CSIR-NCL Project Associate-II Recruitment 2026

CSIR-NCL Pune is hiring 1 Project Associate-II in the Physical and Materials Chemistry Division. If you have a science, engineering, medicine, BVSc or BPharm qualification with 2 years of R&D experience, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 20 June 2026. Salary is Rs. 33,000 to Rs. 42,000 per month plus HRA, based on your NET/GATE or national-level exam status.

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory Project Associate-II Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune has released Notice No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/PMC/GAP340626/746 for a Project Associate-II post under the ANRF-funded project Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Sensors Based on Defect-Induced Semiconducting Transition Metal Oxide Nanomaterials. The position is temporary and project-based, so it does not become a regular CSIR-NCL appointment. No written exam is mentioned; the selection will be through screening and online interview.

This role is a good fit if your background is in chemistry, inorganic nanomaterials, Raman spectroscopy, natural sciences, engineering or allied research. The work location is CSIR-NCL Pune, and the selected candidate will support synthesis, characterization and SERS sensing work for the project. The notice also asks for a person who can work well in a team.

Who Can Apply?

Essential Qualification

• Qualification: You need a four-year Bachelor's degree in Natural or Agricultural Sciences, or a Master's degree in Natural or Agricultural Sciences.
• Other accepted degrees: BVSc, BPharm, Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology, or Medicine from a recognised university or equivalent are also accepted.
• Experience: You must have 2 years of R&D experience in industrial or academic institutions, science and technology organisations, scientific activities or services.

Preferred Qualification

• Chemistry preference: A Master's degree in Chemistry in General, Inorganic, Physical or Analytical Chemistry is preferred.
• Research preference: Extra experience in synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials and characterization, especially using Raman spectroscopy, will be useful.
• Team fit: The notice also mentions that the candidate should be ready to work in a team.

Project Conditions

• Temporary engagement: This is a project-linked role and does not give any right to a regular CSIR-NCL appointment.
• Application quality: Add all relevant qualifications, R&D experience and nanomaterial/Raman spectroscopy exposure in the online form because these details may matter during shortlisting.
• Interview note: No separate interview call letter will be issued. Shortlisted candidates need to follow website and email updates for the online link.
• Travel support: No TA/DA will be paid for the interview process.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 50 years as on the date of advertisement.
• Age relaxation: Upper age is relaxable by 5 years for SC, ST, PwD and women candidates, and by 3 years for OBC candidates.

Salary

• Rs. 42,000 per month plus HRA: For candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC NET including lectureship/assistant professorship, GATE, or a selection process through national-level exams conducted by Central Government departments and their agencies/institutions.
• Rs. 33,000 per month plus HRA: For other candidates who do not fall under the higher-stipend condition.
• Allowances: HRA is mentioned in both salary slabs. Regular permanent-job allowances are not mentioned because this is a project post.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection for CSIR-NCL Project Associate-II will be done through screening and online interview. If CSIR-NCL receives many applications, the Project Leader may shortlist candidates based on higher qualifications and relevant experience.

1. Application Screening: CSIR-NCL checks your online form, qualification, R&D experience and uploaded documents.
2. Shortlist Notification: Shortlisted candidates will be notified on the website or divisional notice board on 22 June 2026.
3. Interview Link: The online interview link will be sent by email on or before 22 June 2026.
4. Online Interview: Interview will be conducted on 23 June 2026 from 10:00 AM through Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Cisco WebEx or a similar medium.
5. Document Verification: Final joining will depend on verification of qualification, experience and other documents.

How to Apply

1. Go to the CSIR-NCL jobs portal at jobs.ncl.res.in.
2. Select the advertisement 2026/CSIR-NCL/PMC/GAP340626/746.
3. Register with a valid email ID and complete the online form.
4. Enter your qualification, R&D experience, contact details and project-relevant information carefully.
5. Upload scanned photo, signature, mark sheets and testimonials in the required format.
6. Submit the form on or before 20 June 2026. Late forms will not be considered.
7. Keep checking jobs.ncl.res.in and your email for shortlist and interview link updates.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 14 June 2026
• Online Application Start: 14 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 20 June 2026
• Shortlist Display Date: 22 June 2026
• Interview Link by Email: On or before 22 June 2026
• Online Interview Date: 23 June 2026 from 10:00 AM

• Carry out synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials for the SERS sensor project
• Handle material characterization work, especially related to Raman spectroscopy
• Prepare samples and support experiments for SERS sensing applications
• Keep accurate records of experiments, observations and research data
• Work with the project team on analysis, documentation and reporting
• Follow laboratory safety practices while handling chemicals and instruments
• Assist the Project Leader with progress reports, presentations and project reviews