CSIR Director Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an autonomous R&D organisation under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, is looking for a Director to head CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, in Level 15 of the Pay Matrix (Rs. 1,82,200 - 2,24,100) with allowances as admissible. Candidates need at least 16 years of R&D experience with a focus on translational research and leadership. The appointment is for six years or till superannuation, whichever is earlier. Applications or nominations go by email to [email protected] or by post, and must be received by 30 November 2026.

CSIR Recruitment 2026 at a Glance

The official notification does not specify the application fee or the selection process.

About CSIR and CSIR-NCL

CSIR, established in 1942, is an autonomous R&D organisation under DSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology, with 37 constituent laboratories and its headquarters at Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi. The notice states that the Prime Minister of India is the President of the CSIR Society.

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, established in 1950, is a constituent laboratory of CSIR and a centre of excellence in chemical sciences, chemical engineering and allied areas. Its research covers catalysis, chemical biology, advanced and functional materials, polymer science, chemical engineering and process development, computational and data-driven sciences and biotechnology, with current work on clean energy and energy storage, green hydrogen, carbon capture and utilisation, biomass and waste valorisation, sustainable chemical manufacturing and continuous-flow technologies. The laboratory also runs doctoral and postdoctoral research, training and skill-development programmes.

Who Can Apply

Essential qualifications (as printed in the notice):

• Ph.D. in Natural Sciences, or
• Master's Degree in Engineering (for Engineering, Ph.D. is desirable)

Experience:

• At least 16 years of experience in Research and Development (with focus on translational research) in the areas of activities of the laboratory/Institutes/Centre and demonstrated excellence in leadership therein.
• Years of experience shall be computed from the beginning of the candidate's research career.

Desirable:

• Ph.D., for candidates applying with a Master's Degree in Engineering.

Age limit: 45 years or above but not exceeding 56 years. The notice does not print a cut-off date for counting age.

Relaxation: The qualifications, age and experience can be relaxed in case of exceptionally meritorious candidates with the approval of DG, CSIR.

Candidate profile described in the notice:

• Should be creative, innovative and a well-recognized scientist/technologist.
• Should have a demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary R&D teams with excellent interpersonal relations.
• Should have made significant contributions in terms of technology development apart from creation of IP and publications.
• Should be able to create a conducive environment for nurturing high class research and development.

Candidates should check the official notification for the full eligibility conditions of the post.

Pay and Terms

• Pay: Level 15 of Pay Matrix (Rs. 1,82,200 - 2,24,100) with allowances as admissible.
• Tenure: The appointment will be made for a tenure of six years or till superannuation, whichever is earlier.
• Renewal: The tenure period will be renewable only in exceptional cases.
• Absorption: The Director can be considered for absorption/placement in CSIR as Director's Grade Scientist i.e. Scientist 'H'/Outstanding Scientist, as per rules.
• Revenue sharing: The provision to share money realised from external contract R&D, consultancy and rendering of S&T services is available as per extant rules.
• Accommodation and transport: Residential accommodation and transport are provided as per rules.
• Medical and other facilities: Provided as per CSIR rules.

CSIR Recruitment 2026 Job Description

According to the notice, the Director shall supervise and exercise administrative control on the staff of the Institute and shall be responsible for:

• Realizing the mission of the Institute.
• Creating an environment conducive to nurture innovation and high class R&D and other S&T activities of the Laboratory/Institute in keeping with societal/industrial priorities.

How to Apply for CSIR Recruitment 2026

The notice accepts both applications and nominations for the post. They may be sent through email to [email protected] or by post to: Director Recruitment Cell, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2, Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001. The last date of receipt of applications is 30 November 2026. The notice does not mention a subject line for the email.

Documents named in the notice:

• Detailed bio-data highlighting scientific and translational contributions in detail.
• List of publications/patents etc.
• A brief bio-data in the "Format for Bio-Data" proforma printed in the notice (the notice says this may also be sent).
• The additional one-line pro-forma filled in Word file format (Name, Address and DOB; Qualification and Specialization; Experience in chronological order; Honors/Awards; No. of publications/patents etc.; List of 05 referees), which applicants are requested to send along with the application.

Format for Bio-Data

The bio-data proforma in the notice asks for the following, followed by a signed declaration with date and place:

1. Name of the Laboratory applied/nominated for
2. Name, date of birth, current position and address
3. Educational qualifications (degree/certificate, year of passing, university/institute, subjects)
4. Academic/research experience/employment (from, to, organisation, position held)
5. Areas of specialisation, honours/awards/recognitions and professional affiliations
6. List of research publications including popular articles, best professional outputs/outcomes in the last 10 years, and highlights of contributions to the area of specialisation
7. Number of books authored/edited, and patents/copyrights/trade marks/IPR granted or applied for, with highlights of translational research contributions and technologies developed, licensed and/or commercialised
8. Dissertations supervised (Ph.D. and Post-Graduation)
9. A 1-2 page summary of vision as Leader of CSIR-NCL, and a list of 5 professional referees of high repute with whom the candidate has interacted in the past

Details for item 12 (number of books authored/edited) may be enclosed separately.

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