Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), through its Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (ICSR), invites applications for the position of Post Doctoral Researcher at the FedEx SMART (Sustainable Manufacturing and Research Technologies) Center. This is a temporary research position focused on India's logistics and air cargo ecosystem, offering a unique opportunity to work on critical research in supply chain management and logistics policy.
IIT Madras Post Doctoral Researcher Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Organization Name | Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) |
| Office/Centre | Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (ICSR), FedEx SMART Center |
| Department | Department of Management Studies |
| Position Title | Post Doctoral Researcher |
| Number of Vacancies | 1 |
| Location | Chennai – 600 036, Tamil Nadu |
| Nature of Position | Temporary/Research-based |
| Initial Duration | 6 Months (Extendable based on performance) |
| Salary Range | Rs. 65,000/- to Rs. 1,15,000/- per month |
| Advertisement Number | ICSR/PR/Advt.12/2026 |
| Posting Date | 03/02/2026 |
Position Details
Post Doctoral Researcher - FedEx SMART Center (1 Vacancy)
Focus Area:
India's Logistics and Air Cargo Ecosystem, Supply Chain Management, and Logistics Policy
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct research on India's logistics and air cargo ecosystem including policy, regulatory, and operational dimensions
- Analyze national and international policies governing air cargo, transshipment, and logistics infrastructure
- Develop research frameworks on supply chain resilience and optimization
- Contribute to research publications and policy briefs
- Collaborate with FedEx SMART Center team and research partners
- Prepare technical reports and research documentation
- Support research data collection and analysis
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification (Essential):
Ph.D. (Doctorate) in any of the following disciplines:
- Economics
- International Trade
- Public Administration
- Management Studies
- Logistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Ports and Shipping Logistics
- Transport Planning
- Civil Engineering
- Infrastructure Management
- Operations Research
- OR any closely related discipline
Special Note:
Candidates who have submitted their doctoral thesis or are about to submit and are awaiting defense are also encouraged to apply. However, PhD completion is mandatory by the date of appointment.
Technical & Domain Proficiency Required:
- Strong understanding of India's logistics and air cargo ecosystem including policy, regulatory, and operational dimensions
- Ability to analyze national and international policies governing air cargo, transshipment, and logistics infrastructure
- Knowledge of supply chain management principles and practices
- Research experience in logistics, supply chain, or related field
- Proficiency in research methodologies and data analysis
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and technical writing skills
- Familiarity with logistics data and analytics tools is a plus
Desirable Qualifications:
- Research publications in peer-reviewed journals related to logistics, supply chain, or policy
- Experience with air cargo industry or port operations
- Knowledge of India's policy framework on logistics and infrastructure
- Experience with statistical software and data analysis tools (SPSS, R, Python, etc.)
- Previous research experience in academic or industry setting
- Understanding of FedEx operations and global logistics networks (advantageous)
Salary & Compensation
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Salary | Rs. 65,000/- to Rs. 1,15,000/- |
| Salary Basis | Based on PhD, experience, and qualifications |
Note: The exact salary within the range will be determined based on the candidate's educational background, research experience, publications, and performance during the selection process.
Duration & Nature of Employment
- Nature: Temporary research position
- Initial Duration: 6 months
- Extension: Possible for additional periods based on:
- Satisfactory performance and progress in research
- Availability of project funds and research requirements
- Organizational needs of FedEx SMART Center
- No guarantee of permanent employment
- Contract-based position with defined deliverables
About FedEx SMART Center at IIT Madras
The FedEx SMART Center at IIT Madras is dedicated to research and development in sustainable manufacturing and logistics. The center works on cutting-edge research projects related to supply chain optimization, logistics innovation, and policy analysis. The Post Doctoral Researcher position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research on India's logistics ecosystem, which is critical for the nation's economic development and infrastructure planning.
Selection Process
- Application screening based on CV, qualifications, and research experience
- Shortlisting of eligible candidates with strong research background
- Technical interview covering:
- Research background and expertise in logistics/supply chain
- Understanding of India's logistics ecosystem
- Previous research contributions and publications
- Problem-solving approach to research challenges
- Knowledge of relevant policies and regulations
- Presentation of research proposal or previous research work (if required)
- Final selection by selection committee
How to Apply
- Prepare a comprehensive research CV including:
- PhD completion status and dissertation title
- Educational qualifications with dates
- Research experience and projects undertaken
- List of publications (with journal names and impact factors)
- Conference presentations and research awards
- Technical skills and expertise areas
- Contact information and references (preferably previous supervisors)
- Write a research statement (1-2 pages) on:
- Your research interests in logistics/supply chain
- How your research aligns with FedEx SMART Center's focus
- Your perspective on India's air cargo ecosystem
- Submit the following documents:
- Detailed CV (preferably 3-4 pages)
- Research statement (1-2 pages)
- Copy of PhD completion certificate or thesis submission proof
- Copies of published papers/research work (if available)
- 2-3 reference letters (preferably from academic supervisors)
- Send application through email as a single PDF to:
- Email: [email protected]
- Subject Line: "Application for Post Doctoral Researcher - FedEx SMART Center [Your Name]"
- Alternatively, apply through the official website portal
Important Instructions
- PhD must be completed or submitted with defense scheduled before appointment
- All submitted information must be accurate and verifiable
- Research publications will be given high weightage in selection
- Candidates with research experience in relevant domains will be preferred
- This is a contract-based position with no permanent employment guarantee
- Selected candidate must be able to join immediately or within a specified timeframe
- Background verification and medical examination may be conducted
- IIT Madras reserves the right to modify/cancel recruitment if required
Contact Information
Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (ICSR)
Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Chennai – 600 036, Tamil Nadu, India
Coordinator: Prof. Arshinder Kaur, Department of Management Studies
Email: [email protected]
Website: icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in
IIT Madras Main Website: www.iitm.ac.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the position about?
A: This is a Post Doctoral Research position at the FedEx SMART Center, IIT Madras, focused on research in India's logistics and air cargo ecosystem, supply chain management, and logistics policy.
Q: What PhD disciplines are eligible?
A: PhD in Economics, International Trade, Public Administration, Management Studies, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Ports & Shipping, Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, Infrastructure Management, Operations Research, or closely related disciplines.
Q: What is the salary range?
A: Rs. 65,000/- to Rs. 1,15,000/- per month, based on qualifications and research experience.
Q: For how long is this position?
A: Initial duration is 6 months, extendable based on performance and research progress.
Q: Can PhD students who haven't completed yet apply?
A: Yes, candidates who have submitted their thesis or are awaiting defense can apply, but PhD completion is mandatory by the date of appointment.
Q: What is the focus area of research?
A: Research focuses on India's logistics and air cargo ecosystem, including policy, regulatory, and operational dimensions, as well as supply chain management and logistics infrastructure.
Q: What is FedEx SMART Center?
A: FedEx SMART Center at IIT Madras is a research facility dedicated to research in sustainable manufacturing and logistics, in collaboration with FedEx.
Q: What research skills are required?
A: Strong understanding of logistics ecosystem, ability to analyze policies, knowledge of supply chain principles, proficiency in research methodologies, and excellent analytical and writing skills.
Q: Are research publications required?
A: While not mandatory, research publications in peer-reviewed journals will strengthen your application significantly.
Q: What is the selection process?
A: Application screening, shortlisting, technical interview, and possibly a research presentation. Selection is based on qualifications, research experience, and fit with research objectives.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Send a detailed CV, research statement, PhD certificate/proof, and reference letters as a single PDF to [email protected] with the subject line mentioning the position and your name.
Q: Is there age limit?
A: No specific age limit is mentioned. PhD completion is the primary eligibility criterion.
Q: What is the expected start date?
A: Selected candidates should be able to join immediately or within a timeframe to be decided by IIT Madras.
Important Links
| ICSR Website | Click here |
| IIT Madras Main Website | Click here |
| Apply Email | [email protected] |
| Official Notification | Click here |