CSIR Director Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research; New Delhi, Pune District; On-site; INR 2,033,000 - 2,501,000; Full time

Job summary

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research invites applications for the Director, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune. The position is at Level 15 of the Pay Matrix (Rs. 1,82,200 – 2,24,100) with allowances, for six years or until superannuation.

Candidates must have at least 16 years of R&D experience with translational leadership and a strong record in technology development, IP and publications. Applications by email or post are due by 30 November 2026.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Natural Sciences or Master’s in Engineering, Ph.D. desirable.
• At least 16 years of R&D experience with translational focus.
• Age 45–56 years; no fixed cut-off date specified.

Responsibilities

• Supervise staff and administer Institute duties.
• Realize the mission of the Institute and foster innovation and strategic R&D.
• Provide leadership for multidisciplinary teams and guide societal/industrial priorities.

Skills

R&D leadership

Translational research

Multidisciplinary teams

Innovation

Education

Ph.D. in Natural Sciences

Master's Degree in Engineering

Job description

COMPANY NAME Council of Scientific and Industrial Research

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 [e-mail] or by post, and must be received by 30 November 2026.

CSIR Recruitment 2026 at a Glance

Particulars

Details

Organisation Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi

Department or Unit CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune

Advertisement No. 04/2026

Post Director, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune

Pay Rs. 1,82,200 to Rs. 2,24,100 a month (Level 15 of Pay Matrix) with allowances as admissible

Contract Term Six years or till superannuation, whichever is earlier

Experience Required At least 16 years in R&D (focus on translational research) with demonstrated leadership

Age Limit 45 years or above but not exceeding 56 years

Last Date 30 November 2026 (last date of receipt of applications)

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

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.
• 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.

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.