CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2025: Apply for 18 Project Staff Positions in Neurobiology, Virology, Chemistry & More

Are you a postgraduate professional passionate about scientific research and drug discovery? Here’s an excellent opportunity to be part of cutting-edge biomedical research under one of India’s most prestigious research institutes. The CSIR – Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, invites applications for the Engagement of Project Staff across multiple research domains.

This contractual opportunity is ideal for postgraduate candidates with expertise in fields like Neurobiology, Virology, Biochemistry, Human Genetics, Computational Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Endocrinology, Medicinal Process Chemistry, and Statistics. With a total of 18 positions available, this recruitment aims to strengthen India’s research initiatives in drug discovery and biomedical sciences.

About CSIR-CDRI

CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) is a premier research institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), functioning under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. Based in Lucknow, CDRI is at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation, focusing on drug development for major diseases impacting India and the world.

Established in 1951, CDRI is renowned for its interdisciplinary research approach and state-of-the-art laboratories. It plays a pivotal role in developing affordable, accessible, and effective drug therapies and technologies for public health benefit.

Job Overview

Job Title: Engagement of Project Staff (Project Associates)
Job ID: 20W78-1635087608223J
Organization Name: CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow
Organization Type: Autonomous Scientific Body
Sector: Specialized Professional Services
Functional Area: Research and Development (R&D)
Functional Role: Project Associate / Research Assistant / JRF equivalent
Nature of Job: Contractual (Temporary Research-Based Positions)
Job Location: All India (based primarily at CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow)
Total Vacancies: 18
Posted Date: 23 April 2025
Last Date to Apply: 2 May 2025
Salary/Emoluments: Not specified (as per CSIR project norms and guidelines)
Gender Preference: Open to all
Ex-Servicemen Preferred: Yes

Project Domains & Research Areas

CSIR-CDRI is expanding its core research capabilities across the following advanced and multidisciplinary areas:

• Neurobiology

• Virology

• Parasite Biology

• Endocrinology

• Human Genetics

• Analytical Biochemistry

• Computational Chemistry

• Medicinal Process Chemistry

• General Chemistry

• Statistics / Biostatistics

These project staff positions are designed to support time-bound national and international research projects, with opportunities to publish scientific findings and contribute to real-world biomedical solutions.

Responsibilities of Project Staff

Selected candidates will be assigned to active research projects and will support principal investigators (PIs) and senior researchers in daily R&D activities.

Key Duties:

• Conduct laboratory experiments, data analysis, and technical documentation

• Assist in drug design, molecular biology, and bioinformatics research

• Participate in ongoing studies related to disease modeling, genomics, or biochemical analysis

• Manage scientific instrumentation and maintain laboratory records

• Contribute to presentations, research publications, and grant reports

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across research departments

• Attend regular review meetings and submit progress updates

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification:

• Minimum: Postgraduate degree (M.Sc./M.Tech./M.Pharm.) in relevant science domains such as:

  • Chemistry (Organic, Inorganic, Medicinal)

  • Biochemistry

  • Biotechnology

  • Molecular Biology

  • Pharmacology

  • Bioinformatics

  • Computational Sciences

  • Statistics or related fields

Experience:

• Prior research experience (0–3 years) in academic, industrial, or government laboratories is desirable

• Candidates with research internships, hands-on project training, or experience in CSIR/ICMR/DBT-funded projects will be given preference

Age Limit

• While the exact upper age limit is not specified, candidates are generally expected to be within 35 years as per CSIR norms for project staff roles

• Age relaxations may be applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PH/women/ex-servicemen as per government rules

Key Skills Required

Candidates should possess subject-specific knowledge and practical research skills. Preferred skillsets include:

• Laboratory research techniques (e.g., ELISA, RT-PCR, NMR, HPLC, GC-MS)

• Molecular cloning, cell culture, and animal handling (for biology/biochemistry roles)

• Advanced data analysis using statistical tools or software (e.g., R, SPSS, MATLAB)

• Drug modeling and computational simulations (for computational chemistry)

• Familiarity with scientific writing, documentation, and record-keeping

• Teamwork, scientific curiosity, and attention to detail

Benefits of Joining CSIR-CDRI

• Opportunity to work in a globally recognized research institute

• Exposure to multidisciplinary research teams and high-impact projects

• Access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and instrumentation

• Valuable experience for PhD preparation, NET/GATE/CSIR-JRF aspirants

• Stipend and HRA (as per CSIR project rules) for selected candidates

• Certificate of experience from one of India’s most prestigious research institutes

Selection Process

The recruitment process includes:

1. Screening of applications based on educational qualifications and experience

2. Shortlisting of candidates for personal interview (offline/online)

3. Final selection based on subject knowledge, communication skills, and fit with project requirements

Selected candidates will be engaged on a purely temporary and contractual basis, with no claim for regular appointment under CSIR or the Institute

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their application before 02 May 2025. The application procedure typically includes:

• Filling the prescribed application form (available on the CDRI official website)

• Submitting academic documents, ID proof, and recent photograph

• Attaching a detailed CV with relevant research experience

• Emailing the documents to the provided project recruitment email OR submitting in person (as per the notification)

Apply here