Comprehensive Overview & Notification Background
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune (IISER Pune) has officially announced a recruitment drive for filling temporary and time-bound vacancies for the position of Project Associate-II. Recognized as an Institute of National Importance, IISER Pune offers state-of-the-art research infrastructure and a dynamic academic environment for researchers and scholars.
This recruitment drive aims to engage motivated science and engineering professionals for active research projects under qualified faculty members. Candidates holding relevant academic qualifications along with research or industrial experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Application submissions are open via email until the stipulated closing date of 25 October 2026.
Vacancies Breakdown & Educational Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for the Project Associate-II positions must ensure they satisfy the minimum educational qualifications and mandatory experience requirements prior to submitting their applications.
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Minimum Educational Qualification & Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Project Associate-II | 02 | Master's degree in Natural Sciences / Agricultural Sciences / MVSc / M.Tech / B.Tech or equivalent degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 2 years of research/industrial experience in relevant domains. |
Key Qualification Guidelines:
- Candidates must have secured first-class or equivalent grade throughout their academic career.
- Prior experience in handling specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, or technical protocols relevant to the project scope will be given added preference.
- National Eligibility Tests (NET), CSIR-UGC NET, or GATE qualification is desirable and may entitle selected candidates to standard fellowship perks per DST guidelines.
Age Limit, Age Relaxation Rules, & Reservation Policy
The maximum age limit for applying to the Project Associate-II post is 35 years as of the closing date of application.
- General / EWS: Upper age limit is 35 years.
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Upper age relaxation up to 3 years.
- SC / ST / PwD / Female Candidates: Upper age relaxation up to 5 years as per Government of India directives and institute norms.
Pay Scale, Salary Structure, Allowance, & Perks
Selected candidates for the post of Project Associate-II will receive a competitive consolidated monthly stipend along with permissible allowances:
- Emoluments: Rs. 35,000/- per month + HRA (House Rent Allowance) as applicable under DST/IISER guidelines for candidates with national competitive exam qualifications (such as CSIR-UGC NET/GATE).
- Consolidated Pay for Non-NET/GATE Candidates: Rs. 28,000/- per month + HRA (subject to funding agency directives).
- Duration: The appointment is purely temporary and contractual, initially for a period of 6 months to 1 year, extendable based on performance and project duration.
Selection Process
The selection procedure for the IISER Pune Project Associate-II vacancy involves a rigorous two-stage evaluation process:
- Stage 1: Shortlisting of Applications: Received applications will be screened by a constituted selection committee based on academic merit, relevant research experience, and alignment with project objectives.
- Stage 2: Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview, which may be conducted online or in person at the IISER Pune campus. Communication regarding interview dates and video links will be sent directly to shortlisted candidates via email.
Detailed Selection Scheme & Assessment Criteria
| Evaluation Parameter | Focus Area / Criteria | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Profile & Experience | Relevance of Master's/Bachelor's degree, aggregate marks, publications, and 2-year mandatory experience. | Screening Criterion |
| Interview Performance | Domain knowledge, understanding of scientific methodology, technical competence, and presentation. | 100% Final Selection |
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fill & Send the Application Form
Interested and eligible applicants must follow the step-by-step procedure given below to submit their applications successfully before the deadline:
- Step 1: Visit Official Portal: Visit the official website of IISER Pune at
iiserpune.ac.inand navigate to the 'Careers' or 'Project Vacancies' section. - Step 2: Download Application Prescribed Format: Download the prescribed application form template specific to the advertisement notification.
- Step 3: Fill Details Carefully: Carefully fill in all personal details, educational qualifications, research experience, publication details, and references in the application form.
- Step 4: Attach Supporting Documents: Scan and merge all essential documents into a single PDF file (Application Form, CV, Degree Certificates, Mark Sheets, Experience Certificates, Caste/Category Certificate if applicable).
- Step 5: Send Application via Email: Send the compiled single PDF file to the designated email address mentioned in the official notification banner with the subject line "Application for the post of Project Associate-II - [Candidate Name]".
- Step 6: Submit Before Last Date: Ensure the email reaches the destination inbox on or before 25 October 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
Important Guidelines & Documents Required for Verification
Candidates shortlisted for the interview round must present original copies along with self-attested photocopies of the following documents:
- Printed copy of the filled application form and detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Proof of Date of Birth (Class 10th Certificate or Birth Certificate).
- All Academic Mark Sheets and Passing Certificates (Bachelor's, Master's, etc.).
- Experience Certificates explicitly verifying minimum 2 years of relevant work/research experience.
- Category / Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD) in prescribed Central Govt format.
- Government-issued Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Voter ID).
- Copy of CSIR-NET / GATE or relevant national level exam scorecard, if qualified.