Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (IC&SR), invites applications for the temporary position of Research Associate at the FedEx SMART Center. This is a contract-based position for an initial period of 6 months, which may be extended based on performance. The role involves conducting policy research, analysis, and field studies related to India's logistics, supply chain, and air cargo ecosystems, with focus on policy reform, trade facilitation, and infrastructure development.
IIT Madras Research Associate Recruitment 2026 - Overview
| Institute Name | Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras) |
| Office/Centre | Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (IC&SR), FedEx SMART Center |
| Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Position Title | Research Associate |
| Total Vacancies | 1 Post |
| Advertisement Number | ICSR/PR/Advt.13/2026 |
| Advertisement Date | 03-02-2026 |
| Employment Type | Contract-Based (Temporary) |
| Contract Duration | 6 Months (Initially), Extendable based on performance |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date for Application | 16-02-2026 |
| Coordinator | Prof. Arshinder Kaur, Department of Management Studies |
| Official Website | https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in |
Vacancy Details
| Post | No. of Vacancies | Salary Range | Contract Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Associate, FedEx SMART Center | 01 | Rs. 35,000 - Rs. 1,00,000/- per month | 6 Months (Extendable) |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Master's degree (M.A., M.Sc., or M.B.A.) in any of the following disciplines from a recognized university:
- Economics
- Public Policy
- International Trade
- Public Administration
- Management Studies
- Logistics
- Developmental Studies
- Supply Chain Management
- Ports and Shipping Logistics
- Transport Planning
- Transportation Engineering
- Infrastructure Management
- Operations
- Or any closely related discipline
Professional Experience
- Minimum Experience: 2 to 3 years of relevant professional experience
- Experience Areas:
- Policy research in logistics/Supply Chain
- Consulting in logistics or supply chain management
- Logistics operations
- Air cargo operations
- Infrastructure projects
- Government advisory work
- Think tanks or research institutions
- Logistics organizations
Technical & Domain Proficiency (Required)
- Economics & Research: Strong understanding of economics, socio-economic research, and applied policy analysis
- Logistics Ecosystem: In-depth understanding of India's logistics, supply chain, or air cargo ecosystem across policy, regulatory, institutional, and operational dimensions
- Policy Analysis: Ability to analyze national and international policy frameworks related to:
- International trade and trade facilitation
- Air cargo and transshipment
- Customs procedures and border management
- Field Research: Experience analyzing trade, logistics, autonomous deliveries, transport, and infrastructure systems through both policy-level assessment and field-based research
- Cargo Workflow Analysis: Proven capability in mapping and analyzing cargo workflows across import, export, and transshipment processes at airports, ports, warehouses, and customs-controlled facilities
- Bottleneck Identification: Ability to identify policy, regulatory, infrastructural, and operational bottlenecks impacting cargo efficiency, cost, and turnaround time
- Benchmarking: Experience benchmarking Indian logistics or air cargo practices against global best practices and leading international hubs
- Research Methods: Proficiency in applied research methods including:
- Policy and literature reviews
- Document analysis
- Stakeholder interviews
- Field studies
- Process mapping
- Quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Writing Skills: Strong writing skills with experience contributing to:
- Policy notes
- White papers
- Analytical reports
- Research publications for government, industry, and multilateral stakeholders
- Multimodal Analysis: Ability to extend logistics and cargo analysis across multimodal systems (air, ocean, road, rail networks)
Research & Project Excellence (Required)
- Applied Policy Research: Demonstrated experience in applied policy research and consultancy across economics, trade, logistics, transport, infrastructure, and development domains
- Project Management: Proven ability to support end-to-end research projects from proposal development and research design to field-level data collection, analysis, and documentation
- Analytical Capability: Strong analytical capability with attention to methodological rigor, data accuracy, and clarity in structuring research outputs and policy-relevant recommendations
- Research Methods Knowledge: Knowledge in qualitative interview methods and research methods
- Data Synthesis: Ability to synthesize complex data, policy inputs, and field insights into clear, actionable, and decision-oriented outputs
- Collaborative Work: Experience working in collaborative, multi-stakeholder research environments with strong coordination skills and commitment to timely, transparent, and high-quality research delivery
Preferred Background
Candidates with experience in any of the following organizations are encouraged to apply:
- Logistics organizations
- Think tanks
- Research institutions
- Consulting firms
Salary & Compensation
Research Associate
- Salary Range: Rs. 35,000/- to Rs. 1,00,000/- per month
- Determination: Exact salary will be commensurate with candidate's educational qualification, experience, and performance in selection process
- Nature: Monthly remuneration for contract-based temporary position
- Contract Basis: No additional benefits as it is a pure contract position
Job Description & Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities
The Research Associate will work on policy research, analysis, and field studies related to India's logistics and supply chain ecosystems. Key responsibilities include:
- Policy Research & Analysis:
- Conduct applied policy research on India's logistics, supply chain, and air cargo sectors
- Analyze policy frameworks related to international trade, trade facilitation, customs procedures, and border management
- Evaluate effectiveness and impact of existing policies and regulations
- Identify policy gaps and opportunities for reform
- Cargo Operations Analysis:
- Map and analyze cargo workflows across import, export, and transshipment processes
- Study operations at airports, ports, warehouses, and customs-controlled facilities
- Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in cargo movement
- Analyze cargo efficiency, cost structures, and turnaround times
- Logistics & Supply Chain Research:
- Conduct field studies and research on logistics operations and supply chain management
- Analyze autonomous deliveries and transport systems
- Assess multimodal logistics networks (air, ocean, road, rail)
- Benchmark Indian practices against global best practices and international hubs
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Conduct interviews with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and logistics operators
- Gather insights from policy makers and infrastructure managers
- Coordinate with multiple stakeholders for research inputs
- Data Collection & Analysis:
- Collect data through field visits, surveys, and document reviews
- Perform quantitative and qualitative data analysis
- Use research methods including process mapping and statistical analysis
- Ensure data accuracy and methodological rigor
- Research Outputs & Documentation:
- Prepare policy notes and white papers
- Write analytical reports based on research findings
- Contribute to research publications for government, industry, and multilateral stakeholders
- Document research methodology and findings clearly
- Synthesize complex data into actionable recommendations
- Project Support:
- Support end-to-end research projects
- Assist in proposal development and research design
- Manage field-level data collection activities
- Provide timely and transparent project status updates
Important Dates
| Event | Date/Timeline |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Date | 03-02-2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application Submission | 16-02-2026 |
| Selection Process | To be determined (Shortlisting, Test/Interview) |
| Contract Duration | 6 Months from joining (Extendable based on performance) |
Application Process
How to Apply
- Visit Application Portal: Go to https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in/careers/current_openings.php
- Search Advertisement: Find Advertisement Number ICSR/PR/Advt.13/2026 for Research Associate position
- Register: Register with your email ID and create login credentials
- Fill Application Form: Complete the online application form with all required information:
- Personal details (Name, DOB, Contact information)
- Educational qualifications
- Professional experience and employment history
- Relevant skills and competencies
- Any additional information requested
- Submit Application: Click submit button to finalize application
- Print Confirmation: After successful submission, take printout of application form
- Keep Printout: You will need to submit the printout when called for test/interview
- Deadline: Submit before 16-02-2026 (application portal will close after this date)
Important Application Instructions
- Online Only: Applications must be submitted only through the online portal; hard copies should NOT be sent to the Institute
- Single Application: Only one application per email ID per advertisement; multiple applications for the same post will result in rejection
- No Editing: Application cannot be edited or reverted after submission, so verify all information before submitting
- Correct Email: Provide correct and active email address as all correspondence will be through email only
- Printout Required: After successful online submission, obtain printout of application form to be submitted during test/interview
- Deadline Strict: Applications received after 16-02-2026 will not be accepted
- Eligibility Check: Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying; admission to any stage is provisional subject to eligibility verification
- No Duplicate Applications: Do not attempt to apply twice; if multiple applications received for same post, candidature will be rejected
Selection Process
Selection Procedure
- Stage 1: Application Screening
- All applications will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility
- Candidates will be shortlisted based on qualifications, experience, and suitability for research requirements
- Institute reserves right to restrict candidates based on merit and relevance of experience
- Stage 2: Test/Interview
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for written test/skill test/interview (mode to be decided by Institute)
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted; no communication to non-shortlisted candidates
- Candidates must bring their application printout and testimonials (recommended)
- Stage 3: Final Selection
- Final selection will be based on overall performance in screening and interview/test
- Institute reserves right to not fill the position without assigning reason
- Only selected candidate will be contacted with offer
Selection Criteria
- Educational qualification and relevance to position
- Relevant professional experience in policy research, logistics, supply chain, or related fields
- Technical competency in research methods and data analysis
- Domain knowledge of logistics, supply chain, and air cargo ecosystems
- Writing and communication skills
- Research project experience and ability to deliver quality outputs
- Performance in test/interview
- Ability to work in collaborative, multi-stakeholder environments
Important Selection Instructions
- Institute's Discretion: Institute reserves right to decide the mode of screening (written test, interview, or combination)
- Shortlisting Criteria: Candidates with experience higher than minimum prescribed will be given preference
- Calling for test/interview conveys no assurance of selection
- Information provided in application must be true; any false information will lead to rejection
- Canvassing in any form will be disqualification
- No correspondence regarding conduct or results of test/interview will be entertained
Terms & Conditions
Employment Terms
- Nature: Purely contract-based temporary position
- Duration: Initially for 6 months, later extendable based on performance and organizational requirement
- No Permanency: Completion of contract period will NOT confer any right for further extension, regularization, or permanency at the Institute
- Basis: All positions are on purely contract basis
- Location: IIT Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Reporting: Will report to Coordinator (Prof. Arshinder Kaur, Department of Management Studies)
General Conditions
- Citizenship: Candidates must be citizens of India. Persons who migrated from Pakistan with intention of permanent settlement or subjects of Nepal are also eligible but need certificate of eligibility from Government of India
- Minimum Qualifications: Minimum prescribed qualifications are required; higher qualifications do not entitle automatic interview call
- Experience Relaxation: Institute may relax experience requirement for exceptionally outstanding candidates from SC/ST categories if needed
- Antecedent Verification: Institute reserves right to verify antecedents and documents at any time, including after appointment
- False Documents: If false/fake documents detected at any stage, appointment will be terminated and legal action may be taken
- No Objection Certificate: If currently working at IIT Madras or another project, candidates must obtain NOC from proper channel; candidates without NOC will not be allowed to appear for interview
- Gender Balance: IIT Madras encourages women candidates to apply
- Crucial Date: Closing date of application (16-02-2026) is the crucial date for determining eligibility criteria for all candidates
About IIT Madras & Office of IC&SR
IIT Madras Overview
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras is one of India's premier institutes located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is known for excellence in engineering, sciences, and research across multiple disciplines.
Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (IC&SR)
The Office of IC&SR at IIT Madras facilitates industry collaborations, consultancy projects, and sponsored research. It manages external projects funded by government agencies, NGOs, and private organizations.
FedEx SMART Center
The FedEx SMART Center at IIT Madras is a research center focused on logistics, supply chain, and mobility research. It conducts applied policy research, feasibility studies, and field studies related to India's logistics and supply chain infrastructure.
Contact Information
| Position | Research Associate |
| Centre | FedEx SMART Center, Office of IC&SR |
| Institute | Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras) |
| Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600036, India |
| Coordinator | Prof. Arshinder Kaur, Department of Management Studies |
| Application Portal | https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in/careers/current_openings.php |
| Email for Technical Issues | [email protected] / [email protected] |
| Phone | 044-2257 8843 (Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, except National Holidays) |
| Official Website | https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in |
| Institute Website | https://www.iitm.ac.in |
Note: For technical issues only. No interim correspondence regarding selection process will be entertained.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Questions
Q: What is this position about?
A: This is a Research Associate position at the FedEx SMART Center within IIT Madras's Office of IC&SR. You will conduct applied policy research on India's logistics, supply chain, and air cargo ecosystems, with focus on policy analysis, operational efficiency, and infrastructure development.
Q: Is this a permanent position?
A: No, this is a purely contract-based temporary position for an initial 6 months. It may be extended based on performance and organizational requirement, but there is no guarantee of extension or conversion to permanent position.
Q: How long is the contract duration?
A: The initial contract duration is 6 months. Based on performance and project continuation, it may be extended, but this is not guaranteed.
Q: When is the application deadline?
A: The deadline is 16-02-2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.
Q: How do I apply?
A: You must apply online through the application portal at https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in/careers/current_openings.php. Search for Advertisement ICSR/PR/Advt.13/2026 and submit your application online. Hard copies should NOT be sent.
Eligibility Questions
Q: What is the minimum qualification required?
A: Master's degree (M.A., M.Sc., M.B.A., or equivalent) in disciplines like Economics, Public Policy, International Trade, Management, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation, or related fields from a recognized university.
Q: I have a Master's degree in Economics. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, Master's in Economics is specifically mentioned as eligible qualification, provided you also have 2-3 years of relevant professional experience.
Q: What kind of experience is required?
A: You need 2-3 years of professional experience in areas such as: - Policy research in logistics/supply chain - Consulting in logistics or supply chain - Logistics operations - Air cargo operations - Infrastructure projects - Government advisory work - Think tanks or research institutions
Q: Can I apply without the exact 2-3 years of experience?
A: The notification states "2 to 3 years are encouraged to apply," which suggests it is preferred. However, the Institute may relax experience for exceptionally outstanding candidates. You can apply if you believe your profile is strong.
Q: I have professional experience but not in logistics. Am I eligible?
A: The position specifically requires experience in policy research, logistics, supply chain, air cargo, infrastructure, or government advisory work. Experience in other fields may not be considered relevant unless closely related.
Q: Do I need to be an Indian citizen?
A: Yes, candidates must be citizens of India. Persons who migrated from Pakistan with intention of permanent settlement or subjects of Nepal are also eligible, but they need certificate of eligibility from Government of India.
Salary & Compensation Questions
Q: What is the salary for this position?
A: The salary range is Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 per month. The exact salary will be commensurate with your educational qualification and professional experience.
Q: Will I get other benefits like medical, PF, or insurance?
A: As this is a pure contract-based temporary position, other benefits are not typically provided. Only monthly remuneration is paid. You should clarify with the Institute if any other benefits are applicable.
Q: Is the salary paid monthly?
A: Yes, the salary is paid monthly.
Application & Interview Questions
Q: Can I send hard copy of my application?
A: No, hard copies should NOT be sent to the Institute. You must apply exclusively online through the application portal. The printout is only needed when called for interview/test.
Q: Can I apply multiple times for this position?
A: No, you should apply only once. If multiple applications are received from the same email ID for the same position, your candidature will be rejected.
Q: Can I change my application after submission?
A: No, the application cannot be edited or reverted once submitted. Verify all information carefully before clicking submit.
Q: What should I attach with my application?
A: The online form will specify required documents. Generally, you may need to upload educational certificates, experience certificates, or other supporting documents as requested in the form.
Q: When will the interview/test be scheduled?
A: The selection mode (written test, interview, or both) will be decided by the Institute. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email with interview/test details.
Q: Will I get call for interview if I apply?
A: Not necessarily. Candidates will be shortlisted based on their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the research role. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for test/interview.
Q: Do I need to bring original documents for interview?
A: Yes, you should bring original documents for verification. The notification also suggests bringing testimonials from previous employers or supervisors if available.
Job & Work Questions
Q: What kind of work will I be doing?
A: You will conduct policy research on India's logistics and supply chain sectors, including analyzing cargo workflows, identifying operational bottlenecks, benchmarking against global practices, interviewing stakeholders, collecting field data, and writing research reports and policy notes.
Q: Will there be field work involved?
A: Yes, the position involves field-based research, including visits to airports, ports, warehouses, and customs facilities, as well as stakeholder interviews and data collection activities.
Q: Will I get opportunity to pursue further studies or PhD?
A: The notification does not mention PhD opportunities. However, working on research projects at IIT Madras may provide exposure to research and academic environment. You should clarify with the Coordinator regarding any further study opportunities.
Special Situations
Q: I am currently working at another IIT Madras project. Can I apply?
A: Yes, but you must apply through proper channel and obtain No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current supervisor. Candidates without NOC will not be allowed to appear for interview.
Q: What if I have been blacklisted or have adverse background?
A: The Institute verifies antecedents and documents. If any adverse background or false information is detected, appointment will be terminated and legal action may be taken.
Q: Can the contract be extended?
A: The contract is initially for 6 months and may be extended based on performance and organizational requirement. However, there is no guarantee of extension, and completion of contract does not confer any right for further extension or permanency.
Important Links
| Online Application Portal | Click here |
| Official Notification (PDF) | Click here |
| IC&SR Official Website | Click here |
| IIT Madras Official Website | Click here |
| Email for Technical Issues | [email protected] / [email protected] |
| Contact Phone | 044-2257 8843 (Mon-Fri, 9 AM-5:30 PM) |