If you are trying to figure out whether the CSIR CSMCRI Project Associate-I recruitment is open, how many posts are available, what qualification is required, and how to apply, the official position is clear. CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute has announced 4 temporary Project Associate-I posts for a Ministry of Earth Sciences sponsored project on sustainable macroalgae cultivation using biotechnological approaches for edible and food industry applications.
This recruitment is split into two post codes. Post code 01 has 2 vacancies at MARS, Mandapam in Tamil Nadu, while post code 02 has 2 vacancies connected to Bhavnagar, Gujarat. The educational requirement is not the same for both. For post code 01, a range of marine science, life science and biotechnology qualifications are accepted, including B.Tech in Biotechnology. For post code 02, the requirement is a Master's or Integrated Master's in Microbiology or Botany.
One important point is that the application process is by email, even though some listings use the phrase apply online. Candidates have to use the prescribed application form, attach mark sheets and degree certificate or provisional certificate, clearly mention the post code, and send the application to the correct email address on or before 4 May 2026. Shortlisted candidates will then be called for interview in the mode specified for their post code.
Recruitment Overview
CSIR-CSMCRI has invited applications for 4 Project Associate-I posts under a Ministry of Earth Sciences sponsored project. These posts are temporary and project-based, and they are linked to work on sustainable macroalgae cultivation using biotechnological approaches for edible and food industry applications.
The official notice makes it clear that this is not a regular permanent recruitment cycle. The appointments are co-terminus with the project and do not create any claim for regular absorption at CSIR-CSMCRI.
Vacancy Breakdown and Post Codes
The recruitment is divided into two post codes with separate locations and qualification patterns.
| Post code | No. of vacancies | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | 2 | MARS, Mandapam, Tamil Nadu |
| 02 | 2 | Bhavnagar, Gujarat |
Total vacancies notified for Project Associate-I are 4.
Project and Work Profile
The posts are attached to the project titled Sustainable macroalgae cultivation using biotechnological approaches for edible and food industry applications. This matters because the expected work is not generic lab work. The institute has given clear role descriptions for both post codes.
- Post code 01 involves field collection of seaweed, cultivation work, and tank-based seaweed cultivation activities.
- Post code 02 involves maintaining contamination-free seaweed cultures and carrying out biochemical characterization.
Applicants should apply only if their academic background and practical interest match the project work.
Post-wise Eligibility and Qualification
The essential qualification changes by post code, so candidates should not assume one common degree rule for all 4 posts.
| Post code | Essential qualification |
|---|---|
| 01 | Master's or Integrated Master's in Marine Science, Marine Biology, Marine Biology and Oceanography, Marine Biotechnology, Oceanography, Oceanography and Coastal Area Studies, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Botany, Plant Biology, Plant Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Zoology, Fisheries Sciences, Aquaculture or Environmental Science, or Bachelor's Degree in Technology in Biotechnology from a recognized university |
| 02 | Master's or Integrated Master's in Microbiology from a recognized university for 1 post, and Master's or Integrated Master's in Botany from a recognized university for 1 post |
Final year students and ineligible candidates should not apply. The official notice specifically states that candidates still appearing in the final year of the essential qualifying degree are not eligible.
Desirable Experience
The notice also lists preferences that may help during shortlisting.
- For post code 01, preference may be given to candidates with experience in seaweed taxonomy, Ulva cultivation, seaweed cultivation in tanks, or seaweed collection.
- For post code 02, preference may be given to candidates with experience in handling algal samples, biochemical profiling, and sample preparation for instruments such as HPLC and GC-MS.
These are desirable and not a replacement for the essential qualification. Still, if you have directly relevant hands-on experience, it is worth showing it clearly in the application.
Age Limit and Salary
The maximum age limit is 35 years as on the last date of receipt of the application. Age relaxation is applicable as per CSIR or institute norms.
The monthly emoluments depend on whether the candidate has qualified the specified national eligibility examinations.
| Category | Monthly emoluments |
|---|---|
| Candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC, ICAR or ICMR NET including lectureship or assistant professorship, or GATE, or equivalent national-level examinations conducted by Central Government departments and their agencies or institutions | Rs. 31,000 + HRA |
| Other eligible candidates who do not fall in the above category | Rs. 25,000 + HRA |
Application Process and Email Addresses
This recruitment is application-by-email. Candidates need to use the prescribed application form available on the institute website and send the completed application with required attachments to the correct email address for the relevant post code.
- Download the prescribed application form.
- Fill in all personal, academic and experience details carefully.
- Attach mark sheets, degree certificate or provisional certificate, and other supporting documents.
- Clearly mention the post code in the application and email.
- Send the application before 4 May 2026 to the correct email address.
| Post code | Email address |
|---|---|
| 01 | marsmandapam@gmail.com |
| 02 | apbcsmcri@gmail.com |
Incomplete applications, applications without a properly filled application form, or applications without mark sheets and degree certificate or provisional certificate are liable to be rejected.
Selection Process and Interview Mode
The institute will first scrutinize the emailed applications and shortlist candidates based on its criteria. Only shortlisted and eligible candidates will be called for interview.
- Post code 01 interview mode: in-person at MARS, Mandapam, Tamil Nadu
- Post code 02 interview mode: online
No TA or DA will be paid for attending the interview. Interview details will be shared later by email only with shortlisted candidates.
Important Dates and Key Conditions
The last date for receipt of application by email is 4 May 2026. Candidates should not wait for a separate admit card or public exam schedule because this recruitment moves directly from screening to shortlisted interview.
The official notice also says the posts are purely temporary and co-terminus with the project. Total engagement of a project staff member across CSIR laboratories or institutes taken together should not exceed 6 years in any case.
Application Fee, Documents and What to Check Before Sending
No application fee is mentioned in the official notice for this recruitment. Candidates should still read the full institute notice before applying in case any later instruction is issued.
Before sending the email, check that you have included the following:
- Prescribed application form
- Post code clearly mentioned
- Mark sheets of essential qualification
- Degree certificate or provisional certificate
- Any relevant experience details or supporting documents
- Correct email address for the selected post code
Make sure your qualification matches the exact post code you are applying for. The two post codes are not interchangeable.
Official Links
Use only the institute's official recruitment pages and documents for this recruitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 4 Project Associate-I vacancies in total.
The last date to send the application by email is 4 May 2026.
No regular online application form is mentioned in the official notice. Candidates have to send the prescribed application form and documents by email.
The maximum age limit is 35 years as on the last date of receipt of application, with relaxation as per CSIR or institute norms.
The salary is Rs. 31,000 + HRA for candidates meeting the specified national eligibility criteria, and Rs. 25,000 + HRA for other eligible candidates.
Two posts are at MARS, Mandapam in Tamil Nadu under post code 01, and two posts are at Bhavnagar, Gujarat under post code 02.
The interview is in hybrid mode. Post code 01 candidates will attend in person, while post code 02 candidates will attend online if shortlisted.