The Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), operating as the South India Centre of Wildlife Institute of India (WII), functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India. SACON's mission is to engage research personnel on a purely temporary basis for various wildlife and environmental conservation projects.
Senior Project Associate, Project Associate I & Other Posts
Important Dates
Published
Jul. 13, 2026
Starts
Jul. 13, 2026
Deadline
Jul. 24, 2026
Exam Date
TBA
Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History
Job Analysis
AI-generated insights
Best-Fit Profile
This recruitment is ideal for passionate researchers and environmental science professionals with a strong academic background (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD) in life sciences, environmental sciences, or allied disciplines. Candidates should have a keen interest in wildlife conservation, avian ecology, primate studies, GIS, or remote sensing. The roles require a willingness to conduct extensive fieldwork in challenging, remote locations, particularly in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and coastal Tamil Nadu, and possess proficiency in data analysis, report writing, and communication in English and Hindi. Prior research experience is essential for Project Associate-II and Senior Project Associate positions.
Important Considerations
Individuals seeking permanent government positions should not apply, as these are temporary, project-based roles with a one-year duration (likely extendable). Those unwilling to reside in remote areas, travel extensively by road and sea, or work in challenging field conditions will find these roles unsuitable. Candidates without the specified academic qualifications or relevant research experience (where required) should also refrain from applying.
Career Impact
SACON operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, offering a credible platform for research in wildlife conservation. While the positions are temporary, they provide valuable experience in critical national and international conservation projects. These roles offer significant exposure to field research, data analysis, and collaboration with government and local communities, which can enhance future career prospects in environmental research and conservation.
Note: This is a helpful, AI-generated overview designed to save you time. Always refer to the official PDF notification for complete and final details.
About Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History
Job Posts
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Project Assistant: Bachelor's degree (minimum 55% marks) in any Science or Engineering discipline from a recognized university.
- Project Associate-I: Post-Graduate degree (M.Sc. or equivalent, minimum 55% marks) in Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or allied fields. Specific Project Associate-I roles may require specializations in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, Photogrammetry & Cartography, Ecoinformatics, or Geography.
- Project Associate-II: Post-Graduate degree (M.Sc. or equivalent, minimum 55% marks) in relevant life/environmental sciences AND two years of post-PG research experience in relevant projects.
- Senior Project Associate: Post-Graduate degree (M.Sc. or equivalent, minimum 55% marks) in relevant life/environmental sciences AND four years of post-PG research experience in relevant scientific projects; OR a Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in allied life sciences or environmental sciences.
Age Limit Details
The upper age limit is 40 years for Senior Project Associate roles and 35 years for Project Associate-I, Project Associate-II, and Project Assistant roles, as on 24-07-2026.
Age relaxations are applicable as per Government of India norms:
- SC/ST Candidates: Up to 5 years relaxation.
- OBC Candidates: Up to 3 years relaxation.
Salary & Pay Scale
- Senior Project Associate: Rs. 57,000 per month + HRA
- Project Associate-I (NET/GATE qualified): Rs. 37,000 per month + HRA
- Project Associate-I (non-NET/GATE qualified): Rs. 30,000 per month + HRA
- Project Associate-II (NET/GATE qualified): Rs. 42,000 per month + HRA
- Project Associate-II (non-NET/GATE qualified): Rs. 33,000 per month + HRA
- Project Assistant: Rs. 27,000 per month + HRA
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the SACON website: http://www.sacon.in/careers/.
- Fill and submit the Online Application form latest by 5:00 PM on 24 July 2026.
- Upload self-attested scanned PDF copies of all supporting documents, including essential and desirable qualifications, research experience, date of birth, and community certificates. Do NOT send hard copies of application forms or attachments.
- Pay the applicable application fee online and attach a copy of the transaction receipt in the Online Application Form. Non-payment or failure to attach the receipt will lead to rejection.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an Online Interview. Details regarding the interview date, time, and online link will be individually intimated via email.
- Selected candidates must produce all original documents for verification at the time of joining, along with hard copies of the filled-in application form and self-attested true copies of supporting documents.
Application Fee
- General Category: Rs. 500/- (Rupees Five Hundred only).
- SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD Categories: Rs. 100/- (Rupees One Hundred only) as an 'Application Processing Fee'. OBC candidates must upload a valid OBC certificate.
- Fees must be paid online via Bank Transfer (IMPS/NEFT/RTGS) or UPI-based Digital Payment Apps to the WILDLIFE INSTITUTE OF INDIA bank account (Account No: 5915940382, Bank & Branch: Central Bank of India, Nanjundapuram, IFSC Code: CBIN0282106).
- Application fees are non-refundable.
Official Links
Prepare Your Application Documents
🔒 100% Secure & In-Browser: Filling out the application form? Use these free utilities to easily format and compress your uploads. All tools process files locally in your browser—nothing is ever uploaded to our servers.
Smart Image Resizer
Compress photo/signature to exact KB limits (e.g. 20-50KB) for SSC, UPSC.
Passport Photo Maker
Crop and tile photos into printable A4 or 4x6 sheet grids.
Signature Extractor
Remove gray shadows & shadows from signature photos.
Image to PDF Combiner
Merge multiple marksheets/certificates into a single lightweight PDF.
You Might Also Like
Wildlife Institute of India
Scientist D, Scientist E & Other Posts
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
Project Associate I
National Institute of Technology Delhi
Senior Project Associate
Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Project Associate
National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli
Project Associate I & Project Associate II
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune
Senior Project Associate & Project Assistant
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University
Project Associate 1
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research
Senior Project Associate
Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Project Associate I
Centre for Composite Materials, Anna University
Project Scientist, Project Associate II & Project Technician
Similar M.Sc Opportunities
Job Analysis
AI-generated insights
Best-Fit Profile
This recruitment is ideal for passionate researchers and environmental science professionals with a strong academic background (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD) in life sciences, environmental sciences, or allied disciplines. Candidates should have a keen interest in wildlife conservation, avian ecology, primate studies, GIS, or remote sensing. The roles require a willingness to conduct extensive fieldwork in challenging, remote locations, particularly in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and coastal Tamil Nadu, and possess proficiency in data analysis, report writing, and communication in English and Hindi. Prior research experience is essential for Project Associate-II and Senior Project Associate positions.
Important Considerations
Individuals seeking permanent government positions should not apply, as these are temporary, project-based roles with a one-year duration (likely extendable). Those unwilling to reside in remote areas, travel extensively by road and sea, or work in challenging field conditions will find these roles unsuitable. Candidates without the specified academic qualifications or relevant research experience (where required) should also refrain from applying.
Career Impact
SACON operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, offering a credible platform for research in wildlife conservation. While the positions are temporary, they provide valuable experience in critical national and international conservation projects. These roles offer significant exposure to field research, data analysis, and collaboration with government and local communities, which can enhance future career prospects in environmental research and conservation.
Note: This is a helpful, AI-generated overview designed to save you time. Always refer to the official PDF notification for complete and final details.
Official Links
Prepare Your Application Documents
🔒 100% Secure & In-Browser: Filling out the application form? Use these free utilities to easily format and compress your uploads. All tools process files locally in your browser—nothing is ever uploaded to our servers.
Smart Image Resizer
Compress photo/signature to exact KB limits (e.g. 20-50KB) for SSC, UPSC.
Passport Photo Maker
Crop and tile photos into printable A4 or 4x6 sheet grids.
Signature Extractor
Remove gray shadows & shadows from signature photos.
Image to PDF Combiner
Merge multiple marksheets/certificates into a single lightweight PDF.
Explore Qualifications
Explore Sectors
Explore Organizations
Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History