NCCS Project Positions Recruitment 2026

About This Job

NCCS Pune has released a notification for 6 project positions across multiple extramural research projects. Candidates with qualifications ranging from BSc to PhD in Life Sciences can attend the walk-in interview. The walk-in interview is scheduled for 7 April 2026. Monthly salary ranges from Rs 25,000 to Rs 67,000 plus HRA depending on the post and qualifications.

National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) Project Positions Recruitment 2026 - 6 Posts

National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, is an autonomous institution under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, dedicated to basic research, teaching, and serving as a national repository for cell lines and hybridomas. NCCS is inviting candidates for 6 temporary project positions on various extramural research projects through a walk-in interview at their Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus. No written exam is required -- selection is purely through interview. This is an excellent opportunity for life science graduates and researchers looking to gain hands-on research experience in a premier government research institution.

Vacancy Details

Who Can Apply?

Project Associate-I (Sr. No. 01 -- ALS-FTD Project)

• Qualification: Master's Degree in Natural or Agricultural Sciences / MVSc, OR Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, or Medicine from a recognized university.
• Desirable: Experience in model system biology (Fly, Worm, etc.) or background in computation, programming, or bioinformatics.

Project Research Scientist-II (Sr. No. 02 -- Niemann Pick Disease Project)

• Qualification: Post Graduate Degree in Microbiology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Plant Biology, or Animal Biology with 3 years post-qualification experience, OR PhD in any branch of Life Sciences.
• Desirable: Skills in genetics, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, tissue culture, gene-editing, and advanced microscopy. Peer-reviewed publications and prior postdoctoral experience preferred.

Project Technical Support-III (Sr. No. 03 -- Niemann Pick Disease Project)

• Qualification: Three-year Graduate degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Life Sciences, or Biomedical Science plus 3 years post-qualification experience, OR PG in the same fields.
• Desirable: Experience in mammalian cell culture, PCR, cloning, expression and purification of recombinant proteins, western blot, immunofluorescence, and cell-based assays.

Project Associate-I (Sr. No. 04 -- CRISPR Antibodies Project)

• Qualification: Four-year Bachelor's Degree in Natural or Agricultural Sciences / Master's Degree in Natural or Agricultural Sciences / BVSc / B.Pharm, OR Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, or Medicine from a recognized university.
• Desirable: Experience in molecular biology, ELISA, mice handling, and cell culture. Animal handling is desirable but not essential.

Junior Research Fellow (Sr. No. 05 -- Lysosome Biogenesis Project)

• Qualification: Post Graduate Degree in Basic Science or Graduate / Post Graduate Degree in Professional Course, selected through CSIR-UGC NET (including lectureship / Assistant Professorship) and/or GATE, OR selection through national-level examinations conducted by DST, DBT, DAE, DOS, DRDO, MoE, ICAR, ICMR, IIT, IISc, IISER, NISER, etc.
• Desirable: Experience in cell culture handling, subcellular fractionation of organelles, protein purification, in-vivo and in-vitro protein-protein interaction, western blotting, gene cloning, and RT-PCR.

Project Technical Support-III (Sr. No. 06 -- Alzheimer's Disease Project)

• Qualification: Three-year Graduate degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Life Sciences, or Biomedical Science plus 3 years post-qualification experience, OR PG in the same fields.
• Desirable: Experience in mammalian cell culture, western blot, immunofluorescence, protein biochemistry, cell-based assays, mass spectrometry-based proteomic data analysis, and Drosophila model system.

Age Limit

• Project Associate-I (Sr. No. 01): Not more than 35 years
• Project Research Scientist-II: Not more than 40 years
• Project Technical Support-III (Sr. No. 03): Not more than 35 years
• Project Associate-I (Sr. No. 04): Not more than 50 years
• Junior Research Fellow: Not more than 28 years
• Project Technical Support-III (Sr. No. 06): Not more than 35 years
• Age is calculated as on the date of interview (7 April 2026).
• Age Relaxation: 5 years for Women, SC, ST, and PH candidates. 3 years for OBC candidates, as per Government of India rules.

Salary

• Project Associate-I (Sr. No. 01): Rs 31,000 + HRA (for CSIR-UGC NET/GATE qualified) or Rs 25,000 + HRA (for others)
• Project Research Scientist-II: Rs 67,000 + HRA per month
• Project Technical Support-III (Sr. No. 03 & 06): Rs 28,000 + HRA per month
• Project Associate-I (Sr. No. 04): Rs 37,000 + HRA (for CSIR-UGC NET/GATE qualified) or Rs 30,000 + HRA (for others)
• Junior Research Fellow: Rs 31,000 + HRA per month (enhancement of fellowship subject to DBT approval)
• Salary is paid as per the sanction order issued by the respective funding agency.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection is based entirely on a walk-in interview:

1. Walk-in Interview: You need to appear in person at NCCS Complex, Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune - 411007 on the interview day. Report by 9:30 AM sharp.
2. Document Verification: Your original documents and self-attested hard copies will be checked on the spot before the interview.

Note: Online interview requests will not be entertained under any circumstances.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from the NCCS website at www.nccs.res.in/Career.
2. Fill in the application form completely in block letters only.
3. Attach one set of self-attested hard copies of all required documents (no soft copies accepted).
4. Paste a recent passport-size colour photograph on the application form.
5. Carry the filled application form along with original documents and self-attested copies to the NCCS Complex on the interview day.
6. Register your name at the Security Gate upon arrival.
7. Report by 9:30 AM sharp on 7 April 2026. Late arrivals will not be permitted.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 14 March 2026
• Walk-in Interview Date: 7 April 2026 (9:30 AM to 6:00 PM)
• Backup Interview Date: 8 April 2026 (only if large number of candidates appear on 7th April)

• Conduct laboratory experiments related to the assigned research project under the guidance of the Principal Investigator
• Prepare and maintain cell cultures, reagents, and laboratory consumables as needed for the project
• Perform molecular biology and biochemistry techniques such as PCR, western blotting, cloning, and protein purification
• Record, analyse, and present experimental data in research meetings and project reports
• Maintain laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and documentation as per institutional guidelines
• Assist in the preparation of research publications, presentations, and project progress reports
• Coordinate with other team members and departments for smooth execution of the research project