Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has announced an official recruitment drive to fill the position of Research Associate at its Chennai campus. This long-term, contract-based opportunity is aimed at experienced professionals specializing in logistics, supply chain management, policy research, and related domains. Eligible candidates are invited to apply online through the official IIT Madras website before the closing date. This comprehensive job description provides detailed information about the role, eligibility criteria, application process, selection procedure, salary structure, and important dates to help candidates prepare effectively for the recruitment process.
IIT Madras Research Associate Recruitment 2026 – Overview
The table below summarizes the key details of the recruitment process:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 | Initially 6 Months (Extendable based on performance) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | 16-02-2026 |
| Official Website | https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in |
Vacancy Details
The recruitment drive is specifically for a single position under the title of Research Associate at IIT Madras, hosted at the FedEx SMART Center. The vacancy details are as follows:
| Post | No. of Vacancies | Contract Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate, FedEx SMART Center | 01 | 6 Months (Extendable) |
Eligibility Criteria for IIT Madras Research Associate
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (M.A., M.Sc., or M.B.A.) from a recognized university in one of the following disciplines:
- 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
Applicants should have a minimum of 2 to 3 years of relevant professional experience in the following areas:
- Policy research related to logistics and supply chain sectors
- Consulting in logistics or supply chain management
- Logistics operations and management
- Air cargo operations
- Infrastructure projects
- Government advisory work
- Experience with think tanks or research institutions
- Logistics organizations
Technical & Domain Proficiency
Proficiency in the following areas is essential:
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Economics & Research | Understanding of economics, socio-economic research, and policy analysis |
| Logistics Ecosystem | In-depth knowledge of India’s logistics, supply chain, or air cargo ecosystem, including policy, regulatory, and operational aspects |
| Policy Analysis | Ability to analyze international trade, trade facilitation, customs procedures, and border management policies |
| Field Research | Experience in evaluating trade, logistics, autonomous deliveries, transport, and infrastructure systems via policy and field-based research |
| Cargo Workflow Analysis | Mapping and analyzing cargo workflows at airports, ports, warehouses, and customs facilities |
| Bottleneck Identification | Identifying regulatory, infrastructural, and operational bottlenecks affecting cargo efficiency |
| Benchmarking | Benchmarking Indian logistics practices against global standards and leading international hubs |
| Research Methods | Proficiency in literature review, document analysis, stakeholder interviews, process mapping, and quantitative & qualitative analysis |
| Writing Skills | Experience in policy notes, white papers, analytical reports, and research publications |
| Multimodal Analysis | Extending logistics analysis across air, ocean, road, and rail networks |
Salary & Compensation
The monthly salary for the Research Associate position ranges from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 1,00,000, determined by factors such as educational qualification, experience, and performance during the selection process. It is a contractual, temporary position without additional benefits typically associated with permanent employment. Compensation is paid monthly.
Job Description & Key Responsibilities
The research associate will undertake a range of research, analysis, and field activities centered around India’s logistics and supply chain ecosystems. The detailed responsibilities are outlined as follows:
Primary Responsibilities
1. Policy Research & Analysis
Conduct in-depth applied policy research related to India’s logistics, supply chain, and air cargo sectors. Tasks include analyzing existing policy frameworks, assessing their impact, identifying gaps, and proposing reforms.
2. Cargo Operations Analysis
Map and analyze cargo workflows related to import, export, and transshipment at key logistics hubs like airports, ports, and customs facilities. Recognize bottlenecks and inefficiencies affecting cargo movement and turnaround time.
3. Logistics & Supply Chain Research
Conduct field studies and desk research on logistics operations, autonomous delivery systems, multimodal networks, and benchmark Indian practices against international standards.
4. Stakeholder Engagement
Interact with government agencies, industry leaders, and logistics operators via interviews and discussions to gather insights, validate findings, and facilitate data collection.
5. Data Collection & Analysis
Gather data through site visits, surveys, and document review. Apply statistical and qualitative methods for analysis, ensuring high data integrity and robust research methodology.
6. Research Documentation & Reporting
Prepare clear, concise policy notes, white papers, technical reports, and submissions for various stakeholders. Document research methodologies and findings effectively.
7. Project Support & Coordination
Assist in developing research proposals, managing field activities, coordinating with stakeholders, and providing progress reports during project execution.
Important Dates and Deadlines
The recruitment timeline is as follows:
| Event | Date/Timeline |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Release | 03-02-2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application Submission | 16-02-2026 |
Application Process and Instructions
Candidates must follow the steps below to apply for the Research Associate position:
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Visit the Official Portal: Go to https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in/careers/current_openings.php
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Search the Advertisement: Locate the advertisement titled ICSR/PR/Advt.13/2026 for the Research Associate position.
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Register an Account: Use a valid email ID to register and create login credentials.
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Complete the Application Form: Fill in details such as personal, educational, professional experience, skills, and other required information.
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Submit the Application: Verify all details before clicking the submit button. Upon successful submission, download and print the application confirmation for future reference.
Key Application Tips
- Apply strictly before the deadline: 16-02-2026.
- Ensure all information provided is accurate and truthful.
- Multiple applications from the same email ID will lead to disqualification.
- Application editing is not permitted after submission.
- Keep a printed copy of the submitted application for the interview or test.
- Only online applications are accepted; no physical copies should be sent.
Selection Process
The selection process will be conducted in several stages, as detailed below:
Stage 1: Application Screening
The institute will scrutinize applications based on eligibility, qualifications, and experience. Shortlisted candidates will be notified for the next stage.
Stage 2: Test/Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be called for a written test, skill assessment, or personal interview, mode to be decided by the institute. Candidates must carry relevant documents, including the printout of their application, academic certificates, and experience proofs.
Stage 3: Final Selection
The final selection will be based on overall performance, including interview/test scores and credentials. Only the selected candidate(s) will receive an offer letter.
Terms and Conditions
Employment Terms
- The position is purely contractual for a fixed period of 6 months, initially, which may be extended based on performance and project requirements.
- There is no guarantee of regularization or extension beyond the contract period.
- Location of work is at IIT Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, reporting to the designated project coordinator.
Other Conditions
- Only Indian citizens or eligible candidates with the necessary certificates are eligible to apply.
- Higher qualifications than the minimum required do not guarantee preference unless relevant experience is demonstrated.
- Institute reserves the right to verify all submitted documents and backgrounds at any time.
- Falsification or misrepresentation will lead to disqualification or termination.
- Candidates currently employed elsewhere should obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before attending the interview.
- IIT Madras encourages applications from women candidates and underrepresented groups.
Important Links and Resources
- Apply Online
- Official Notification PDF
- Official Website: https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in
- Join Telegram Channel: [Link to be added]
- Join WhatsApp Channel: [Link to be added]
- Download Mobile App: [Link to be added]
For further information and updates, candidates are encouraged to visit the official IIT Madras career page regularly and remain attentive to the dates and instructions mentioned.
Good luck with your application process for the Research Associate position at IIT Madras!