UNOM Project Associate Recruitment 2026

University of Madras is hiring 1 Project Associate in the Department of Analytical Chemistry at Guindy Campus, Chennai. If you have an M.Sc in Analytical Chemistry or General Chemistry, you can apply by email before 22 May 2026. The fellowship is Rs. 31,000 + 24% HRA for NET/GATE or national-exam qualified candidates and Rs. 25,000 + 24% HRA for others. The post is temporary and will run up to January 2027 with the ANRF project.

University of Madras Project Associate Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

University of Madras has released this Project Associate notice for an ANRF-funded R&D project in the Department of Analytical Chemistry. The project title is Facile synthesis of Binary Metal Oxide Supported Mesoporous Material for Oxidative Desulfurization of Sulfur Compounds, supported under the EEQ scheme of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. This role fits chemistry postgraduates who want research experience in analytical chemistry, catalysis, materials, and desulfurization work.

The notice names Dr. K. Venkatachalam as Principal Investigator and gives the work location as Chennai - 600025. You should use the prescribed form because it asks for NET/GATE details, academic record from Class 10, research experience, publications, and referee contacts. This helps the department check both your chemistry background and your fit for project lab work.

Vacancy Details

• Post Name: Project Associate
• Total Vacancy: 1 post
• Specialisation: M.Sc Analytical Chemistry or General Chemistry
• Project Duration: Until January 2027
• Work Location: Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai - 600025
• Project Funding: ANRF, under Empowerment and Equity Opportunities for Excellence in Science (EEQ), DST, Government of India

Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification

• Qualification: You need an M.Sc in Analytical Chemistry or General Chemistry from a recognised university.
• Preferred Qualification: CSIR-NET or GATE qualified candidates are preferred.
• Research Fit: The project is linked to binary metal oxides, mesoporous materials, oxidative desulfurization, and sulfur compounds.

Fellowship Category

• Higher fellowship: You can get Rs. 31,000 + 24% HRA if you have qualified CSIR-UGC NET including Lectureship, GATE, or a national examination conducted by government departments or agencies.
• Other eligible applicants: Candidates who do not fall in the national-exam qualified category can get Rs. 25,000 + 24% HRA.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 35 years.
• Age relaxation: Relaxation is available for SC, ST, OBC, women, and physically handicapped candidates as per Government of India rules.
• Reference date: The notification does not mention a separate age cut-off date.

Salary

• NET/GATE or national-exam qualified candidates: Rs. 31,000 per month + 24% HRA.
• Other candidates: Rs. 25,000 per month + 24% HRA.
• Gross pay note: With 24% HRA, the monthly amount can be higher than the base fellowship.
• Nature of pay: This is a project fellowship, not a permanent government pay scale.

Application Fee

• Application fee: No application fee is mentioned in the notification.
• Payment mode: Not applicable because the application is sent by email.

Selection Process

The University will shortlist applicants for an interview. No written examination pattern is given in the notice.

1. Email application screening: Your prescribed application form and certificates will be checked first.
2. Interview: Shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview.
3. Document verification: Certificates and supporting documents may be checked before final selection.
4. Final appointment: The appointment will be purely temporary and co-terminus with the project.

No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview, so you should plan your travel and documents in advance. The appointment does not create a permanent claim in the University because it is attached to the ANRF project period.

How to Apply

1. Download or copy the prescribed application format given in the notification.
2. Fill in your personal details, academic details, NET/GATE details, research experience, publications, and referee details.
3. Attach attested copies of certificates with the application.
4. Email the soft copy so it reaches Dr. K. Venkatachalam on or before 22 May 2026.
5. Use the official email IDs printed in the notice: venkatchemistry@rediffmail.com or venkatachalam@unom.ac.in.
6. Keep originals ready because shortlisted applicants will need them for interview and verification.

Documents Required

• Filled application form in the prescribed format.
• Recent passport-size photograph pasted on the form.
• Academic certificates and mark sheets from Class 10 onward.
• NET/GATE score details, if applicable.
• Research experience and publication details, if any.
• Category or PwD certificate, if claiming age relaxation.
• Contact details of two referees as asked in the application format.

Contact and Correspondence

• Principal Investigator: Dr. K. Venkatachalam, Assistant Professor, Department of Analytical Chemistry.
• Campus Address: University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai - 600025, Tamil Nadu.
• Phone: 044-22202716 or +91 9884137117 as printed in the notification.
• Email: venkatchemistry@rediffmail.com and venkatachalam@unom.ac.in are listed for correspondence.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 4 May 2026
• Application Start: 4 May 2026
• Last Date to Apply by Email: 22 May 2026
• Interview Date: To be announced to shortlisted applicants
• Project Duration: Until January 2027

• Handle laboratory research work under the ANRF EEQ analytical chemistry project
• Prepare and study binary metal oxide supported mesoporous materials
• Assist experiments related to oxidative desulfurization of sulfur compounds
• Keep accurate records of samples, observations, data, and project progress
• Prepare reports, data tables, and presentation material for project review
• Coordinate with the Principal Investigator and follow University research procedures