CSIR-NCL Project Associate Recruitment 2026

CSIR-NCL has released a notification for 12 Project Associate-I, Project Associate-II and Senior Project Associate positions at its Pune campus under the Central Analytical Facility (CAF). Candidates with M.Sc. (Chemistry/Physics/Computer Science) or B.E./B.Tech (Computer Science) can apply online. Last date to apply is 31 March 2026. Monthly emoluments range from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 42,000 plus HRA.

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) Project Associate Recruitment 2026 - 12 Posts

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune has announced recruitment for 12 project staff positions under Advertisement No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/CAF/TSP026526/703. These are contractual positions in the Central Analytical Facility division, which houses some of India's most advanced analytical instruments. There is no application fee for any category and selection will be through screening followed by an online interview. Science graduates and engineering degree holders with relevant research experience can apply.

Vacancy Breakdown

• Project Associate-I: 3 posts
• Project Associate-II: 6 posts
• Project Associate-II (Computer): 1 post
• Senior Project Associate: 2 posts

Who Can Apply?

For Project Associate-I (Rs. 25,000 - Rs. 31,000 + HRA):

• Qualification: M.Sc. in Chemistry or Physics from a recognized university
• Experience: No prior experience needed (freshers can apply)
• Preference: Knowledge or experience in X-Ray Analysis techniques (XRD, XRF, XPS) and Magnetic properties (VSM, SQUID)

For Project Associate-II (Rs. 28,000 - Rs. 35,000 + HRA):

• Qualification: M.Sc. in Chemistry from a recognized university
• Experience: 2 years of experience in Research and Development
• Preference: Experience in SEM/TEM, IR/Raman, BET, X-Ray Analysis, etc.

For Project Associate-II - Computer (Rs. 28,000 - Rs. 35,000 + HRA):

• Qualification: B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science or M.Sc. in Computer Science from a recognized university
• Experience: 2 years of experience in Research and Development
• Preference: Experience in GST invoicing, GeM portal, Tally, website and database management

For Senior Project Associate (Rs. 42,000 + HRA):

• Qualification: M.Sc. in Chemistry from a recognized university
• Experience: 3 years of experience in Research and Development
• Preference: Knowledge and experience in operation and maintenance of sophisticated analytical instruments

Candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC/ICAR/ICMR NET, GATE, or equivalent national-level examinations may receive higher emoluments as per CSIR norms.

Age Limit

• Maximum age for Project Associate-I and II: 35 years
• Maximum age for Senior Project Associate: 40 years
• Age Relaxation: Up to 5 years for SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates as per Government of India rules

Salary

• Project Associate-I: Rs. 25,000 + HRA (without NET/GATE) or Rs. 31,000 + HRA (with NET/GATE qualification)
• Project Associate-II: Rs. 28,000 + HRA (without NET/GATE) or Rs. 35,000 + HRA (with NET/GATE qualification)
• Senior Project Associate: Rs. 42,000 + HRA
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) is payable as per Government of India rules applicable to CSIR employees

Application Fee

• General / OBC / SC / ST / All categories: No fee (Nil)

Selection Process

Selection will be done in 2 stages:

1. Screening by Committee: Applications will be screened by a selection committee and shortlisted candidates will be called for interview
2. Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates will appear for an online interview scheduled on 09 April 2026

The shortlist notification will be released on 06 April 2026.

How to Apply

1. Go to the CSIR-NCL project recruitment portal at jobs.ncl.res.in
2. Click on "New Registration" to create your account
3. Log in and look for Advertisement No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/CAF/TSP026526/703
4. Fill in the online application form with your personal, educational, and contact details
5. Upload your photograph, signature, and required certificates in the prescribed format
6. Review all details carefully and submit your application before 31 March 2026
7. Take a printout or save a copy of your submitted application for future reference

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 18 March 2026
• Online Application Start: 18 March 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 31 March 2026
• Shortlist Notification: 06 April 2026
• Online Interview: 09 April 2026

• Operate and maintain sophisticated analytical instruments such as XRD, XRF, XPS, SEM, TEM, IR, Raman, and BET equipment
• Assist researchers and scientists with sample analysis and characterization tasks
• Prepare and process samples for various analytical techniques following standard procedures
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, instrument logs, and analysis results
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and quality assurance guidelines at all times
• Handle administrative tasks related to GST invoicing, GeM portal procurement, and database management (for Computer post)
• Support research projects by conducting literature reviews and data analysis as required