The Haryana CoE will specifically:

• Conduct state-of-the-art applied research across key pillars of sustainable, equitable and resilient cold chain for food and pharma products. • Provide capacity building, upskilling, and training for farmer producer organizations and mobilisers and other supply chain stakeholders including, among others, agri-startups and entrepreneurs, equipment technicians and researchers.

• Develop both an innovation and business hub and technology testing/demonstration centre. • Connect indigenous and the UK (and wider industrial) experts, investors, agri-food businesses, farmer cooperatives, and energy or logistics providers, to support the delivery of affordable, resilient, low emission cold-chain systems in India in line with socio-economic and climate targets/national objectives.

With the funding and government and key partner support in place, we are now looking for a motivated early career academic of the highest quality to join the India office of a global team as we move to the detailed development of the Haryana – UK Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Postharvest Management and Cold-chain based in Panchkula, Haryana. Scheduled to be open in 2026, this first of a kind centre will simultaneously reduce post-harvest losses, economically enhance farmers, build resilience whilst minimising environmental impact.

As a key member of the technology research team, you will help assess the present needs and prepare for the future requirements of a sustainable and resilient cold-chain including comprehensive and state of the art research and cold-chain design; energy transition and the development of novel solutions, and demonstration of the best available technology. Working with a global partnership of leading academics providing technical assistance, you will conduct and facilitate world-leading research and development and help enhance capacity of stakeholders including Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

Key research areas include: • Understanding cold chain needs for food and pharma products out to 2050, and the associated technology and energy requirements. • Exploring system approaches on how to use (and mitigate the need for), make, store, move, manage, finance, and regulate “cold” to meet cold chain needs equitably and sustainably. • Identifying available fit-for-purpose cold-chain technologies and solutions in market. • Identifying barriers for uptake and implementation (e.g., supporting infrastructure (energy), skills and capacity).

• Understanding and preparing for future shocks and disruptions, and auditing cold-chain resilience. • Developing fit-for-market business models and finance mechanisms. • Providing training and support to FPOs and farmer communities.

• An advanced university engineering degree (Masters or equivalent additional experience) in a relevant discipline and deep understanding of sustainable temperature-controlled supply chain (food and/or vaccines) and their economics. Doctoral degree in the field of refrigeration, air-conditioning or cooling is an asset. Extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of refrigeration and cold chain technology, including experience in design and implementation of cold-chain solutions.

Proven experience in research (e.g., doctoral level qualifications, research work or in-field activities). High level analytical capability, experienced in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Proven ability to work both under guidance as part of a team, but also independently. Experience in public engagement and workshop organisation with high level policymakers and stakeholders, and ability to communicate complex information clearly. An understanding of a range of influences from business drivers to cultural context and appreciation of whole systems models, techniques, or methods.

Publication record in high quality scientific journals, at conferences and in industry accessible journals/magazines.