CSIR-NCL Announces Project Associate-II for Biologics Downstream Development

The CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), a prestigious constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has released a notification for the temporary, project-based position of Project Associate-II at its Pune campus. The opportunity is geared towards skilled candidates, including those from a Pharmaceutical Sciences background, with expertise in biologics and chemical engineering.

The Project and Role Focus

The position is tied to a specific industry-sponsored research project:

Project Code: GAP344226
Project Title: “Continuous downstream process development for biotherapeutic proteins.”
Job Requirement: The selected candidate will be responsible for both upstream and downstream process development of biopharmaceutical recombinant proteins, particularly antibody fragments or antibodies.

Eligibility and Compensation

The minimum qualifications for this Project Associate-II post require both a relevant Master’s degree and mandatory research experience.

Detail	Specification
Post Name	Project Associate-II
Upper Age Limit	35 years (Relaxation applies for SC/ST/OBC/PWD/Women candidates)
Contract Status	Purely temporary and co-terminus with the project tenure.
Emoluments (NET/GATE Qualified)	₹35,000/- per month + HRA (for candidates qualified in CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, DBT/DST, or equivalent exams)
Emoluments (Non-NET/GATE)	₹28,000/- per month + HRA (for candidates who do not meet the NET/GATE criteria)

Essential Qualifications

Candidates must possess:

A Master’s/Integrated Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Natural Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, MVSc, or Animal Sciences, OR a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, or Medicine.AND
Two (2) years of experience in Research and Development within Industrial or Academic Institutions, or other Scientific/Technology Organizations.

Note: A Master’s/Integrated Master’s in Engineering or Technology also qualifies.

Desirable Experience

The Project Leader is particularly interested in candidates with a good academic record and sound research expertise in process development of biopharmaceutical recombinant proteins. Specific experience (0-2 years) in downstream processing of biopharmaceuticals like antibodies/fragments is highly preferred.

Application and Interview Process

All applications must be submitted online, and the selection process will be conducted virtually.

Application Deadline: The application must be filled online only on or before 09/11/2025 via the NCL website. Late applications will not be considered.
Shortlisting: The Screening Committee will review applications, and due to the potentially large volume, candidates may be restricted based on qualifications and experience exceeding the minimum requirements.
Notification: Shortlisted candidates will be notified on the website and by email on or before 10/11/2025, receiving the URL link for the online interview.
Interview Date: 11/11/2025 from 10:00 AM onwards (conducted online via platforms like Microsoft Teams or Google Meet).

No interview call letters will be issued separately, and no TA/DA will be admissible for attending the online interview. Selected candidates are expected to join duty immediately.