CSIR-NCL Project Associate - Sickle Cell Anemia 2026

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune is hiring a Project Associate to work on a Sickle Cell Anemia drug discovery project in its Biochemical Sciences Division. If you have a Master's degree in Chemistry with a background in synthetic or organic chemistry, you can apply online through the CSIR-NCL jobs portal. The last date to apply is 19 August 2026. You will get a stipend of up to Rs. 31,000 per month plus HRA, as per CSIR norms.

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

CSIR-NCL has released advertisement 2026/CSIR-NCL/BIO/GAP342726/847 inviting applications for a Project Associate position under a sponsored research project on Sickle Cell Anemia drug discovery, with a focus on synthetic chemistry approaches to hemoglobin modulators. This position is part of CSIR's broader Sickle Cell Anemia Mission, a nationwide effort by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research to develop affordable treatments for the disease. Candidates with hands-on synthetic organic chemistry experience are especially encouraged to apply. This is a temporary, project-linked engagement — the duration depends on the sponsoring project.

Sickle Cell Anemia affects a large number of tribal and rural communities across India, and the Government of India has set a national target to eliminate it as a public health problem. CSIR laboratories, including CSIR-NCL, are contributing to this mission through drug discovery and repurposing research aimed at developing affordable, accessible treatments. As a Project Associate on this project, you will be contributing directly to this important area of medicinal chemistry research at a national research institute.

CSIR-NCL is one of India's premier chemical research institutes, working under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology. Based in Pune, the lab carries out research across catalysis, polymer science, organic chemistry, and biochemical sciences, and regularly recruits Project Associates and Research Fellows for CSIR-funded and externally sponsored projects. CSIR-NCL runs several such project-based recruitments through the year on its jobs portal, so make sure you apply specifically against advertisement 847 for this Sickle Cell Anemia position and not one of the other concurrent postings listed there.

As with most CSIR project positions, this is a purely temporary and contractual engagement, and it does not entitle you to a claim for regular employment at CSIR-NCL or CSIR. The tenure of the position is linked to the funding and duration of the sponsored project, and continuation depends on your performance and the project's ongoing requirements.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You need a Master's Degree (M.Sc.) in Chemistry, preferably with specialization in Organic or Synthetic Chemistry.
• Preferred: If you have qualified CSIR-UGC NET (including Lectureship/Assistant Professorship), GATE, or an equivalent national-level test conducted by DBT/DST, you are eligible for the higher stipend slab.
• Experience: Prior exposure to organic synthesis, drug discovery, or medicinal chemistry techniques is an advantage, though it is not compulsory.
• Skills: Familiarity with standard organic chemistry lab techniques such as column chromatography, TLC, recrystallization, and basic spectral interpretation (NMR/Mass Spectrometry) will help you settle into the role quickly.

Salary

• You will get a consolidated stipend of Rs. 25,000 per month if you do not hold NET/GATE qualification, and Rs. 31,000 per month if you have qualified NET/GATE or an equivalent national exam, as per CSIR-HRDG norms.
• You will also get House Rent Allowance (HRA) in addition, as per Government of India rules.

How to Apply

1. Go to the CSIR-NCL jobs portal at jobs.ncl.res.in.
2. Look for advertisement 2026/CSIR-NCL/BIO/GAP342726/847 ('Recruitment of Project Associate for Sickle Cell Anemia Drug Discovery Project - Synthetic Chemistry') in the New Jobs list — the portal lists several concurrent advertisements, so double-check the advertisement number before you apply.
3. Complete the One Time Registration if you have not registered before.
4. Fill in the online application form with your qualification and experience details.
5. Upload your resume, certificates, and photograph.
6. Submit your application before the deadline.

Important Dates

• Application Start Date: 13 August 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 19 August 2026

• Synthesize and characterize small-molecule hemoglobin modulator compounds for the sickle cell anemia project
• Plan and carry out organic synthesis reactions using standard laboratory techniques
• Purify and characterize synthesized compounds using chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR, Mass Spec)
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and experimental records
• Coordinate with the project's biology team for compound testing and assay results
• Prepare progress reports and presentations for project reviews
• Follow laboratory safety protocols while handling chemicals and reagents