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Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History
Aug. 4, 2026

Senior Project Associate, Project Associate II Molecular Biology & Other Posts

Vacancies
6 Vacancies
Pay Scale
₹30K - ₹57K / mo
Age Limit
Up to 40 years as on 14-08-2026
Job Location

Important Dates

Published

Aug. 4, 2026

2

Starts

Aug. 4, 2026

3

Deadline

Aug. 14, 2026

4

Exam Date

TBA

Job Analysis

AI-generated insights

Best-Fit Profile

This recruitment is ideally suited for dedicated researchers with postgraduate degrees (M.Sc./Ph.D.) in life sciences, environmental sciences, or related specialized fields such as Molecular Biology, Remote Sensing/Geoinformatics, or Social Sciences. Candidates should possess relevant post-PG research experience, particularly in fieldwork, data analysis, and conservation projects within challenging environments like the Western Ghats, Nicobar Archipelago, or Rajasthan. Those with CSIR-UGC NET (Lectureship)/GATE qualifications and experience in acoustic monitoring, GIS, molecular biology techniques, or socio-economic surveys are highly encouraged to apply.

Important Considerations

Individuals lacking the specified postgraduate qualifications or the mandatory research experience (2-4 years for Senior Project Associate and Project Associate-II roles) should not apply. The positions are temporary and involve extensive fieldwork in remote locations, making them unsuitable for those seeking permanent administrative roles or unwilling to travel and reside in challenging conditions. Applicants without a strong foundation in research methodologies and a genuine interest in wildlife conservation may find these roles unsuitable.

Career Impact

SACON, operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, offers a prestigious platform for wildlife research. While these are temporary project-based positions, they provide invaluable hands-on experience in critical conservation initiatives across diverse Indian ecosystems. Working with a respected government institution significantly enhances a researcher's profile, offering excellent networking opportunities and contributing to long-term career growth in environmental science and conservation research.

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

The Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) is the South India Centre of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India. SACON is dedicated to engaging research personnel on a purely temporary basis for various projects aimed at wildlife research and conservation.

Job Posts

Senior Project AssociateProject Associate II (Molecular Biology)Project Associate I (Western Ghats)Project Associate I (RS & GIS)Project Associate I (Social Component)Project Associate I (Nicobar Megapode)

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

  • Senior Project Associate: Post-Graduate degree (M.Sc.) or equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks in life sciences or environmental sciences (Zoology/ Wildlife Biology/ Wildlife Science/ Forestry/ Conservation Biology/ Biodiversity Studies/ Ecological Sciences/ Environmental Studies or allied disciplines), AND four years of post-PG research experience; OR Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in allied disciplines of life sciences or environmental sciences.
  • Project Associate-II (Molecular Biology): Post-Graduate degree (M.Sc.) or equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks in life sciences or environmental sciences (Zoology/ Wildlife Biology/ Forestry/ Biodiversity Studies/ Ecological Sciences/ Environmental Studies/ Molecular Biology/ Biotechnology/ Bioinformatics/ Genetics/ Microbiology or allied disciplines), AND two years of post-PG research experience.
  • Project Associate-I (Western Ghats, Nicobar Megapode, Social Component): Post-Graduate degree (M.Sc.) or equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks in life sciences or environmental sciences (Zoology/ Wildlife Biology/ Wildlife Science/ Forestry/ Conservation Biology/ Biodiversity Studies/ Ecological Sciences/ Environmental Studies or allied disciplines).
  • Project Associate-I (RS & GIS): Post-Graduate degree or equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks in Remote Sensing/ Geoinformatics/ Photogrammetry & Cartography/ Ecoinformatics/ Geography or allied disciplines.

Age Limit Details

Upper age limit is relaxed as per Government of India norms (up to 5 years for SC/ST categories, and up to 3 years for OBC candidates).

Check Your Age Eligibility

Salary & Pay Scale

Monthly emoluments for the positions are as follows:

  • Senior Project Associate: Rs. 57,000 + HRA
  • Project Associate-II:
    • For CSIR-UGC NET (Lectureship)/GATE qualified candidates: Rs. 42,000 + HRA
    • For non-NET/GATE qualified candidates: Rs. 33,000 + HRA
  • Project Associate-I (all variants):
    • For CSIR-UGC NET (Lectureship)/GATE qualified candidates: Rs. 37,000 + HRA
    • For non-NET/GATE qualified candidates: Rs. 30,000 + HRA

Other allowances and benefits to the research personnel will be admissible as per the rules.

Vacancy Breakdown (Category-wise)

  • Senior Project Associate1
  • Project Associate II (Molecular Biology)1
  • Project Associate I (Western Ghats)1
  • Project Associate I (RS & GIS)1
  • Project Associate I (Social Component)1
  • Project Associate I (Nicobar Megapode)1
Total Vacancies6 Vacancies

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the SACON website: http://www.sacon.in/careers/.

  • The online application form, along with the relevant Application Fee receipt and self-attested scanned PDF copies of all supporting documents (certificates, mark lists, testimonials for essential/desirable qualifications, research experience, date of birth, community, extracurricular activities, etc.), must be submitted by 5:00 PM on 14th August, 2026.
  • Do NOT send hard copies of application forms or attachments.
  • Candidates can apply for a maximum of TWO advertised positions by submitting SEPARATE sets of applications and fees for EACH position.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an Online Interview, with details (date, time, link) 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.

For technical issues or queries, contact [email protected] or call 0422-2203114 / 91593 94160.

Application Fee

  • General Category: Rs. 500/-
  • SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD Categories: Rs. 100/- (as 'Application Processing Fee')

Fees must be paid online via Bank Transfer (IMPS/NEFT/RTGS) or UPI-based Digital Payment Apps. Non-payment or failure to attach the transaction receipt will lead to rejection of the application. Fees are non-refundable.

Official Links

Visit Official Website

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