📋 Complete Advertisement & Guidelines
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 Step-by-Step
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 Official 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.