CSIR-NCL Project Associate-II Recruitment 2026

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune is hiring a Project Associate-II for its Sickle Cell Anemia drug discovery project. If you have a Master's degree in Life Sciences (or a B.E./B.Tech with 2 years of R&D experience), you can apply online. The last date to apply is 15 July 2026. You should be under 35 years old, and the pay is Rs. 35,000 per month plus HRA for NET-qualified candidates. This is a hands-on opportunity to gain translational drug-discovery research experience at one of India's top chemistry institutes.

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

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune has invited applications for a Project Associate-II position under a sponsored research project titled "Optimization of Small Molecule Hemoglobin Modulators as a Treatment Strategy for Sickle Cell Anemia" (Project Code GAP342726), advertised under Advt. No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/BIO/GAP342726/783. CSIR-NCL is one of India's leading chemical sciences research institutes under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), with a strong biochemical sciences program that works on drug discovery for diseases that affect a large number of Indians. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder common in several tribal and rural belts of India, and this project focuses on finding small molecules that can modulate hemoglobin to stop red blood cells from sickling. This is a purely temporary, project-based engagement and does not count as a CSIR/NCL appointment, nor does it create any claim to a future or permanent post at the institute. Life Sciences postgraduates and Engineering/Technology graduates with a research mindset should apply before the deadline.

CSIR-NCL, established in 1950, is one of India's leading government chemistry research institutes, with active programs in chemical engineering, biochemical sciences, polymer science and materials research. Working here as a Project Associate gives you access to modern research infrastructure and mentorship from senior CSIR scientists, which is valuable if you are considering a PhD or research career later. Sickle cell anemia disproportionately affects tribal and rural populations in parts of India, and the Government of India runs a National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission targeting elimination by 2047 — this CSIR-NCL project supports that broader public-health goal. Selected candidates will be based at the CSIR-NCL campus in Pune, Maharashtra.

Who Can Apply?

CSIR-NCL accepts candidates through two separate qualification routes for this Project Associate-II post:

• Route 1: Master's / Integrated Master's degree in Life Sciences, with no additional experience required.
• Route 2: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology from a recognized university, along with at least 2 years of research and development experience in an industrial, academic or science and technology organization.
• Route 3: Master's / Integrated Master's degree in Engineering or Technology from a recognized university or equivalent.
• Preferred Qualification: Candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC NET / ICAR NET / ICMR NET are eligible for a higher consolidated pay than non-NET candidates.

Note: You only need to meet one of the three routes above to be eligible — you do not need experience if you apply through the Master's degree route.

Age Limit

• You should be under 35 years of age to apply for this position.

Salary

• Selected candidates will get a consolidated pay of Rs. 35,000 per month plus HRA if they have qualified CSIR-UGC/ICAR/ICMR NET.
• This is a consolidated project emolument fixed by the project's funding norms, not a regular CSIR pay scale, and it does not carry 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. Screening of Applications: Your qualifications and experience are checked against the eligibility criteria listed above.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview to assess their suitability for the sickle cell research project.

Since this is a project-specific engagement, CSIR-NCL usually looks for candidates who already have some exposure to biochemistry, molecular biology or drug-discovery techniques, even though it is not a strict requirement on paper.

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 Sickle Cell Anemia Drug Discovery advertisement (Advt No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/BIO/GAP342726/783) 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/ICAR/ICMR 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: 1 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 15 July 2026

• Handle lab experiments related to hemoglobin modulator research
• Prepare and analyze biological samples and assays
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, reagents and results
• Support the project's principal investigator with day-to-day research work
• Review scientific literature relevant to sickle cell anemia and drug discovery
• Follow lab safety and biosafety protocols at all times
• Prepare progress reports and presentations for the project