CSIR-NCL Project Associate-I Fuel Cell Recruitment 2026

CSIR-NCL Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026: Overview

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune is hiring Project Associate-I staff for its Physical and Materials Chemistry (PMC) Division. The posts sit under a Department of Science and Technology (DST) sponsored project (code GAP349426) that is building ammonia oxidation and nitrogen reduction electrocatalysts with an active ionomer interface, designed from the bottom up so the electrodes are easy to scale into real processes.

In plain words, the team is working on direct ammonia fuel cells — making new catalysts, testing how they behave, and putting them into working cells. This is a project engagement, not a regular CSIR job, so it suits a chemistry or engineering postgraduate who wants hands-on lab research experience at one of India's best-known chemistry labs.

The project is led by Dr. Sreekumar Kurungot. The notice prefers candidates with a Master's degree in Chemistry and earlier research work on materials for fuel cells and electrolyzers, and it expects you to already be comfortable with electrochemical techniques. You will work as part of a team, but you may also be asked to lead and coordinate parts of the lab work.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Tenure: The engagement runs only as long as the sponsored project and depends on satisfactory performance and conduct.
• Not a CSIR post: The job is purely temporary. It does not count as a CSIR or NCL appointment and gives you no claim to any regular CSIR-NCL post or fellowship later.
• Two pay tiers: Your monthly pay depends on whether you have cleared CSIR-UGC / ICAR / ICMR NET (including lectureship), GATE or a similar national-level test run by a central department such as DBT or DST. Without one of these you are placed on the lower tier.
• Shortlisting: Meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview. A Screening Committee may call only candidates with qualifications and experience above the minimum, so list everything relevant in your form.
• Joining: Selected candidates must join immediately after receiving the offer of engagement.
• No TA/DA: No travel allowance is paid for the interview, which is held online anyway.

Application Submission Notes

Applications are accepted only online through the CSIR-NCL project jobs portal at jobs.ncl.res.in. You need a valid email address before you register, and the portal has its own 'How To Apply' guide that you should read first.

The shortlist will appear on the website and the divisional notice board on 27 October 2026. Shortlisted candidates get the online interview link by email, and the interview is planned for 29 October 2026 from 10:00 AM on a platform such as Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Cisco WebEx. No separate call letter is sent. For queries, you can write to k.sreekumar.ncl@csir.res.in or call 020-25902566.

• Develop new electrocatalysts for ammonia oxidation and nitrogen reduction
• Characterize and test the catalysts using standard electrochemical techniques
• Fabricate and test direct ammonia fuel cells built with the new electrodes
• Lead and coordinate lab activities as part of the project team
• Record experimental results and share them with the project leader