Senior Project Associate-I (Smart Village Project)

📋 Recruitment Overview

Organization	CSIR – Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI)
Job Category	Technical
Eligibility Qualification	Bachelor's Degree (bachelors-degree), Master's Degree (masters-degree), Engineering Degree (engineering-degree)
Number of Vacancies	1 Posts
Salary / Pay Scale	₹42,000 - ₹42,000 Per Month
Age Limits	Maximum 40 Years
Gender Eligibility	both
Experience Required	2 years (for Masters/Integrated Masters) or 3 years (for Bachelor’s degree) in R&D in Industrial/Academic/S&T Organizations.
Application Fee	- No application fee for any category of candidates.

📄 Details & Description

- Temporary engagement for R&D activities under the CSIR Mission Mode Project on Smart Village (Project Code: MMP045201).
- Role involves extensive travel to remote villages for fieldwork and research aligned with project objectives.
- Initial engagement period: 28.02.2027 (extendable up to 31.03.2028 or project tenure, whichever is earlier).
- Position is co-terminus with the project duration and does not guarantee permanent employment or regularization.
- Candidates must submit a 'No Dues Certificate' and resign from any previous CSIR project if selected.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

- Maximum age limit: 40 years as on 30.07.2026 (relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwBD/Women and 3 years for OBC candidates).
- Candidates must have completed their essential qualifications with declared results (result-awaited candidates are ineligible).
- Experience in Research and Development (R&D) in Industrial, Academic, or Science & Technology Organizations is mandatory.
- Essential qualifications:
- Option 1: Masters/Integrated Masters in Engineering/Technology (Food/Biotech/Chemical) + 2 years of R&D experience.
- Option 2: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology (Food/Biotech/Chemical) + 3 years of R&D experience.
- Desirable: Experience in food safety and protection research.
- Candidates with 6+ years of total engagement as Project Staff in any CSIR lab/institute are ineligible.
- Candidates currently employed in CSIR-CFTRI must obtain a 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) from their current Principal Investigator (PI).

⚙️ Selection Process

- Shortlisting based on committee criteria (percentage of marks, higher qualifications, desirable experience, or other methods).
- Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email (no TA/DA provided for interview attendance).
- Final selection based on interview performance.
- Selection panel and waitlist validity as per CSIR rules (OM No. 5-1(342)/2017-PD dated 02.09.2024).
- Performance reviews may lead to termination at any stage.
- Engagement may be terminated without assigning reasons if performance is unsatisfactory.

🏷️ Category Eligibility & Reservations

General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwBD, and Women (with age relaxation as per CSIR rules).

📂 Required Documents

- Date of birth certificate (e.g., 10th/12th mark sheet, birth certificate).
- Caste certificate (if applicable, for SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates).
- Disability certificate (if applicable, for PwBD candidates).
- Educational qualification certificates (degrees, mark sheets, and consolidated mark sheets).
- Experience certificates (from previous employers or institutions).
- NOC from current employer (if currently employed in CSIR-CFTRI).
- No Dues Certificate (if selected).
- Passport-sized photographs (as per specifications).
- Any other documents as specified in the online application portal.

💳 Application Fee Details

- No application fee for any category of candidates.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the duration of the engagement for the Senior Project Associate-I position?

The engagement is initially for a period up to February 28, 2027, and may be extendable up to March 31, 2028, based on project requirements or until the project's end, whichever is earlier.

Q. What are the essential qualifications required for the Senior Project Associate-I position?

Candidates must have a Master's/Integrated Master's in Engineering or Technology (Food/Biotech/Chemical) with 2 years of R&D experience, or a Bachelor's degree in the same fields with 3 years of R&D experience from a recognized university.

Q. Is there any age relaxation for reserved categories in this recruitment?

Yes, age relaxation is provided: 5 years for SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates.

Q. Can candidates who have already served as Project Staff in CSIR for 6 years or more apply for this position?

No, candidates who have completed a total tenure of 6 years as Project Staff in any CSIR lab/institute are not eligible to apply.

Q. What happens if a candidate is found to have provided misleading information in their application?

The candidature may be rejected at any stage of selection or after selection, and the candidate will be held solely responsible for the action.