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Engineering internship: Climate impact modelling for global food cold chains

The IIR has developed an innovative model to calculate CO2 emissions for each stage of the cold chain and for all countries in the world. The candidate will work on improving this model based on updated data and assumptions. The intern will also contribute to the Scientific and Technical Information Department’s (STID) publication and science communication plan for 2026. 

Location: Paris, France
Contract Type: Internship
Application Deadline: January 27, 2026

 

About us

 

The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) is an intergovernmental organisation representing 59 member countries, dedicated to advancing refrigeration and heat pumping technologies worldwide. By connecting over 300 global experts with our Paris-based team, we deliver authoritative, science-based insights to help shape a more sustainable and efficient future.

 

Job Summary

 

According to IIR estimates, 12% of food produced globally in 2017 was lost due to an insufficient cold chain. A more extensive cold chain would limit the need to increase agricultural production to compensate for these losses and avoid the corresponding CO2 emissions.  

 

To address this issue, the IIR developed an innovative model to calculate CO2 emissions for each stage of the cold chain and for all countries in the world. The modelling of the CO2 emissions of the cold chain first required estimate of the refrigeration equipment used in the cold chain.  

 

The intern will work on updating and improving this model from 2017 by collecting recent data and consulting IIR experts to update modelling assumptions regarding refrigeration needs per commodity.  

 

The intern will join the Scientific and Technical Information Department (STID), where they will have the opportunity to contribute to STID’s publication and science communication plan for 2026 by assisting in disseminating findings and IIR recommendations to our audience of refrigeration specialists, policymakers and end-users.  

 

Bibliography 

Findings based on the IIR food cold chain model have been published in the following IIR publications:  

  • Sarr J., Dupont J. L., & Guilpart J. (2021). The carbon footprint of the cold chain, 7th Informatory Note on Refrigeration and Food. International Institute of Refrigeration. https://doi.org/10.18462/iir.INfood07.04.2021 
  • Sarr J., Toublanc C., Dupont J. L., Guilpart J. The sustainability of the food cold chain. Part 1- the carbon emission savings related to food losses reduction. Proceedings of the 26th IIR International Congress of Refrigeration: Paris, France, August 21-25, 2023.http://dx.doi.org/10.18462/iir.icr.2023.1172  
  • Sarr J., Toublanc C., Dupont J. L., Guilpart J. The sustainability of the food cold chain. Part 2- the carbon emission due to the use of refrigeration equipment. Proceedings of the 26th IIR International Congress of Refrigeration: Paris, France, August 21-25, 2023. http://dx.doi.org/10.18462/iir.icr.2023.1173   

 

Responsibilities and Duties

 

  • Perform literature review and consult IIR experts to update modelling assumptions 
  • Implement revised modelling assumptions in the IIR cold chain model 
  • Review IIR recommendations from previous technical briefs to support current model and upcoming publications 
  • Communicate on findings (co-authoring conference paper, technical brief or though IIR social media channels) 

 

Qualifications & Skills

 

  • Advanced university degree in engineering or relevant scientific background. 
  • Scientific and technical knowledge in refrigeration, food science, or energy efficiency (preferred but not mandatory) 
  • Proficiency in MS Excel or other IT tool for modelling 
  • Languages: Fluent in English; proficiency in French would be an asset. 
  • Ability to draft a report or scientific communication (or ability to quickly learn)  
  • Ability to work independently, organisational skills and attention to detail.    
  • Ability to work in a dynamic team 

 

Working conditions   

 

  • Place of work: Institut International du Froid head office - 177 bd Malesherbes - 75017 Paris (metros Wagram, Pereire, Pont Cardinet, Villiers).    
  • Work hours: 35 hours/week, remote working is possible one day per week 
  • Paid internship  

 

How to Apply

 

Send your CV, a short cover letter, and a portfolio of recent translations (technical samples preferred) to s.hammami@iifiir.org with the subject line: “Application – Engineering internship”