CSIR-NIO Project Associate II Recruitment 2026

CSIR-NIO is hiring 1 Project Associate II at its Regional Centre in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. If you have an M.Sc in Microbiology or Marine Microbiology with at least 2 years of research experience, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 2 August 2026. The selected candidate will get a stipend of Rs. 28,000 per month for a project period of 6 months.

CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO) Project Associate II Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO) is India's leading marine science research institute, headquartered in Goa with regional centres in Mumbai, Kochi, and Visakhapatnam. The Regional Centre in Visakhapatnam has released notification RCV/02/2026 (Vacancy No. SSP003848/3263-26) for 1 Project Associate II post to work on the sponsored project titled "Marine environment monitoring study in the coastal waters off Chippada."

This is a temporary, project-based research position under CSIR, India's largest chain of publicly funded research and development laboratories. As a Project Associate II, you will work under the guidance of senior scientists at the Visakhapatnam centre and contribute directly to ongoing marine environmental research along the Andhra Pradesh coast. Candidates with hands-on lab experience in water microbiology, DNA extraction, and metagenomics are especially encouraged to apply, since the project focuses heavily on studying marine microbial communities in coastal waters.

CSIR-NIO's regular work spans physical, chemical, biological, and geological oceanography, and its research supports coastal management, fisheries, and environmental protection agencies across India. The Visakhapatnam Regional Centre specifically focuses on nearshore and coastal studies along India's East Coast, making this project a good fit for candidates interested in applied coastal ecosystem research. Taking up this project gives you direct, applied research exposure — you will be part of a small team studying how marine microbial life responds to environmental changes along the Visakhapatnam coastline, combining field sampling with modern lab techniques like DNA extraction and metagenomic sequencing.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: M.Sc in Microbiology or Marine Microbiology from a recognized university.
• Experience: You need a minimum of 2 years of research experience after completing your M.Sc.
• Desirable Skills: Hands-on experience in aquatic water sample analysis, including total viable bacteria count, DNA extraction, and metagenomics of marine microbial communities will strengthen your application.

This role suits early-career researchers who want applied, field-based research experience rather than a purely lab-based academic role. You should be comfortable with both fieldwork on research vessels and laboratory-based microbial analysis, since the job involves regular sample collection trips as well as detailed lab work back at the centre. Candidates who have already worked with standard microbiology techniques such as sample culturing, colony counting, and basic molecular biology tools during their post-M.Sc. research will find this role a natural next step.

Salary

• You will get a stipend of Rs. 28,000 per month if selected.
• This position is sanctioned for a project period of 6 months and may be extended depending on project needs and funding.
• Like most CSIR project positions, this is a contractual engagement tied to the sponsored research project and does not carry regular government service benefits such as pension.

Selection Process (Walk-in Interview)

CSIR-NIO will select the candidate through a walk-in interview — there is no written exam for this post.

1. Application Screening: Your qualification and research experience will be checked against the eligibility criteria listed in the notification.
2. Walk-in Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview at the Visakhapatnam Regional Centre, where you can expect questions on your academic background and hands-on lab experience.

As is standard for CSIR walk-in interviews, keep your original certificates, mark sheets, experience letters, and a printout of your application ready on the day of the interview.

How to Apply

1. Go to the CSIR-NIO website at nio.res.in.
2. Open the Vacancies / Temporary Positions section.
3. Find the Project Associate II (Advt No. RCV/02/2026) listing for the Visakhapatnam Regional Centre.
4. Fill in the online application form with your qualification and experience details.
5. Keep your M.Sc certificates, experience letters, and resume ready before you start.
6. Upload your resume and required documents.
7. Submit the form before the last date.
8. Watch your email/phone for an interview call once your application is screened.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 22 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 2 August 2026

• Collect water samples during field trips on boats and research ships
• Analyze water samples in the lab for total viable bacteria and microbial community composition
• Carry out DNA extraction and metagenomic analysis of marine microbial samples
• Maintain accurate records of sample collection, lab tests, and results
• Support senior scientists in monitoring marine environment quality off the Chippada coast
• Prepare technical reports and contribute to project documentation
• Follow laboratory safety protocols during sample handling and testing