CSIR-NIIST Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026

About This Job

CSIR-NIIST is hiring 10 Project Associate-I posts through Advertisement No. PA/09/2026. If you have M.Sc in Chemistry/Physics or B.Tech in Chemical/Polymer Engineering, you can attend the walk-in interview. The walk-in interview is on 23 June 2026 at CSIR-NIIST, Pappanamcode, Thiruvananthapuram. Salary ranges from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 37,000 per month plus 20% HRA, based on post code and NET/GATE/national exam status.

CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 - 10 Posts

CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) has released a walk-in interview notice for purely temporary Project Associate-I positions in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical/Polymer Engineering and Physics. The same official PDF covers MSTD-8, MSTD-13, MSTD-18, MSTD-20 and CSET-8, so this listing includes all active posts from that advertisement. A written test may be conducted only if necessary, followed by interview and document verification.

The work is project-based and temporary, so it is suitable for candidates who want research experience in polymer composites, chemistry, applied chemistry and optoelectronic device fabrication. You must report by 09:00 AM; candidates reaching after 09:30 AM will not be considered.

Vacancy Breakdown by Post Code

• CSET-8 - Physics: 3 Project Associate-I posts
• MSTD-8 - Chemistry / Polymer Chemistry / Chemical or Polymer Engineering: 2 Project Associate-I posts
• MSTD-13 - Chemistry / Chemical: 2 Project Associate-I posts
• MSTD-18 - Chemistry / Applied Chemistry: 2 Project Associate-I posts
• MSTD-20 - Chemistry: 1 Project Associate-I post

Total: 10 Project Associate-I posts under Advertisement No. PA/09/2026. Waitlisted candidates may also be considered for future project vacancies arising within one year from the interview date in order of merit.

Who Can Apply?

MSTD-8 - Chemistry / Polymer Chemistry / Chemical or Polymer Engineering

• Qualification: You need M.Sc in Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry from a recognised university or equivalent.
• Alternative qualification: You can also apply with B.Tech in Chemical or Polymer Engineering from a recognised university or equivalent.
• Desirable: Experience in resin synthesis.

MSTD-13 - Chemistry / Chemical

• Qualification: You need M.Sc in Chemistry from a recognised university or equivalent.
• Alternative qualification: You can also apply with B.Tech in Chemical Engineering or equivalent.

MSTD-18 and MSTD-20 - Chemistry

• MSTD-18: You need M.Sc in Chemistry or Applied Chemistry from a recognised university or equivalent.
• MSTD-20: You need M.Sc in Chemistry from a recognised university or equivalent.

CSET-8 - Physics

• Qualification: You need M.Sc in Physics from a recognised university or equivalent.
• Desirable: Experience in optoelectronic device fabrication.

Age Limit

• Maximum age is 35 years as on the date of walk-in interview.
• Age relaxation: SC, ST, OBC, physically handicapped and women candidates get relaxation as per Government of India / CSIR rules.

Salary

• MSTD-8, MSTD-13, MSTD-18 and CSET-8: Rs. 31,000 + 20% HRA per month for candidates with CSIR-UGC/ICAR/ICMR NET including lectureship/assistant professorship, GATE, or qualifying national-level exams.
• MSTD-8, MSTD-13, MSTD-18 and CSET-8: Rs. 25,000 + 20% HRA per month for others.
• MSTD-20: Rs. 37,000 + 20% HRA per month for NET/GATE/national-level exam qualified candidates.
• MSTD-20: Rs. 30,000 + 20% HRA per month for others.
• Allowance: HRA is fixed at 20% as mentioned in the notification.

Application Fee

• The CSIR-NIIST notification does not mention any application fee.
• You need to bring the filled form and documents for walk-in verification.

Selection Process

The selection process is centred on the walk-in interview. The notice says a written test may be conducted if necessary, so candidates should be ready for screening before interview.

1. Reporting: Report at 09:00 AM at CSIR-NIIST, Pappanamcode, Thiruvananthapuram.
2. Document Verification: Submit the filled application form with self-attested copies and show originals.
3. Written Test, if required: CSIR-NIIST may conduct a written test when needed.
4. Walk-in Interview: Attend the interview for the relevant post code.
5. Final Merit / Waitlist: Selected and waitlisted candidates may be considered as per project needs and merit order.

How to Apply

1. Go to the CSIR-NIIST official website at niist.res.in.
2. Download the prescribed application form from the notification PDF.
3. Fill in all details, including advertisement number, post code and post applied for.
4. Paste your photograph and sign the application form.
5. Attach self-attested copies of certificates and mark sheets from matriculation onwards.
6. Bring original certificates, testimonials, category proof and experience proof for checking.
7. Report at CSIR-NIIST, Pappanamcode, Thiruvananthapuram by 09:00 AM on 23 June 2026.

Timing is strict: Candidates reaching after 09:30 AM will not be considered. Only candidates whose final results are declared by the interview date can attend.

Important Dates

• Notification / Application Start: 16 June 2026
• Walk-in Interview Date: 23 June 2026
• Reporting Time: 09:00 AM
• Late Reporting Cut-off: 09:30 AM
• Exam Date: Written test may be held if necessary on the walk-in day

Documents to Carry

• Filled and signed application form with photo pasted.
• Self-attested certificates and mark sheets from matriculation onwards.
• Original certificates and testimonials for verification.
• NET/GATE/national-level exam proof, if claiming the higher stipend.
• Experience proof, especially for desirable experience like resin synthesis or optoelectronic device fabrication.
• Category certificate for age relaxation, if applicable.

• Work on assigned chemistry, polymer, applied chemistry or physics project tasks
• Handle laboratory experiments, synthesis work, device fabrication or sample testing as assigned
• Maintain research records, observations, data sheets and project documents
• Assist scientists and project investigators with day-to-day research work
• Prepare reports, summaries and presentations for project review meetings
• Follow laboratory safety rules and CSIR-NIIST project procedures
• Manage samples, chemicals, instruments and research data responsibly