Strategic Research Associate: Infrastructure

About the Centre

NCAER is in the process of setting up a Centre for Economics of Transportation, Mobility and Logistics (CETML). The Centre will conduct high-quality, policy-relevant applied economic research in the infrastructure sector with focus on key transportation and mobility themes, using administrative data, field studies, and global benchmarks to facilitate informed decision making at the regional and national levels.

Position Overview

The Strategic Research Associate will support the Director General and Centre Head in research studies, policy assessments, and strategic initiatives in infrastructure with focus on transportation, mobility and logistics. It combines research and analytical responsibilities with project coordination, stakeholder engagement, programme management, and business development support to facilitate the effective delivery and growth of the Centre’s research portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake research and policy analysis in the infrastructure sector, with emphasis on transportation, mobility, logistics and related areas.
• Collect, manage, validate, and analyse quantitative and qualitative data; conduct literature reviews, benchmarking studies, economic analyses, and policy assessments to support research projects.
• Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, research papers, presentations, project documentation, and other knowledge products.
• Support project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, including tracking timelines, deliverables, budgets, and project milestones to ensure timely execution.
• Cook up with clients, government departments, development partners, consultants, and other stakeholders to facilitate project implementation, stakeholder consultations, and dissemination of research findings.
• Contribute to proposal preparation, business development initiatives, and the identification of new research opportunities within the infrastructure sector.
• Support strategic initiatives, knowledge management, workshops, conferences, and other activities that strengthen the Centre’s research and policy engagement across the infrastructure sector.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Educational Qualifications: Master’s degree in Economics, Engineering or MBA from a recognised institute. Preference will be given to PhD and experience in Transportation Engineering / Transportation Planning, / Highway Engineering or in the relevant discipline.
• Professional Experience: Minimum 3 years of relevant professional, research, consulting, or industry experience.
• Technical and Analytical Skills: Domain knowledge in infrastructure and transportation relevant to the assigned infrastructure vertical. Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills with the ability to collect, process, analyse, and interpret large datasets. Proficiency in MS Office Suite and familiarity with GIS, statistical, analytical, database management, and visualization tools. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Appointment Term

Applicants should send a letter describing their past experience and their interest, a detailed CV, and the names of three professional references. The appointment will be on a renewable, 3-year contract. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. For fullest consideration, please apply by July 20, 2026.

About NCAER

NCAER is India’s oldest and largest national, non-profit, independent economic research institute. Since 1956, NCAER has contributed high-quality research to shape policy decisions in India. It is among the few think tanks globally that have strong field data collection capabilities for national surveys; and its research covers a spectrum of policy-focused applied research in economics, from macroeconomics to poverty and infrastructure.

NCAER offers a vibrant, dynamic academic environment with both world-class faculty and physical infrastructure. If you’re stuck with a writer’s block, a stroll around our campus might be the antidote. If you want to unwind, there will always be someone willing to play a game of table tennis or badminton.

Join a visionary team that values research excellence, collaboration, and professional growth. NCAER offers a stimulating work environment where your research ideas can make a real difference.

NCAER is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.