CSIR-NCL Senior Project Associate AEM Electrolyser 2026

CSIR-NCL Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026: Overview

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune is hiring a Senior Project Associate (SPA) for its Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry Division. The post sits under a CSIR-funded project called "Research, Design, Development, and Demonstration of Indigenous 5 KW AEM Water Electrolyser" (project code MMP065202). In simple words, the team is building an Indian-made anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyser, a machine that splits water to produce hydrogen, and wants a chemist who can work on its catalysts, cells and testing.

This is a project-based, purely temporary engagement and not a regular CSIR appointment. It suits chemists who already have hands-on research experience with catalytic materials, electrochemistry or fuel-cell and electrolyser hardware and want to help build an indigenous electrolyser from materials to working stack.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Tenure: The engagement lasts only as long as the sponsored project, and it continues only if your performance and conduct stay satisfactory.
• No claim to a regular post: This is not a CSIR or NCL appointment of any kind. It gives you no right or claim to be considered for any CSIR-NCL post or fellowship later.
• Fixed pay: The monthly amount is a consolidated sum; the notice mentions no separate allowances.
• Shortlisting: The listed qualifications are only the bare minimum. If many people apply, a Screening Committee may call only those with qualifications and experience above the minimum, so mention every relevant qualification and all your experience in the form.
• No TA/DA: You get no travel or daily allowance for appearing in the interview.
• Joining: If you are selected, you must join duty immediately after you receive the offer of engagement.

Application Submission Notes

You can apply only online through the CSIR-NCL project jobs portal (jobs.ncl.res.in), and you need a valid email ID before you start. Keep your photo under 50 KB and signature under 25 KB in JPG/JPEG format, and read the portal's "How To Apply" guidelines before filling the form. Late applications are not considered.

The Screening Committee's shortlist is put up on the NCL website and the divisional notice board. Shortlisted candidates face the Selection Committee in an online interview (Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Cisco WebEx or similar), and the meeting link comes by email. No separate interview call letter is issued. For queries, contact the KS Office, NCM Lab at ncmlabselva@gmail.com or 020-25902868.

• Synthesise catalysts and other materials for the AEM water electrolyser
• Scale up the synthesis of these materials beyond lab batches
• Characterise the materials, including catalysts, and record the results
• Help develop and assemble the AEM cell and stack
• Test the AEM electrolyser and support its scale-up to the 5 kW level