CSIR-NCL RA, JRF & Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune is hiring 4 candidates for a DBT-funded project in its Biochemical Sciences Division — 1 Research Associate-I, 1 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and 2 Technical Assistants. You can apply online at jobs.ncl.res.in if you hold a PhD, a Master's degree in Life Sciences, or a B.Sc/Diploma, depending on the post. The last date to apply is 7 August 2026. Pay ranges from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 58,000 per month, plus 30% HRA.

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) Research Associate, JRF & Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026 - 4 Posts

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune has invited applications for 4 project positions under a DBT-sponsored research project in the Biochemical Sciences Division. The project focuses on agrobiological and crop-protection research, covering areas like biopesticides, formulation development and bioassays. These are purely temporary, project-based positions with no claim to permanent employment at CSIR-NCL. Candidates from Biotechnology, Microbiology, Life Sciences, Agricultural Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and allied disciplines are encouraged to apply.

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory is one of the constituent laboratories of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), based in Pune. It carries out research across chemical sciences, biotechnology, materials science and catalysis, and regularly hires researchers and technical staff on sponsored and grant-funded projects such as this one.

Vacancy Breakdown

This recruitment is advertised under Advertisement No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/BIO/GAP348426/821 for the DBT project in the Biochemical Sciences Division. The 4 posts are split as follows:

Who Can Apply?

For Research Associate-I (Rs. 58,000/month):

• You need a PhD/MD/MS/MDS or equivalent degree, OR 3 years of research/teaching/design experience after MVSc/M.Pharm/ME/M.Tech with at least one SCI journal publication.
• Preference for candidates with a PhD in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Agricultural Biotechnology, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Chemical Biology or Pharmaceutical Sciences, with hands-on experience in agrobiologicals, biopesticides, HPLC, LC-MS/MS or qPCR, and SCI publications and/or patents.

For Junior Research Fellow (Rs. 37,000/month):

• You need a Master's degree in Life Sciences or an equivalent qualification, OR a graduate/postgraduate professional degree selected through CSIR-UGC NET, GATE or another eligible national-level exam.
• Preference for M.Sc./M.Tech in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Agricultural Biotechnology, Plant Sciences, Biochemistry or Molecular Biology with hands-on experience in bioassays or plant-pathogen/insect interaction studies.

For Technical Assistant (Rs. 20,000/month):

• You need a B.Sc. degree or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering & Technology.
• Preference for candidates with knowledge of microbiology, analytical techniques, greenhouse experiments and laboratory operations.

Salary

• Research Associate-I: Rs. 58,000 per month + 30% HRA (up to about Rs. 75,400 total).
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Rs. 37,000 per month + 30% HRA (up to about Rs. 48,100 total).
• Technical Assistant: Rs. 20,000 per month + 30% HRA (up to about Rs. 26,000 total).
• No TA/DA will be provided for the interview.

Selection Process

The selection will be done in these stages:

1. Screening of Applications: You will be shortlisted based on your qualifications and relevant experience. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee an interview call.
2. Shortlist Announcement: The list of shortlisted candidates will be announced on 10 August 2026.
3. Online Interview: Scheduled for 12 August 2026 at 10:00 AM.

General Terms

• Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not by itself guarantee you a call for interview.
• Candidates will be shortlisted purely on the basis of qualifications and relevant experience.
• No TA/DA will be provided for attending the interview.
• The appointment is purely temporary and project-based, with no claim to permanent employment at CSIR-NCL.

How to Apply

Keep a valid email ID and scanned copies of your documents ready before you start.

1. Go to the CSIR-NCL recruitment portal at jobs.ncl.res.in.
2. Complete the New Registration with a valid email ID.
3. Fill in the online application form for your chosen post — Research Associate-I, JRF, or Technical Assistant.
4. Upload your photograph (below 50 KB) and signature (below 25 KB) in JPG/JPEG format.
5. Upload scanned copies of your educational certificates and experience certificates, if applicable.
6. Submit the form on or before 7 August 2026 — late applications will not be accepted.
7. Watch the CSIR-NCL jobs portal for the shortlist announcement and online interview link.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 27 July 2026
• Application Start Date: 27 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 7 August 2026
• Shortlist Announcement: 10 August 2026
• Online Interview: 12 August 2026

Since the shortlist and interview dates are only a few days after the closing date, complete your online form and upload your documents well ahead of 7 August 2026 to avoid last-minute technical issues on the portal.

• Carry out laboratory experiments related to biopesticide and agrobiological research
• Handle bioassays, formulation development and crop-protection studies
• Operate analytical instruments such as HPLC, LC-MS/MS and qPCR as required by your role
• Record and maintain accurate experimental data and lab registers
• Assist in greenhouse and field evaluation trials
• Prepare reports and contribute to research publications under the project
• Follow all laboratory safety and quality protocols