The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, India’s premier autonomous R&D institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, invites applications from talented researchers and marine scientists for Project Scientist (I & II), Senior Project Associate, and Project Associate positions under the Indian Southern Ocean Expeditions and Polar Marine Living Resources initiatives.
About NCPOR Goa & Southern Ocean Research
Headquartered in Vasco da Gama, Goa, NCPOR coordinates India’s scientific presence in the polar and oceanic realms, managing Antarctic research stations (Maitri and Bharati), Arctic research station Himadri, and scientific expeditions across the Southern Ocean. NCPOR’s polar marine science groups undertake pioneering research into biological oceanography, biogeochemical nutrient cycling, marine ecology of extreme environments, and living resource dynamics in the high-latitude oceans.
Key Scientific Thrust Areas
- Southern Ocean Biological Oceanography: Phytoplankton community structure, primary productivity dynamics across frontal zones (Subtropical Front, Polar Front), and biological carbon pump export fluxes.
- Polar Marine Living Resources & Krill Dynamics: Acoustic biomass assessment, population biology, and demographic monitoring of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) and myctophid lanternfishes.
- Marine Microbial Metagenomics & Extremophiles: Psychrophilic marine bacteria, cold-active biocatalysts, viral loop interactions, and molecular adaptations to sub-zero seawater conditions.
- Paleoceanography & Marine Sediment Geochemistry: Multi-proxy sediment core investigations, past ocean circulation reconstructions, and marine biogeochemical responses to global climate oscillations.
- Polar Ocean Acidification & Deoxygenation: Long-term carbonate chemistry monitoring, aragonite undersaturation impacts on pteropods, and trace metal micronutrient (iron) biogeochemistry.
Positions, Qualifications & Monthly Remuneration
| Position | Essential Qualifications | Monthly Emoluments |
|---|---|---|
| Project Scientist-II | Ph.D. in Marine Science / Oceanography / Marine Biology / Aquatic Geochemistry OR Master’s degree with 3 years research experience. | ₹67,000/- + HRA |
| Project Scientist-I | Master’s Degree in Marine Science / Fisheries Science (M.F.Sc.) / Oceanography / Zoology with First Class OR Ph.D. | ₹56,000/- + HRA |
| Senior Project Associate | Master’s in Marine Science / Oceanography / Life Sciences + 4 years research experience OR Ph.D. | ₹42,000/- + HRA |
| Project Associate-I / II | Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc. / M.F.Sc.) / Marine Biology / Microbiology / Chemistry from a recognized university. | ₹25,000 – ₹31,000/- + HRA |
Selection Process & Guidelines
Candidates must satisfy the eligibility criteria set by MoES / Government of India. Age relaxations apply for SC/ST/OBC and women candidates in accordance with statutory rules. Selection is conducted via preliminary screening followed by in-person or online video interviews.
Official vacancy circulars and application details are accessible at: NCPOR Official Portal (ncpor.res.in) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (moes.gov.in).