The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Southern Regional Centre, Chennai (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) has invited applications for purely temporary, contractual fellow posts in the Long Term Ecological Observatories (Arthropods) project: 3 Junior Research Fellow / Junior Project Fellow posts and 1 Senior Research Fellow / Senior Project Fellow post. Pay runs from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 42,000 plus HRA, depending on the post and NET/GATE status. An M.Sc. in Zoology, Wildlife Biology or Biodiversity is required. Applications go by email only to [email protected], on or before 20 November 2026.
ZSI Recruitment 2026 at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Zoological Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, Chennai |
| Advertisement No. | ZSI/LTEO/2026/01 |
| Project | Long Term Ecological Observatories (Arthropods) |
| Tenure | Initial appointment for one year, with possibility of reappointment; co-terminus with the project |
| Post Name(s) | Junior Research Fellow (NET/GATE Qualified) or Junior Project Fellow (NET/GATE non-qualified); Senior Research Fellow (NET/GATE Qualified) or Senior Project Fellow (NET/GATE non-qualified) |
| Vacancies | 4 (Junior posts 3, Senior posts 1) |
| Pay | Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 42,000 + HRA as per Govt. rules (see Pay and Tenure) |
| Age Limit | Varies by post |
| Job Location | Junior posts: six LTEO regions; Senior post: Chennai |
| Application Mode | Email only |
| Last Date to Apply | 20 November 2026 |
The official notification does not specify an application fee.
About ZSI
The Zoological Survey of India is an organisation of the Government of India under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This notice comes from its Southern Regional Centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, for posts in the Long Term Ecological Observatories (Arthropods) project. The selected candidates work under the supervision of the Officer-in-Charge of the Centre.
Vacancy Details
ZSI has announced 4 vacancies in total. The notice prints no category-wise break-up.
| Post | Vacancies | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (NET/GATE Qualified) Or Junior Project Fellow (NET/GATE non-qualified) | 3 | Rs. 37,000.00/- + HRA (CSIR-UGC NET qualified); Rs. 25000 + HRA (non-NET/GATE qualified) |
| Senior Research Fellow (NET/GATE Qualified) Or Senior Project Fellow (NET/GATE non-qualified) | 1 | Rs. 42,000.00/- + HRA per month (CSIR-UGC NET qualified); Rs. 28000 + HRA (non-NET/GATE qualified) |
Who Can Apply
| Post | Essential Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (NET/GATE Qualified) Or Junior Project Fellow (NET/GATE non-qualified) | M.Sc., Zoology/Wildlife Biology/Biodiversity with at least 65% marks or CGPA of 6.5 in 10-point scale, and CSIR-NET/GATE | Not more than 28 Years |
| Senior Research Fellow (NET/GATE Qualified) Or Senior Project Fellow (NET/GATE non-qualified) | M.Sc., Zoology/Wildlife biology/Biodiversity with at least 65% marks or CGPA of 6.5 in 10-point scale with two years' experience in the data curation, data analysis, GIS, remote sensing and species distribution modelling with research publications | Not more than 32 Years |
Desirable
- Junior posts: knowledge of sampling, data collection, taxonomy and ecology of arthropods.
- Senior posts: proficiency in statistical GIS software for biodiversity data analysis and species distribution modelling.
Age Relaxation
SC / ST / OBC / Women / PD candidates get age relaxation as per Govt. of India norms. The general instructions mention SC/ST/OBC-Non-Creamy Layer (NCL)/Women/Physically Challenged applicants. The notice prints no date for counting age.
Candidates should check the official notification for the discipline-specific eligibility of each post.
Pay and Tenure
| Post | Pay |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (CSIR-UGC NET qualified) | Rs. 37,000.00/- + HRA as per Govt. rules |
| Junior Project Fellow (non-NET/GATE qualified) | Rs. 25000 + HRA per Govt. rules |
| Senior Research Fellow (CSIR-UGC NET qualified) | Rs. 42,000.00/- + HRA per month as per Govt. rules |
| Senior Project Fellow (non-NET/GATE qualified) | Rs. 28000 + HRA per Govt. rules |
The assignment is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project. According to the general instructions, all positions are full-time. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of reappointment based on performance in the field and laboratory.
ZSI Recruitment 2026 Job Description
Junior Research Fellow / Junior Project Fellow
- Conduct novel research on long term ecological monitoring of arthropods in the LTEO sites across India in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems using integrated approaches.
- Work on community ecology, stream ecology, GIS and use of remotely sensed data, molecular studies, and responses to environmental stresses in the context of global change.
- Location of work: (1) Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (2) Central India (3) Gujarat (4) Western Himalaya (5) Eastern Himalaya (6) Andaman Islands.
Senior Research Fellow / Senior Project Fellow
- Maintain, curate and analyse data collected from LTEO sites using relevant statistical techniques and GIS.
- Prepare scientific and technical reports and manuscripts.
- Location of work: Chennai.
How to Apply for ZSI Recruitment 2026
- Fill in the application form printed on pages 3 and 4 of the notice, writing the name of the post at the top. It asks for personal details, educational qualifications, experience, computer and GIS expertise, publications, three referees and any other information, followed by a declaration with signature and date.
- Affix a recent photograph on the form and self-attest it.
- Enclose the documents listed below, together with a No Objection Certificate from the present employer if employed.
- Convert the completed form, certificates and enclosures into a single PDF file.
- Email the PDF to [email protected] on or before 20 November 2026. The application is addressed to The Officer-in-Charge, Zoological Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, #130, Santhome High Road, Chennai - 600 028.
The notice does not give a subject line for the email.
Documents named in the notice
- Self-attested copies of certificates (School/College such as Transfer Certificate, Mark Sheet, Degree Certificates etc.).
- Attested true copies of testimonials of educational qualifications, research experience and proof for date of birth, with copies of mark sheets of all examinations.
- Copies of Address and Aadhar card proof.
- Evidence documents for the experience listed in the form.
- No Objection Certificate from present employer (if employed).
Selection and Interview
Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of their qualification and experience. Shortlisted candidates are informed through email / speed post to appear before an interview committee. The date and time of the interview are informed through mobile number / email. Original certificates must be produced for verification at the time of interview.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of advertisement | 31.10.2026 |
| Last date to apply (by email) | 20 November 2026 |
Important Instructions
- Applications received after the last date are summarily rejected.
- Incomplete application forms are summarily rejected.
- Canvassing will disqualify the applicant.
- The Director, Zoological Survey of India reserves the right to reject any candidature for incomplete information or for any other reason.
- Selected candidates are required to travel to different field locations for data collection.
- A false or concealed detail found at any stage leads to cancellation of selection, as the form's declaration states.
Important Links
| Link | Details |
|---|---|
| ZSI Application Form | Form to be filled and emailed with enclosures |
| ZSI Official Notification PDF | Advt. No. ZSI/LTEO/2026/01 |
| Zoological Survey of India Official Website | Official website |