CSIR-NCL Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 (GAP347926)

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune is hiring for a Project Associate-I post under Advertisement No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/CAT/GAP347926/796. This is a temporary, project-based research position at one of India's leading chemistry research institutes. You can apply online through the CSIR-NCL recruitment portal. The last date to apply is 5 August 2026.

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

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory is a premier research institute under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Established in 1950 and based in Pune, the lab is known for its work in chemical sciences, catalysis, and chemical engineering. CSIR-NCL regularly engages Project Associates to work on sponsored and grant-in-aid research projects on a contract basis, and this specific opening (Project Code GAP347926) is one of several positions currently open at the institute. Because CSIR-NCL runs several project recruitments at the same time, always check the exact advertisement number 2026/CSIR-NCL/CAT/GAP347926/796 before you apply so you don't end up applying for the wrong project.

A Project Associate-I position is meant for candidates who want hands-on research experience while working under a Principal Investigator (PI) on a specific, funded research project. These are common entry points into scientific research careers in India, and CSIR-NCL is one of the most reputed labs in the country for chemistry and chemical engineering research.

CSIR-NCL's research groups work across areas such as catalysis, organic and organometallic chemistry, polymer science, chemical engineering, biochemical sciences, and materials science. Many of these groups regularly hire short-term project staff — Project Associates, Junior Research Fellows, and Senior Research Fellows — to work on individual sponsored and grant-in-aid projects funded by government agencies and industry partners.

What Does a Project Associate-I Do?

Across CSIR labs, the Project Associate-I position generally follows the DST/CSIR guidelines for project staff. It is meant for candidates with a relevant postgraduate qualification who want to work full-time on a specific, time-bound research project under a Principal Investigator, gaining lab experience that can help with future research careers or higher studies. The exact qualification, stipend, and number of vacancies for this notice (Advertisement No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/CAT/GAP347926/796) are listed in the official advertisement on the CSIR-NCL recruitment portal — always confirm these details there before you apply, since CSIR-NCL runs several project recruitments with different terms at the same time.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

There is no written exam for this post. CSIR-NCL selects candidates through:

1. Screening of Applications: Your educational qualifications and experience are screened against the project's requirements.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview, as shown against the advertisement on the CSIR-NCL recruitment portal.

How to Apply

1. Go to the CSIR-NCL recruitment portal at jobs.ncl.res.in.
2. Complete New Registration if you are applying for the first time.
3. Find Advertisement No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/CAT/GAP347926/796 for the Project Associate-I post in the "New Jobs" list.
4. Read the "How to Apply" guidelines document available on the portal before you start.
5. Fill in the online application form and upload your certificates and documents.
6. Submit your application before the deadline.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Start Date: 20 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 5 August 2026

Note: The vacancy count, exact qualification, and salary for this specific project are listed in the official advertisement on the CSIR-NCL recruitment portal, since CSIR-NCL does not publish these details on its general job listing page.

• Support the Principal Investigator in day-to-day experimental work for the sponsored research project
• Prepare samples, run tests, and record laboratory data accurately
• Maintain lab equipment, chemicals, and safety protocols in the assigned laboratory
• Review scientific literature relevant to the project
• Help prepare project reports, presentations, and research papers
• Coordinate with other project staff and research scholars in the lab
• Follow institute rules for research ethics and data handling