Project Associate in Supply Chain and Logistics Research, IITM FedEx SMART Center, IIT Madras (2 Posts)
Job Description
IIT Madras is hiring two Project Associates in supply chain research at the IITM FedEx SMART Center. The center is coordinated by Prof. Arshinder Kaur of the Department of Management Studies.
At a glance
- Post: Project Associate, two posts (Advt. 198/2026)
- Where: IITM FedEx SMART Center, IIT Madras, Chennai
- Coordinator: Prof. Arshinder Kaur, Department of Management Studies
- Pay: ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 a month, based on qualifications and experience
- Duration: 6 months to start, extendable based on performance
- Apply by: 5 October 2026 (online)
The ad asks for knowledge or experience in at least three of these areas: supply chain management and logistics; reverse logistics or sustainable supply chains; warehouse operations; operations research and optimisation; data analytics; AI and machine learning; digital twins or simulation; and Python or other analytics tools.
About the Project Associate post in supply chain research
- Do research and analysis for supply chain and logistics projects
- Collect data, and help with analysis, modelling and optimisation
- Build analytical models and research-based solutions
- Review the literature and write up findings
- Prepare technical reports and project deliverables, and work with faculty, researchers and industry partners
Why this role matters
India’s logistics sector is growing fast, and firms want people who can model it with data. This post gives a Master’s graduate research experience at a centre tied to a global logistics company, which suits a later PhD or industry job.
Eligibility
- A 4-year UG degree, or a non-engineering PG degree
- A Master’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, industrial engineering, operations research, computer science, data science, management or a close field
- Relevant experience is preferred. Fresh Master’s graduates may be considered on their skills and project work
- Desirable: projects, internships or jobs in supply chain, logistics, warehousing, AI or analytics; basic Python, optimisation or simulation
Positions are on contract only. Candidates must be citizens of India. You must apply online; do not post a hard copy. The institute may limit the number of candidates it calls for a test or interview. The qualification box lists both a 4-year UG or non-engineering PG route and a Master’s degree. Read it closely and ask the coordinator if you are unsure.
Pay and duration
- ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 a month, fixed by qualifications and experience
- Initially 6 months, extendable based on performance
How to apply
Apply online on the IIT Madras IC&SR current openings page. Pick Advt. 198/2026. Fill a separate application for each post you want. Keep a printout of the form for any test or interview.
Key dates
- Advertised: 21 September 2026
- Last date for online applications: 5 October 2026
Please read the IIT Madras IC&SR careers page (Advt. 198/2026) before applying, and browse more research assistant jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Official advertisement: icandsr.iitm.ac.in
How to prepare for this application
- Pick one supply chain problem you solved: a routing, inventory or warehouse layout task, with the method and the result.
- Revise optimisation basics: linear and integer programming, vehicle routing and facility location.
- Show Python skills: pandas, a solver such as PuLP or OR-Tools, and a simple dashboard or chart.
- Read on reverse logistics: returns, remanufacturing and how e-commerce changed them in India.
- Apply early: the window is short. Browse more research jobs in management and operations.
About IIT Madras
IIT Madras is one of India's oldest Indian Institutes of Technology. It was set up in 1959 and its campus is in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Its Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (IC&SR) hires contract staff for the funded projects its faculty run.
