CSIR-NCL Project Staff Recruitment 2026

About This Job

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune is hiring for Project Associate-II and Principal Project Associate posts under a sponsored project in its Chemical Engineering and Process Development (CEPD) division. If you have a Master's degree in science or a B.E./B.Tech, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 14 July 2026. The monthly pay goes up to about Rs. 49,000 plus HRA as per CSIR norms. This is a project-based post, not a permanent CSIR job, but it is a well-respected first step for anyone who wants to build a career in research and development.

CSIR-NCL Project Staff Recruitment 2026 (Advertisement No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/CEPD/FTT030611/765)

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune has released a notice to fill Project Associate-II and Principal Project Associate positions for a sponsored research project taken up in the laboratory. These are purely temporary posts that last only as long as the project runs. CSIR-NCL is one of India's leading national research laboratories and a constituent lab of CSIR, well known for its work in chemistry and chemical engineering. Its CEPD division works on areas like reaction engineering, catalysis, process design and scale-up from lab to pilot plant. Sponsored projects like this one are funded by government and industry partners, so you get to work on real, application-driven problems. This is a strong chance for chemical engineers and science postgraduates who want hands-on research experience at a top institute.

Vacancy Breakdown

This notice covers two types of project posts. The exact number of seats depends on the needs of the sponsored project.

• Project Associate-II — for freshers and early-career candidates who hold the right degree
• Principal Project Associate — a senior role for candidates with strong research or industry experience

Both posts are for the same sponsored project in the CEPD division at CSIR-NCL, Pune.

Who Can Apply?

The two posts have different requirements. Read the category that matches your degree and experience before you apply.

Project Associate-II

• Master's degree or Integrated Master's in a relevant Science subject, OR a Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology (B.E./B.Tech) with 2 years of research experience, OR a Master's degree in Engineering/Technology (M.E./M.Tech)
• A background in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Process Development is preferred, because the work is in the CEPD division

Principal Project Associate

• B.E./B.Tech or a higher degree in a relevant branch, along with several years of relevant research or industry experience
• A Ph.D in a relevant area is an added advantage

Meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview call — the project team may set a higher bar when many people apply.

Age Limit

• Project Associate-II: generally up to 35 years as on the last date of application
• Principal Project Associate: generally up to 40 years as on the last date of application
• Age relaxation is given as per CSIR rules — 5 years for SC/ST/PwD/Women and 3 years for OBC candidates

Salary

• Project Associate-II: Rs. 28,000 per month plus HRA. If you have qualified NET/GATE or a similar national test, you get Rs. 35,000 per month plus HRA
• Principal Project Associate: around Rs. 49,000 per month plus HRA
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) is paid as per CSIR rules when accommodation is not provided by the institute

The engagement is co-terminous with the project — it runs for as long as the project is funded and your work is satisfactory. If the project period is long enough, you may also be able to register for a Ph.D as per CSIR rules, which makes this a good long-term learning opportunity.

These pay figures follow the standard CSIR project staff norms.

Application Fee

• There is no application fee for these project posts

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

There is no written test. Selection happens in these steps:

1. Screening / Shortlisting: The project team checks your qualification and experience. Meeting only the minimum does not promise an interview call — if many people apply, only the best-matched candidates are shortlisted.
2. Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates attend an interview through Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Cisco WebEx. The link is sent to your email.
3. Document Verification: You must show your original certificates before joining.

The list of shortlisted candidates is put up on the CSIR-NCL website and the division notice board, so keep checking there after you apply. No separate interview call letter is posted and no TA/DA (travel allowance) is paid for the online interview.

How to Apply

1. Go to the CSIR-NCL recruitment portal at jobs.ncl.res.in.
2. Read the "How to Apply" guidelines given on ncl-india.org.
3. Register with a valid email ID (One Time Registration).
4. Fill in the online application form for Advertisement No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/CEPD/FTT030611/765.
5. Upload your photo, signature, mark sheets and testimonials in the sizes asked for.
6. Submit the form before the last date and save a copy for yourself.

Applications sent after the last date will not be accepted.

Important Dates

• Application Start: 26 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 14 July 2026
• Shortlist and Interview Dates: To be announced on the CSIR-NCL website

• Carry out laboratory experiments and process development work for the assigned sponsored project
• Handle chemical engineering tasks such as reaction studies, scale-up and equipment setup
• Record and analyse experimental data and prepare technical reports
• Support the project leader in planning and running day-to-day project activities
• Maintain lab safety, cleanliness and proper handling of chemicals
• Present results in group meetings and help write project documents
• Guide and coordinate with junior project staff (mainly for the Principal Project Associate role)