Junior Research Fellow (SMART Warehouse Study)

1. POSITION VACANT: Junior Research Fellow (SMART Warehouse Study) – SAMS, Bodhan, Telangana

2. ABOUT ORGANIZATION:

Our client, the World Food Programme (WFP), is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India is piloting SMART warehouse solution in Bodhan, Telangana to mitigate the challenges during the storage period. The project demonstrates the utility of various IoT sensors to improve monitoring in traditional Government warehouses by enabling them in taking timely actions to improve storage practices and preserve quality of food grains and improve security by detecting un-authorised access.

To create robust evidence to facilitate scale-up of the pilot project, a one-year study of the SMART warehouses pilots is being conducted by Indian Grain Storage Management and Research Institute (IGMRI). IGMRI is set-up by the DFPD for applied research and apex level training in the field of storage and preservation of foodgrains in the country. It is created with a mandate to conduct intensive studies on the problems of handling and storage of wheat, rice, millets, pulses and oilseeds in different agro-climatic zones of the country.

To assist the IGMRI staff in this cutting-edge SMART warehouse Study, WFP is seeking to hire a motivated Junior Research Fellow (JRF), on third-party contract, in Bodhan, Telangana, as project staffs for secondment to IGMRI. The candidate will be deployed by IGMRI at a warehouse facility to gather crucial data related to grain storage and management. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of warehouse management.

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Junior Research Fellow (JRF) shall be deputed to IGMRI for deployment at a SMART warehouse for a period of one year. The JRF will report to the Project Coordinator, IGMRI, and will function under the guidance of the Head of Social Protection and Supply Chain, with the overall supervision of the Country Director, WFP India.

The main responsibilities of the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) include:

Key Job Responsibilities:
(A) Training:

(1) Attend training programs related to the SMART warehouse study;
(2) Provide hands-on training to the warehouse staffs on the various aspects of the SMART warehouse project.

(B) Sample Analysis and Data Collection:
(1) Conduct grain sampling from gunny bags and perform infestation assessments following prescribed procedures;
(2) Utilize moisture meters to calculate moisture content percentage of sampled grains, adhering to established procedures;
(3) Record temperature, relative humidity (RH), and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels according to specified protocols;
(4) Record observable parameters such as rodent activity, rat movement, fecal matter, foot markings, presence of burrows, dust, bird activity, smoke/fire, and any other relevant parameters.

(C) Monitoring and Field Data Submission:

(1) Review and monitor CCTV feeds;
(2) Monitor SMART warehouse dashboard and highlight issues;
(3) Prepare and submit monitoring reports in the prescribed format;
(4) Record and upload collected data electronically as per prescribed procedures.

(D) Coordination:
(1) Provide assistance in ensuring the seamless working of sensors, cameras and real-time data uploads in coordination with warehouse staff and service providers;
(2) Coordinate with the Warehouse staffs and stakeholders to facilitate smooth and timely implementation of the research project;
(3) Coordinate effectively with warehouse staff for speedy resolution of issues identified in the projects.

(E) Any other role assigned by supervisor.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

Qualification:

Bachelor's in Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Biology, or a relevant field (Candidates with higher qualification/degree will be preferred if found suitable).

Experience:
(1) Prior experience in data collection, warehouse operations, or food quality assurance is preferred but not mandatory;
(2) Experience on working on similar projects is preferred.

Languages:
(1) Fluent in oral and written communication skills in English;
(2) Fluency in local language is desirable.

5. REPORTING STRUCTURE:

The Junior Research Fellow (JRF) will report to the project coordinator, IGMRI. Daily field data submissions are required as part of the role.

6. CONSULTANCY FEE:

The monthly consultancy fee for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) is budgeted at INR 39370/-. The professional fee will be subject to withholding taxes, as applicable.

7. NATURE OF ENGAGEMENT:

The selected candidate shall be engaged as a Consultant on the rolls of SAMS, a third-party payrolling agency, for a full-time consultancy engagement initially offered for a period of one year. The contract is extendable based on performance and project requirements. It is explicitly clarified that this consultancy engagement does not constitute a promise or guarantee of future employment, with SAMS, or our client, or any other organization associated with the project. 

8. LOCATION: Bodhan, Telangana

9. REFERENCE: JRF-TG-SAMS

10. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Team SAMS
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar
New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025
Phone Nos.: 011- 4081 9900; 4165 3612

www.sams.co.in

11. APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CVs, along with a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and motivation for the position on or before September 4, 2025.
 

Our client is committed to promoting diversity and gender balance and follows a “zero-tolerance policies” in the workplace.