Project Associate Jobs | SACON Recruitment | Apply Now for Govt Research Careers in Zoology
Looking for high-impact Project Associate Jobs in wildlife research? SACON Recruitment 2026 brings an exciting opportunity for life science and zoology postgraduates to work on national-level conservation projects. If you aim to build a serious career in zoology with hands-on field ecology and wildlife conservation experience, this government research opening is your gateway.
About the Institute
Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) is a premier research institution under the Wildlife Institute of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India. Located in Coimbatore, SACON is dedicated to ornithology, biodiversity conservation, and ecological research. Through SACON Recruitment, the institute engages research professionals in nationally important wildlife projects. These Project Associate Jobs support field-based conservation science across India. SACON plays a crucial role in shaping careers in zoology and wildlife research in India.
Advt. No. SACON/RES/RCTMT/ADVT-02&03/2026
Available Positions
1. Project Associate-I (Ecology Component) – 01 Position
- Project Title: Conservation of the Caracal Caracal Caracal in Rajasthan
- PI: Dr. Shomita Mukherjee
- Duration: One year (likely to be extended)
- Essential Qualifications: Post-graduate degree with a minimum of 55% marks in life sciences or environmental sciences (Zoology/Wildlife Biology/Wildlife Science/ Conservation Biology/Biodiversity Studies/Forestry/Ecological Sciences/Environmental Studies or any other allied disciplines) from a recognized university.
- Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience in carrying out camera trap surveys and habitat sampling for vegetation and anthropogenic covariates.
- Conversant with analysis of camera trap data, statistical modeling, and report preparation, and intermediate knowledge of Remote Sensing and GIS techniques.
- Willingness to reside in remote locations with challenging conditions, and travel extensively between survey sites.
- Proficiency in occupancy modeling, population estimation techniques, and biodiversity mapping.
- Prior experience in manuscript writing.
- Proficiency in spoken Hindi.
- Upper Age Limit as on 15-02-2026: 35 years
- Monthly Emoluments: Rs.37,000 + HRA for CSIR-UGC NET (Lectureship)/GATE qualified candidates and Rs. 30,000 + HRA for non-NET/GATE qualified candidates.
- Description of Work:
- Conduct camera trapping and carnivore sign surveys, measure habitat attributes and conduct landscape-level analyses for carnivores using occupancy framework.
- Work closely with the project team, Forest Department and local communities to develop a Caracal Conservation Plan.
- Assist the Project Investigators in achieving project goals and other institutional activities.
2. Project Associate-I (Social Component) – 01 Position
- Project Title: Conservation of the Caracal Caracal Caracal in Rajasthan
- PI: Dr. Shomita Mukherjee
- Duration: One year (likely to be extended)
- Essential Qualifications: Post-graduate degree with a minimum of 55% marks in life sciences or environmental sciences (Zoology/Wildlife Biology/Wildlife Science/ Conservation Biology/Biodiversity Studies/Forestry/Ecological Sciences/Environmental Studies or any other allied disciplines) from a recognized university.
- Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience in carrying out social surveys and varied questionnaire surveys.
- Conversant with designing social surveys, analysis of data obtained from social surveys and report writing.
- Willingness to reside in remote locations in challenging conditions and to travel extensively between survey sites.
- Proficiency in statistical analysis.
- Proficiency in Hindi.
- Upper Age Limit as on 15-02-2026: 35 years
- Monthly Emoluments: Rs.37,000 + HRA for CSIR-UGC NET (Lectureship)/GATE qualified candidates and Rs. 30,000 + HRA for non-NET/GATE qualified candidates.
- Description of Work:
- Conduct social surveys to understand local perspectives and generate awareness among community members to aid caracal conservation in the greater landscape.
- Work closely with the project team, Forest Department and local communities to develop a Caracal Conservation Plan.
- Assist the Project Investigators in achieving project goals and other institutional activities.
3. Project Associate-I – 01 Position
- Project Title: Conservation of the Nicobar Megapode
- PI: Dr. Manchi Shirish S
- Duration: Until 31st March, 2026 (likely to be extended)
- Essential Qualifications: Post-Graduate degree (M.Sc.) or its equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks in life sciences or environmental sciences (Zoology/ Wildlife Biology/ Wildlife Science/ Forestry/ Conservation Biology/ Ecological Sciences/ Environmental Studies or any other allied disciplines) from a recognized institute/university.
- Desirable Qualifications:
- Keen interest in bird research and conservation.
- Skill and experience in bird surveys and field ecology methods.
- Willingness to reside in remote locations with challenging conditions, and travel extensively by both road and sea between the islands.
- Prior exposure to field techniques for bird capture, handling and collection of biological samples for disease screening.
- Familiarity with data analysis, including R programming and GIS tools.
- Proficiency in English and Hindi.
- Upper Age Limit as on 15-02-2026: 35 years
- Monthly Emoluments: Rs.37,000 + HRA for CSIR-UGC NET (Lectureship)/GATE qualified candidates and Rs. 30,000 + HRA for non-NET/GATE qualified candidates.
- Description of Work:
- Conduct studies on species ecology in remote areas of Andaman & Nicobar Islands with limited resources and challenging field conditions.
- Collect and analyze field data.
- Assist with conducting social surveys among local communities on species conservation.
- Work closely with the forest department and local communities to develop a sustainable conservation plan.
- Assist the Project Investigator in achieving project goals and other institutional activities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates, who fulfil the required essential qualification(s) may fill in and submit the Online Application form available at SACON website
Last Date to Apply: 15 February, 2026.
Application Process
- Apply online only with scanned, self-attested PDF copies of required documents.
- Do NOT send hard copies at the time of application.
- Application Fee:
- ₹500 for General category
- ₹100 (Processing Fee) for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD
- Pay via online transfer/UPI to:
- Account Name: Wildlife Institute of India
- A/c No: 5915940382
- Bank: Central Bank of India, Nanjundapuram
- IFSC: CBIN0282106
- Upload transaction receipt in the application form.
- Fees are non-refundable.
- Separate application & fee required for each post.
Selection Process
- Only shortlisted candidates will be called for online interview (details via email).
- Originals + hard copy of application must be submitted at the time of joining.
General Terms
- Must meet essential qualifications by the deadline.
- Age relaxation: 5 years (SC/ST), 3 years (OBC).
- Hostel accommodation available (subject to availability).
- Incomplete/late applications or non-payment will be rejected.
- Director reserves the right to reject applications.
SACON Recruitment 2026 offers impactful Project Associate Jobs for those serious about building a career in zoology and wildlife conservation. This is a rare opportunity to work on nationally significant conservation projects under a Government of India institute. If you are passionate about field research and biodiversity conservation, apply before the deadline.
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