CSIR‑National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR‑NEERI), Nagpur has invited applications for engagement of R&D project staff as Project Associate‑I under the project “Environmental Monitoring in and around the ICHWTSDF, Pithampur during Incineration of HWs from M/s UCIL, Bhopal – (CNP‑2985)” through an online interview process. This article explains the post details, eligibility, salary, job responsibilities, selection process, important conditions and how to apply online before the last date, 22 June 2026.

Project and posting overview

The engagement is under the project titled “Environmental Monitoring in and around the ICHWTSDF, Pithampur during Incineration of HWs from M/s UCIL, Bhopal – (CNP‑2985)”, which focuses on monitoring environmental impact during hazardous waste incineration activities. The position is tenable at CSIR‑NEERI, Nagpur and/or its zonal centres, with the primary place of posting mentioned as CSIR‑NEERI, Nehru Marg, Nagpur.

The advertisement number for this recruitment is RECRUIT_SD_4A_SHWMD_15062026 and applications are to be submitted via an online application form by 22‑06‑2026. Selection will be based on an online interview conducted through platforms such as MS Teams or Skype, with interview dates being notified later on the NEERI website.

Post details — Number of vacancies and nature of engagement

  • Name of the position: Project Associate‑I (code 2.1 PAT‑I).
  • Number of posts (immediate): 01.
  • Anticipated vacancies: Up to 3 posts may become available, depending on funds; additional candidates will be selected from a waiting list.
  • Mode of selection: Online interview via MS Teams/Skype/etc.; date will be notified separately on www.neeri.res.in.
  • Nature of appointment: Purely temporary and co‑terminus with the project, with no right to regularisation in CSIR/CSIR‑NEERI.

The advertisement clearly states that engagement is project‑based and does not confer any implicit or explicit right for regular CSIR/CSIR‑NEERI posts. It also notes that total tenure of project staff in CSIR laboratories under contract R&D projects cannot exceed six or seven years as per CSIR guidelines, including prior service in any CSIR lab.

Essential educational qualification

To be eligible for Project Associate‑I, candidates must hold a Master’s degree in one of the specified disciplines from a recognised university. Only those who have already obtained the required qualification and whose results have been declared (with at least a provisional certificate) may apply.

  • Required degree: M.Sc. in:
    • Chemistry, or
    • Bio‑Chemistry, or
    • Environmental Science
    from a recognised university.

Result‑awaited candidates, final‑semester students and PhD‑submitted candidates are not eligible where minimum essential qualification completion is mandatory. Final‑semester and result‑awaited candidates are also specifically barred from appearing in the interview.

Job responsibilities — What Project Associate‑I will do

The job profile emphasises sampling, analytical chemistry and method development for organic pollutants in diverse environmental matrices. Selected candidates will be involved in both field and laboratory work linked to environmental monitoring around the hazardous waste treatment and disposal facility.

  • Sample collection and processing: Collection and processing of samples for organic pollutants from varied environmental matrices using complex extraction techniques, solvent partitioning and concentration methods such as Soxhlet/Soxtherm extraction, rotary evaporation and concentrators.
  • Method development and optimisation: Development and optimisation of extraction and analytical methods for soil, sludge, sediment, aqueous and waste materials to ensure accurate pollutant quantification.
  • Instrumental analysis: Performing analysis using GC, GC‑MS and UHPLC systems, including qualitative and quantitative interpretation of chromatographic data for use in technical reports.

The work demands strong practical skills in analytical chemistry, familiarity with chromatographic systems and the ability to handle environmental samples safely and systematically. Candidates should be ready for field visits, meticulous documentation and preparation of data for reporting and compliance purposes.

Age limit and emoluments

The upper age limit for Project Associate‑I is 35 years, reckoned as on the last date of receipt of applications, i.e., 22 June 2026. Age relaxations follow CSIR/Government norms (not detailed line‑by‑line in this advert, but generally applicable to reserved categories as per CSIR OMs).

Emoluments depend on whether the candidate has qualified national‑level examinations such as CSIR‑UGC NET (including lectureship/Assistant Professorship) or GATE, or has been selected through equivalent national‑level selection processes.

  • Category (i): ₹31,000 per month + HRA for scholars who are:
    • Selected through National Eligibility Tests such as CSIR‑UGC NET (including lectureship/Assistant Professorship) or GATE, or
    • Selected through a national‑level selection process conducted by Central Government Departments and their agencies/institutions.
  • Category (ii): ₹25,000 per month + HRA for other candidates who do not fall under (i).

Candidates claiming the higher emolument category should be prepared to present supporting documents (NET/GATE qualification or proof of national‑level selection) during document verification. HRA will be admissible as per applicable rules, with candidates arranging their own accommodation.

Selection process — Online interview and shortlisting

Selection will be based on an online interview conducted through MS Teams, Skype or a similar platform. The date and time of the interview will be notified separately on the CSIR‑NEERI website and through the relevant portal.

Mere fulfilment of minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview call; if a large number of applications are received, preference will be given according to criteria decided by the Screening Committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for the online interview and the information will be uploaded on the website/portal, applying only to online interviews, not walk‑in processes.

No TA will be paid for attending interviews in case any are conducted offline. Candidates must also note that there is no application fee required for this recruitment.

Eligibility clarifications — Results, experience and higher studies

Only candidates who have already acquired the essential qualification and possess at least a provisional certificate are eligible to apply. Result‑awaited, final‑semester‑appeared or PhD‑submitted candidates cannot apply for positions where completed minimum qualification is mandatory, and they are not allowed to appear for the interview.

When experience is specified for any CSIR project posts, it is counted only from the date the minimum educational qualification has been obtained; dissertation or thesis work done as part of academic programmes is not treated as experience. Time spent in acquiring higher qualifications is also not counted as experience over and above the essential qualification.

The advertisement reiterates that mere possession of minimum qualification does not confer a right to be called for interview, especially when applications are numerous. Screening criteria may include higher marks, relevant experience, NET/GATE status or other project‑specific considerations.

Tenure, extension and termination conditions

The posts are purely temporary and co‑terminus with the project, with total project staff tenure across all CSIR labs capped at six or seven years as per CSIR Office Memorandum No. 5‑1(342)/2017‑PD dated 02.09.2024. Engagement duration depends on project tenure and requirements and may be extended or curtailed based on project duration, performance and conduct.

CSIR‑NEERI reserves the right to terminate engagement at any time without assigning any reason by giving one month’s notice. Similarly, a project staff member wishing to resign must give one month’s notice or pay one month’s remuneration in lieu of notice, although this may be condoned or curtailed at the discretion of the competent authority.

A review committee will periodically assess performance and recommend extension where justified, subject to availability of funds. The offer letter will initially be issued only for a period for which funds are currently available under the project.

Other important terms and obligations

The advertisement outlines several additional terms that applicants must accept. Each selected candidate must sign an undertaking to maintain confidentiality of project findings and any associated intellectual property information.

Engagement under a new project is only possible after acceptance of resignation from any previous project by the competent authority, preventing overlapping project engagements. Project staff must arrange their own accommodation during the tenure although HRA is provided as per rules.

CSIR‑NEERI can cancel or withdraw engagement offers at any stage if discrepancies are found in the candidate’s credentials. CSIR guidelines for project personnel engagement, as per CSIR OM No. 5‑1(342)/2017‑PD dated 02.09.2024 and 18.10.2024 as amended, are applicable to this recruitment.

How to apply — Online application steps

The notice specifies that applications from eligible and interested candidates are invited for engagement via online interview and that the last date for submission of the online application form is 22 June 2026. While the extracted text does not include the URL of the form, the interview date and related updates will be announced at www.neeri.res.in, where the online application link is typically posted under “Recruitment” or “Career” sections.

Based on standard CSIR‑NEERI procedure, candidates should:

  • Visit the official NEERI website and locate the advertisement number RECRUIT_SD_4A_SHWMD_15062026 under the recruitment section.
  • Open the online application form, fill all mandatory fields (personal details, educational qualifications, experience etc.) and upload required documents as specified in the portal instructions.
  • Submit the form before 22‑06‑2026; no application fee is required.

Candidates should ensure all information is accurate and matches their certificates, since they will be responsible for the authenticity of submitted data, documents and photographs. Discrepancies found later can lead to cancellation of engagement even after selection.

Practical application checklist

Before submitting the online form, candidates can use the following checklist based on the advertisement to avoid common mistakes.

  • Confirm that you hold an M.Sc. in Chemistry, Bio‑Chemistry or Environmental Science, and that your final result has been declared with at least a provisional certificate.
  • Verify that your age is within the upper limit of 35 years as on 22‑06‑2026 and understand applicable relaxations under CSIR norms, if any.
  • Ensure you are not a final‑semester, result‑awaited or PhD‑submitted candidate for the essential qualification, as such candidates are not eligible.
  • Collect scanned copies of academic certificates and ID proof, and be ready to upload them as per the online form requirement.
  • Check whether you hold valid CSIR‑UGC NET (including LS/Assistant Professorship) or GATE qualification, or have been selected previously via a national‑level process, to claim the higher emolument slab.
  • Review all entries for accuracy before final submission, particularly email address and contact details, since interview information will be shared online and via email.

After submission, candidates should regularly visit the NEERI website for updates on shortlisting and interview schedule, keeping their email frequently monitored for communication from the institute.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the advertised post and project under CSIR‑NEERI Nagpur?
The advert (RECRUIT_SD_4A_SHWMD_15062026) is for Project Associate‑I posts under the project “Environmental Monitoring in and around the ICHWTSDF, Pithampur during Incineration of HWs from M/s UCIL, Bhopal – (CNP‑2985)” at CSIR‑NEERI Nagpur and its zonal centres.
How many vacancies are there and can more posts be created?
One Project Associate‑I position is advertised immediately, but up to three vacancies are anticipated depending on fund availability, with additional candidates selected from a waiting list.
What is the essential qualification for Project Associate‑I in this advertisement?
Applicants must have an M.Sc. in Chemistry, Bio‑Chemistry or Environmental Science from a recognised university, with the final result declared and at least a provisional certificate issued.
What is the upper age limit and how is it calculated?
The upper age limit is 35 years, reckoned as on the last date of receipt of applications, i.e., 22 June 2026. Age relaxation is provided as per applicable CSIR/Government rules.
What salary will I get as Project Associate‑I?
NET/GATE or equivalent national‑level qualified candidates receive ₹31,000 per month plus HRA; others receive ₹25,000 per month plus HRA.
What kind of work will I be expected to do if selected?
Work includes sample collection and processing for organic pollutants, development and optimisation of extraction and analytical methods for environmental matrices, and analysis using GC, GC‑MS and UHPLC with interpretation of chromatographic data for technical reports.
How do I apply and what is the last date?
You must submit an online application form available via the NEERI website by 22 June 2026, following instructions given there for uploading details and documents. No application fee is payable.
Is the post permanent or will it lead to regular CSIR employment?
The post is purely temporary and co‑terminus with the project and does not confer any right for regularisation or absorption in CSIR or CSIR‑NEERI. Total CSIR project tenure is limited to six or seven years as per CSIR OMs.
Can my engagement be terminated before project completion?
Yes. Engagement may be terminated at any time without assigning reasons by giving one month’s notice, and you may resign by giving similar notice or paying one month’s remuneration in lieu, subject to the competent authority’s discretion.

Guidance for interested candidates

Candidates with an M.Sc. in Chemistry, Bio‑Chemistry or Environmental Science and a strong interest in analytical environmental monitoring should carefully check age criteria, gather all certificates and apply through the online form before 22 June 2026. Preparing for questions on chromatographic techniques, sample preparation, pollution chemistry and CSIR project norms will help you perform confidently in the online interview for this CSIR‑NEERI Project Associate‑I opportunity.