Careers

Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History

(South India Centre of Wildlife Institute of India)
Moongilpallam, Anaikatty (PO), Coimbatore – 641 108, Tamil Nadu

Advt. No. SACON/RES/RCTMT/ADVT-05/2025

Vacancy for research personnel in various projects

Application deadline: 22-06-2025

Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), South India Centre of Wildlife Institute of India (WII) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, wishes to engage the following research personnel (Indian Nationals only) on purely temporary basis. Interested candidates may apply online at https://www.sacon.in/careers/. Details of the vacancies and application procedures are given below.

1. Project Title: MONITORING STREAM FISH POPULATION IN RELATION TO NEWLY CONSTRUCTED WEIRS IN CENTRAL WESTERN GHATS, INDIA [PI – Dr. Vidyadhar Atkore]
1(a). PROJECT ASSOCIATE-I

• No. of Positions: ONE (1)
• Duration: 1 Year
• 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: i) Competence in identification of freshwater fishes and sampling techniques; ii) research experience/internship with ecological studies and surveys; iii) ability to conduct field surveys independently; iv) proficiency in GIS and remote sensing with experience in data analysis and R programming; v) good communication and interpersonal skills; vi) proficiency in English, Kannada and Hindi; vii) a valid driving licence for two-wheeler or four-wheeler.
• Upper Age Limit as on 22-06-2025: 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: Selected person will be expected i) to conduct intensive field-work along rivers and riparian habitats in Hassan district of Karnataka; ii) to collect data on
  freshwater fish community, habitat quality, water parameters, and stream flow in relation to weirs; iii) to work closely with the forest department; iv) to assist Project
  Investigator in achieving the project goals and other institutional activities.
  

2. Project Title: MONITORING OF RESIDENT AND MIGRATORY BIRDS IN VADUVOOR BIRD SANCTUARY [PI – Dr. S. Babu]
2(a). PROJECT ASSISTANT (Ecology)

• No. of Positions: ONE (1)
• Duration: 8 months (likely to be extended)
• Essential Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks in any discipline of life sciences or environmental sciences from a recognized university.
• Desirable Qualifications: i) Familiarity with natural history of wetland birds and their field identification; ii) willingness to reside and work in remote locations; iii) experience with MS office and other software; and vi) excellent communication and interpersonal skill.
• Upper Age Limit as on 22-06-2025: 35 Years
• Monthly Emoluments: Rs. 27,000 + HRA.
• Description of Work: Selected person will be expected to i) conduct field surveys to collect primary data on wetland bird populations, habitat use, and seasonal variations in and around Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary; ii) to assist the Principal Investigator in data compilation, analysis, and report preparation; iii) to assist Project Investigator in other institutional activities.

3. Project Title: COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR THE ENDEMIC AND TREE CAVITY NESTING BIRDS OF NICOBAR ARCHIPELAGO [PI – Dr. S. Babu]
3(a). PROJECT ASSOCIATE-I (RS & GIS)

• No. of Positions: ONE (1)
• Duration: One year (likely to be extended)
• Essential Qualifications: Post-Graduate degree or its equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks in Remote Sensing/ Geoinformatics/ Photogrammetry & Cartography/ Ecoinformatics/ Geography or any allied disciplines from a recognized university.
• Desirable Qualifications: i) Proficiency in use of RS/GIS software and other geospatial tools; ii) experience in extraction and analysis of LULC, NDVI, NDWI, LST, DEM, and other spatial data using high-resolution satellite imagery; iii) familiarity with application of RS/GIS in studies on wildlife ecology and conservation with prior research experience/internship; iv) excellent communication and interpersonal skill.
• Upper Age Limit as on 22-06-2025: 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: Selected person will be expected i) to work with field staff in collection and analysis of spatial data on birds from the Nicobar Islands; ii) to execute all the mapping work and spatial analyses, and contribute to preparation of project reports;
  iii) to assist the Project Investigator and senior project staff in achieving project goals and other institutional activities.
  3(b). PROJECT ASSISTANT (Ecology)
• No. of Positions: ONE (1)
• Duration: One year (likely to be extended)
• Essential Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks in any discipline of science or engineering from a recognized university.
• Desirable Qualifications: i) Familiarity with natural history of birds and their field identification; ii) willingness to reside and work in remote location; iii) experience with MS office, GIS tools, and other analytical software; vi) excellent communication and interpersonal skill.
• Upper Age Limit as on 22-06-2025: 35 Years
• Monthly Emoluments: Rs. 27,000 + HRA.
• Description of Work: Selected person will be expected i) to assist project staff in conducting field surveys to collect primary data on endemic and cavity-nesting birds of the Nicobar Islands; ii) to assist the Principal Investigator in data compilation, analysis, and report preparation; iii) to assist Project Investigator in other institutional activities.

4. Project Title: COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR COCONUT CRAB Birgus latro IN THE NICOBAR ARCHIPELAGO [PI – Dr. P. Pramod]
4(a). PROJECT ASSOCIATE-I

• No. of Positions: ONE (1)
• Duration: One year (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/ Biodiversity Studies/ Ecological Sciences/ Environmental Studies or any allied disciplines) from a recognized university.
• Desirable Qualifications: i) Keen interest in studying wildlife ecology and conservation;
  ii) familiarity with studies on invertebrates and their field identification; iii) willingness to reside in remote locations with challenging conditions, and travel extensively by both
  road and sea between the islands; iv) familiarity with basic data analysis and GIS tools;
  v) proficiency in English (speaking, reading, and writing) and Hindi (speaking), and excellent interpersonal skill.
• Upper Age Limit as on 22-06-2025: 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: Selected person will be expected i) to conduct intensive field studies on Coconut Crabs in remote areas of the Nicobar Islands; ii) to collect and analyze field data and contribute to preparation of project reports; iv) to work closely with the forest department and local communities to develop sustainable conservation/management plan; v) to assist the Project Investigator and senior project staff in achieving project goals and other institutional activities.

5. Project Title: ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION, AWARENESS, CAPACITY BUILDING AND LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMME (EIACP) RESOURCE PARTNER ON WETLANDS [PI – Dr. Goldin Quadros]
5(a). IT OFFICER

• No. of Positions: ONE (1)
• Duration: Until March, 2026 (likely to be extended)
• Essential Qualifications: i) 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/ Biodiversity Studies/ Ecological Sciences/ Environmental Studies/Eco-informatics or any allied disciplines) from a recognized university AND ii) Minimum two years’ experience in working with database applications/desktop publishing/website development/social media/related fields.
• Desirable Qualifications: i) Good understanding of wetland ecology and conservation issues; ii) experience in wetland studies; iii) familiarity with basic data analysis and GIS tools; iv) publications in SCI journals; v) excellent communication & interpersonal skill.
• Upper Age Limit as on 22-06-2025: 30 years
• Monthly Emoluments: Rs. 34,000/- consolidated (as per MoEFCC EIACP norms).
• Description of Work: Selected person will be expected i) to assist the PI and the Program Officer in updation of website and other databases of the EIACP Centre; ii) to be responsible for developing all content related matters including mobile or web-based applications and infographics; iii) to help in the preparation of GIS-based thematic maps and other spatial knowledge products; iv) to assist the PI and the Program Officer in organizing and coordinating mega/regional events and other activities under Mission LiFE ‘Swachhta Action Plan’ and any other institutional matters as mandated by MoEFCC.

5(b). DATA ENTRY OPERATOR

• No. of Positions: ONE (1)
• Duration: Until March, 2026 (likely to be extended)
• Essential Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks in any discipline of science or engineering from a recognized university, AND one year experience in database applications/ desktop publishing/ website development/ social media/ related fields.
  [OR]
  A pass in XII school examination with two years’ experience in working with database applications/desktop publishing/website development/social media/related fields AND a certificate of training under Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP).
• Desirable Qualifications: i) Good understanding of wetland ecology and conservation issues; ii) familiarity with MS office applications and data entry software.
• Upper Age Limit as on 22-06-2025: 30 years
• Monthly Emoluments: Rs. 16,000/- consolidated (as per MoEFCC EIACP norms).
• Description of Work: Selected person will be expected i) to assist the PI and the Program Officer in updation of website and other databases of the EIACP Centre; ii) to assist the EIACP team in preparation of knowledge products; iii) to assist the PI and the Program Officer in organizing mega/regional events and other activities under Mission LiFE ‘Swachhta Action Plan’ and any other institutional matters as mandated by MoEFCC.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Interested candidates, who fulfil the required essential qualification(s) may fill in and submit the Online Application form available at SACON website. (https://www.sacon.in/careers/) latest by 22-06-2025.
2. A candidate can apply for a maximum of TWO positions only. Candidates applying for more than one position should submit SEPARATE sets of applications and attachments for each position.
3. The application form should be filled and submitted online along with self-attested scanned PDF copies of all supporting documents and testimonials such as copies of certificates of essential and desirable qualifications, research experience, date of birth, community, extracurricular activities etc. uploaded. [Please do NOT send hard copies of application forms and attachments].
4. Only the shortlisted candidates will be invited for the Online Interview through which the final selection of candidates will be made. Details of the Interview, including the exact date, time and online link, will be individually intimated to the shortlisted candidates by email.
5. If selected, all original documents in support of qualifications, age, experience etc. should be produced by the candidate for verification before joining SACON. The hard copies of the filled-in application form along with self-attested true copies of all supporting documents should also be submitted at the time of joining.

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. Candidates applying for the above positions should possess all the Essential Qualifications (with originals of supporting documents) as on the date of application deadline.
2. The upper age limit may be relaxed as per the Government of India norms [up to 5 years in the case of candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Physically Handicapped categories and female applicants, whereas up to 3 years in the case of OBC candidates].
3. Selected candidates will be provided with hostel accommodation at SACON as per availability. Other allowances and benefits to the research personnel will be admissible as per the rules.
4. Canvassing in any form is liable to rejection of the candidature.
5. Incomplete applications and applications submitted after the stipulated deadline will not be considered. Applications not received in the prescribed format and/or without supporting documents for essential qualifications/experience are also liable for rejection.

Research Coordinator
Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History

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