Project Associate Positions for Hyperspectral Remote Sensing and AI in Tea Foliar Disease Detection

CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur invites applications for temporary Project Associate positions under the project 'An Innovative approach to detect tea foliar diseases using hyperspectral remote sensing and AI techniques (HRS-Tea)'.
Positions are co-terminus with the project duration, offering opportunities in cutting-edge research combining hyperspectral remote sensing, AI, and drone-based technologies.
Roles involve developing and implementing AI models for tea foliar disease detection using hyperspectral data and drone imagery.
Engagement is purely temporary with no claim to permanent employment in CSIR-IHBT.
Selected candidates will work on interdisciplinary research in collaboration with national-level scientific organizations.

**Project Associate-I (PAT-I):**
- B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science/Information Technology OR MCA from a recognized university.
- OR Master’s in Remote Sensing/GIS/Geoinformatics/AI & Data Science or equivalent discipline.
- Desirable: Working knowledge in AI/Machine Learning/Python programming/Drone image processing.
- Maximum age: 35 years as on 12.08.2026.

**Project Associate-II (PAT-II):**
- B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science/Information Technology/Electronics (embedded programming) OR Master’s in Remote Sensing/GIS/Geoinformatics/Geography/Forestry/Ecology/Computer Science/AI & Data Science.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in Research and Development in Industrial/Academic Institutions or Science & Technology Organizations.
- Desirable: 2 years of experience in drone-based remote sensing/hyperspectral remote sensing/AI.
- Maximum age: 35 years as on 12.08.2026.

**Senior Project Associate (PAT):**
- B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science/Information Technology/Electronics OR Master’s in Remote Sensing/GIS/Geography/Forestry/Ecology/Computer Science/AI & Data Science.
- OR Doctoral degree in Computer Science/Information Technology/Electronics/Remote Sensing/GIS/Geoinformatics/Geography/AI & Data Science.
- Minimum 3 years (or 2 years post-PhD) of experience in Research and Development in Industrial/Academic Institutions or Science & Technology Organizations.
- Desirable: 2 years of experience in drone-based remote sensing/hyperspectral remote sensing/AI.
- Maximum age: 40 years as on 12.08.2026.

Relaxation in age limit: 5 years for SC/ST/PwBD/Women, 3 years for OBC candidates as per Government of India instructions.

Applications will be scrutinized by a duly constituted Screening Committee.
Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview via Video Conferencing (MS Teams).
The date of the online interview will be communicated separately to shortlisted candidates.
Final selection will be based on performance in the interview and verification of documents.
Engagement is temporary and co-terminus with the project duration (up to 31.03.2028).
Performance reviews will be conducted every six months, and non-performing candidates may be terminated.

All (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwBD as per Government of India norms)

Duly filled application form in the prescribed format (only as per the annexed format).
Scanned copy of the application form in a single PDF file.
Self-attested copies of educational certificates (10th, 12th, Graduation, Post-Graduation, etc.).
Self-attested copies of experience certificates (if applicable).
Self-attested copy of caste certificate (if applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates).
Self-attested copy of disability certificate (if applicable for PwBD candidates).
Self-attested copy of GATE/NET/ICAR/ICMR qualification certificate (if applicable).
Recent passport-sized color photograph (attached and signed across).
Proof of identity (Aadhaar Card/PAN Card/Passport/Driving License/Voter ID).

No application fee is required for any category of candidates.
Applications submitted without the prescribed format or incomplete applications will be rejected.