CSIR-NEERI Chennai Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026

CSIR-NEERI is hiring 2 Project Associate-I researchers for its Chennai Regional Centre, with the vacancy count possibly rising to 3 depending on project funds. If you have an M.Sc in Chemistry, Nano Technology, Polymer Science, or Material Science, you can walk in directly for the interview — no online application is needed. The walk-in interview is on 24 July 2026, and there is no written exam for this post. Salary is Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 31,000 per month plus HRA, depending on whether you have qualified NET/GATE or an equivalent national-level exam.

CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 - 2 Posts

CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Ministry of Science & Technology, has announced a walk-in-interview drive for Project Associate-I posts at its Chennai Regional Centre. The engagement is under the externally funded research project "Development of Low-Strontium Salts-based Fireworks: A Promising Approach to Minimize Critical Mineral Use in the Firework Industries (FTT-030613)". This is a purely temporary, project-based role that runs co-terminus with the project — a good opportunity for chemistry postgraduates interested in green cracker R&D.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You need an M.Sc in Chemistry (General/Organic/Inorganic/Analytical/Physical), Nano Technology, Polymer Science, or Material Science from a recognized university or institute.
• Job Role: The work involves emission testing of firecrackers, data analysis and documentation, and R&D formulation of Green Crackers along with their characterization.
• Result Status: You must already have your final result declared (at least a provisional certificate). Final semester appeared or result-awaited candidates cannot apply or attend the interview.
• Experience Counting: If experience is required, it is counted only from the date after you got your minimum qualification — time spent on a thesis or higher studies does not count.

Age Limit

• The upper age limit is 35 years, counted as on the last date of receipt of applications.
• Age Relaxation: The application form has a section to claim age relaxation — reserved category candidates should attach their caste certificate if applicable.

Salary

• Candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC NET (including lectureship/Assistant Professorship) or GATE, or cleared a national-level exam conducted by a Central Government department/agency, will get Rs. 31,000 per month plus HRA.
• Candidates who do not fall in the above category will get Rs. 25,000 per month plus HRA.
• This is a contractual project position, so the pay is fixed by the funding project and not linked to any CPC pay matrix.
• The maximum tenure as project staff across all CSIR labs is capped at 6 to 7 years, as per CSIR's project-personnel guidelines.

Application Fee

• There is no application fee for this recruitment — you don't need to pay anything to apply or attend the interview.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

CSIR-NEERI will select candidates directly through a walk-in interview — there is no written test:

1. Walk-in Interview: Held at CSIR-NEERI, CSIR Madras Complex, Taramani, Chennai - 600 113, on 24 July 2026 between 9:30 am and 11:00 am (the gate closes sharp at 11:00 am, so reach early).

If a large number of applications are received, the Screening Committee may shortlist candidates before the interview. No TA (travel allowance) is paid for attending the interview.

How to Apply

1. Download the official advertisement and application form (Annexure-II) from recruitment.neeri.res.in.
2. Fill in the application form completely and paste a passport-size photograph on it, signed across.
3. Gather your original certificates plus one photocopy set: Aadhaar card, 10th (SSC), 12th (HSC), graduation and postgraduation mark sheets, and degree certificates.
4. Report in person to CSIR-NEERI, CSIR Madras Complex, Taramani, Chennai on the interview date, between 9:30 am and 11:00 am.
5. Carry the filled application form along with your documents for verification at the venue.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Period: 14 July 2026 to 21 July 2026
• Walk-in Interview Date: 24 July 2026
• Reporting Time: 9:30 am to 11:00 am

• Conduct emission testing of firecrackers as per project protocols
• Analyze test data and prepare documentation for the R&D team
• Assist in formulating and characterizing Green Cracker samples
• Maintain lab records and testing logs accurately
• Coordinate with senior scientists on experiment scheduling
• Follow lab safety protocols while handling firework materials
• Prepare periodic progress reports for the funding project