CSIR-NML Project Associate-I & JRF Recruitment 2026

About This Job

CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) is hiring 2 project staff at its Chennai Centre in the CSIR Madras Complex, Taramani. The posts are Project Associate-I (PAT-I) and Junior Research Fellow (JRF), with a monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 37,000 plus HRA. You need a B.E/B.Tech or M.Sc to apply. The engagement is through a walk-in interview on 09 April 2026 at 9:30 AM.

CSIR-NML Project Associate & JRF Recruitment 2026 - 2 Posts

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - National Metallurgical Laboratory has issued Notification No. ML/2/2(01)/2026-Rct dated 23 March 2026 for engagement of project staff under the project titled "Process Development for Recovery of Graphite from spent Li-ion black mass using 75 mm dia- laboratory scale flotation column" (GAP-0327). These positions are tenable at CSIR-NML Chennai Centre located in the CSIR Madras Complex, Taramani, Chennai-113.

Vacancy Breakdown

• Project Associate-I (PAT-I) - 1 post
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF) - 1 post

Who Can Apply?

Project Associate-I (PAT-I)

• B.E/B.Tech in Chemical Engineering or Mineral Engineering
• OR M.Sc in Chemistry

Junior Research Fellow (JRF)

• M.Sc in Chemistry or Material Science
• OR M.E/M.Tech in Chemical Engineering (All branches), Mineral Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or Materials Engineering
• NET/GATE qualification preferred

Freshers are eligible but must produce at least a Provisional Certificate or Consolidated Mark Sheet at the time of interview.

Age Limit

• PAT-I: Upper age limit is 35 years
• JRF: Upper age limit is 28 years

Age relaxation:

• SC/ST/PwBD/Women: 5 years relaxation
• OBC: 3 years relaxation
• For JRF: Upper age limit is relaxable up to 5 years for SC/ST, Divyangjan (PwBD), OBC, and female candidates

Salary

• Project Associate-I: Rs. 25,000/- per month + HRA
• Junior Research Fellow: Rs. 37,000/- per month + HRA

HRA is payable as per CSIR rules. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the walk-in interview.

Application Fee

No application fee is required. This is a walk-in interview.

Selection Process

1. Written Test - Candidates may be required to undergo a written test before the walk-in interview, if necessary
2. Walk-in Interview - Interview at CSIR Madras Complex, Chennai on 09 April 2026 at 9:30 AM
3. Document Verification - Original and attested copies of certificates and testimonials will be verified

Candidates with incomplete particulars or information will not be entertained.

How to Apply

1. Fill the application form in the prescribed format completely
2. Attach a recent passport-size photograph on the application
3. Carry original documents along with attested copies of all certificates and testimonials
4. Bring proof of Qualification, Age, and Community (for SC/ST/OBC candidates)
5. Walk in to CSIR Madras Complex, CSIR Road, Taramani, Chennai - 600113 on 09 April 2026 at 9:30 AM

The CSIR Campus is about 4 kms from Adyar Canal Corner / Madhya Kailash Temple and about 1 km from Thiruvanmiyur Railway Station (MRTS). It can also be reached by Bus Route No. 5C from Parry's / Madras Central Railway Station (Land Mark - opposite ASCENDAS IT Park).

Note: Candidates will not be entertained after the stipulated time. Late arrivals will not be considered.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 23 March 2026
• Walk-in Interview Date: 09 April 2026 at 9:30 AM
• Project Duration: Initially 6 months, extendable up to 01 December 2027

• Work on the R&D project for recovery of graphite from spent Li-ion black mass using laboratory scale flotation column
• Assist in process development for 75 mm dia flotation column experiments
• Handle laboratory equipment and conduct chemical/mineral engineering experiments
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and project documentation
• Follow standard laboratory safety protocols and maintain equipment records
• Assist senior scientists in data analysis and interpretation of results
• Keep accurate records of all experimental procedures and outcomes