• Predoctoral Researcher

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)


    Predoctoral Researcher

     

    + Job Number: 25131

    + Functional Area: Research - Scientific

    + Department: Economics

    + School Area: Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences

    + Pay Range Minimum: Not Available

    + Pay Range Maximum: Not Available

    + Employment Type: Full-time (Hybrid)

    + Employment Category: Exempt

    + Visa Sponsorship Available: No

    + Schedule:

    + Pay Grade: No Grade

     

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    Posting Description

    PREDOCTORAL RESEARCHER, Economics, working closely with Professor Ben Olken and his collaborators, focuses on supporting research projects in development and environmental economics, covering topics such as social protection, public service provision, tax collection, climate change, and pollution. Key responsibilities include data processing and analysis of large datasets using STATA or R—for example, cleaning, checking, linking, employing experimental and quasi-experimental analysis methodologies, and preparing data replication packages for publication; collaborating with field staff during research evaluations, which may involve some travel to research sites, and contribute to technical sections of project reports and IRB applications; and may include mentoring student interns, onboarding new team members, and assisting with literature reviews and academic writing.

    Job Requirements

    REQUIRED: Bachelor’s degree with strong economics and quantitative coursework; experience handling large datasets; proficiency in relevant statistical software; excellent written and verbal communication skills; a minimum of two years of specialized experience with quantitative data analysis, research methods, social sciences (which may include experience gained as an undergraduate, including part-time RA work, internships, and other coursework); and hands on experience with Stata or equivalent statistical package. PREFERRED: Research experience and a long-term interest in pursuing a PhD in economics or a related field.

     

    This is a full-time, one-year opportunity (with possible 2nd year renewal).

     

    The role values self-motivation, independence, and strong time management.

     

    Employment requires U.S. work authorization and is based in Cambridge, MA, with a hybrid work option allowing one day per week remote.

     

    Ideal start date is spring-summer 2026.

     

    Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Questions should be directed to [email protected]. Professor Olken encourages applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those underrepresented in economics.

     

    Candidates must apply to this position through both the MIT HR application portal J-PAL Common Application. After completing a brief registration, choose the Research job category, then select " Predoctoral Researcher – MIT Economics (Prof. Ben Olken)”. See here (https://www.povertyactionlab.org/careers/predoctoral-researcher-mit-economics-prof-ben-olken-job-105357) for detailed instruction on what to include. Applications not submitted through the J-PAL Common Application (https://apply.povertyactionlab.org/) will be considered incomplete."

     

    8/14/2025