Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) Invites Application for 06 Project Associate Recruitment 2026
⚡ Quick Facts & Key Highlights
| Recruiting Body | Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History |
|---|---|
| State / Jurisdiction | Tamil Nadu |
| Total Posts | 6 |
| Last Date for Application | 14 August 2026 |
Senior Project Associate, Project Associate-II, Project Associate-I (Multiple Projects)
The Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), South India Centre of Wildlife Institute of India, invites online applications for 6 research positions (Senior Project Associate, Project Associate-II, and Project Associate-I) on various projects. Eligible candidates can apply online by 14 August 2026.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | SACON (South India Centre of Wildlife Institute of India) |
| Post Names | Senior Project Associate, Project Associate-II, Project Associate-I |
| Total Vacancies | 6 |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 August 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Job Type | Temporary / Contractual (1 year, extendable) |
| Official Website | www.sacon.in |
Employment Type:CONTRACTOR
Number of Vacancies:6
Post-wise Vacancy & Remuneration Details
| S.No | Project Title | Post Name | Positions | Essential Qualification | Desirable Qualifications | Monthly Emoluments (₹) | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Banasura Laughingthrush | Senior Project Associate | 1 | M.Sc. in Life/Env. Sciences (55%) + 4 yrs research exp. OR Ph.D. | Western Ghats/endemic bird experience; passive acoustic monitoring; animal tracking (VHF/GPS); GIS; team leadership. | 57,000 + HRA | 40 |
| 2 | Banasura Laughingthrush | Project Associate-II (Molecular Biology) | 1 | M.Sc. in Life/Env. Sciences (55%) + 2 yrs research exp. | Molecular biology techniques (RNA/DNA isolation, NGS); RT-qPCR; genome data analysis; wildlife population genetics. | 42,000 + HRA (NET/GATE) / 33,000 + HRA (Non-NET) | 35 |
| 3 | Banasura Laughingthrush | Project Associate-I | 1 | M.Sc. in Life/Env. Sciences (55%) | Avian ecology research experience; bird survey methods; willingness to work in remote locations; Malayalam speaking. | 37,000 + HRA (NET/GATE) / 30,000 + HRA (Non-NET) | 35 |
| 4 | Nicobar Birds (RS & GIS) | Project Associate-I (RS & GIS) | 1 | PG in RS/Geoinformatics/Geography or allied (55%) | Proficiency in RS/GIS software; experience with LULC, NDVI, DEM; application in wildlife ecology. | 37,000 + HRA (NET/GATE) / 30,000 + HRA (Non-NET) | 35 |
| 5 | Caracal Conservation | Project Associate-I (Social Component) | 1 | M.Sc. in Life/Env. Sciences (55%) | Socio-economic/ecological survey experience; questionnaire-based interviews; proficiency in R and GIS; Hindi speaking. | 37,000 + HRA (NET/GATE) / 30,000 + HRA (Non-NET) | 35 |
| 6 | Nicobar Megapode | Project Associate-I | 1 | M.Sc. in Life/Env. Sciences (55%) | Bird research interest; field ecology methods; willingness to travel extensively; bird capture/handling experience; R and GIS. | 37,000 + HRA (NET/GATE) / 30,000 + HRA (Non-NET) | 35 |
Eligibility Criteria (As on 14.08.2026)
| Post | Essential Qualification | Age Limit | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Project Associate | Post-Graduate degree (M.Sc.) with 55% marks in Life/Environmental Sciences + 4 years post-PG research experience OR Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in allied disciplines. | 40 years (Relaxation: SC/ST +5 yrs; OBC +3 yrs) | General: ₹500; SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD: ₹100 (Processing Fee) |
| Project Associate-II (Molecular Biology) | Post-Graduate degree (M.Sc.) with 55% marks in Life/Environmental Sciences (incl. Molecular Biology/Biotechnology/Bioinformatics/Genetics/Microbiology) + 2 years post-PG research experience. | 35 years (Relaxation: SC/ST +5 yrs; OBC +3 yrs) | |
| Project Associate-I (All) | Post-Graduate degree (M.Sc.) with 55% marks in Life/Environmental Sciences or allied disciplines (as specified for each post). | 35 years (Relaxation: SC/ST +5 yrs; OBC +3 yrs) |
Educational Qualification & Experience:Post-specific qualifications as detailed in the vacancy table. All essential qualifications must be from a recognized university with minimum 55% marks.
Skills & Desirable Qualifications:Post-specific as detailed in the vacancy table, including experience in avian ecology, molecular biology techniques, GIS/RS, socio-economic surveys, field research, and communication skills.
Age Limit:Senior Project Associate: 40 years; Project Associate-II/I: 35 years as on 14.08.2026. Relaxation for SC/ST (5 years) and OBC (3 years) as per Government of India norms.
Remuneration:
Senior Project Associate: ₹57,000 + HRA
Project Associate-II: ₹42,000 + HRA (NET/GATE) / ₹33,000 + HRA (Non-NET)
Project Associate-I: ₹37,000 + HRA (NET/GATE) / ₹30,000 + HRA (Non-NET)
Selection Procedure:
- Screening of online applications.
- Online Interview for shortlisted candidates.
Application Fee (Non-Refundable): General: ₹500/-; SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD: ₹100/- (Processing Fee). Fee to be paid online to the WII bank account. A copy of the transaction receipt must be uploaded with the application.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online only through the SACON careers portal. No other mode of application will be accepted.
- Visit the SACON Careers Page: Go to http://www.sacon.in/careers/.
- Read the Advertisement: Read the full advertisement and the specific requirements for the desired position.
- Prepare Documents: Keep self-attested scanned PDF copies of all supporting documents (certificates, mark lists, experience certificates, age proof, community certificates, etc.) ready.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the applicable fee (₹500 for General; ₹100 for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD) to the following bank account:
- Account Name: WILDLIFE INSTITUTE OF INDIA
- Account Number: 5915940382
- Bank & Branch: Central Bank of India, Nanjundapuram
- IFSC Code: CBIN0282106
- Fill the Online Application Form: Fill the application form with correct details and upload all required documents, including the transaction receipt.
- Submit Application: Submit the application before the deadline: 14 August 2026, 5:00 PM.
- Note: Candidates can apply for a maximum of TWO advertised positions only. Separate applications and fees are required for each position.
Important: Do not send hard copies of applications at this stage. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the online interview.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 10 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application Submission | 14 August 2026 (5:00 PM) |
Important Links
Official Website (SACON): https://www.sacon.in
Careers Page (Apply Online): http://www.sacon.in/careers/
Official Notification (PDF): Download Official Notification
Email for Technical Queries: [email protected]
Key Instructions for Candidates
- Online Application Only: Applications are accepted only online through the SACON careers portal. No offline applications will be accepted.
- Application Fee: Pay the correct application fee/processing fee online and upload the transaction receipt. Fees are non-refundable.
- Eligibility Check: Ensure you meet the essential qualification, experience, and age criteria for the specific post before applying.
- Desirable Qualifications: While not mandatory, desirable qualifications (e.g., specific experience, language skills, software proficiency) will be given preference.
- Multiple Applications: Candidates can apply for a maximum of two positions, but must submit separate applications and fees for each.
- Shortlisting: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an online interview. No TA/DA will be paid.
- Document Verification: If selected, original documents and hard copies of the application must be produced for verification before joining.
- Contractual Position: The positions are purely temporary for one year, likely to be extended. They do not confer any right to regular employment.
- Check Website: Regularly visit the SACON website for any updates or corrigenda.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the last date to apply for SACON Research Personnel Recruitment 2026?
How many vacancies are available?
What is the required qualification for the Project Associate-I posts?
What is the age limit?
What is the remuneration offered?
What is the application fee?
How can I apply?
Can I apply for more than one position?
What is the selection process?
What is the contract duration?
Download Official Recruitment Notification
Download and read the official advertisement PDF for complete post eligibility, category reservations, format of certificates, and application guidelines.