot scale seawater electrolysis unit
• Collect and analyze experimental data on hydrogen generation from seawater
• Support instrumentation, electronics and mechanical setup of the pilot unit
• Maintain lab equipment, records and safety protocols
• Review scientific literature relevant to electrolysis and hydrogen generation
• Assist senior scientists with experiment planning and troubleshooting
• Prepare progress reports and technical documentation for the project