Working at MIT offers opportunities, an environment, a culture – and benefits – that just aren’t found together anywhere else. If you’re curious, motivated, want to be part of a unique community, and help shape the future – then take a look at this opportunity.

RESEARCH SCIENTIST, Political Science-MIT Governance Lab (MIT GOV/LAB), to lead collaborative and independent projects to advance the research agenda and mission of the lab. MIT GOV/LAB is a group of political scientists focusing on innovation in citizen engagement and government responsiveness.  Will lead one or more collaborative research studies with practitioner organizations, established scholars and leaders, and global partners of MIT GOV/LAB and work with these partners to define evidence-based frameworks that are practical and specific to the governance and accountability fields, ultimately delivering impact and value.  Responsibilities include overseeing all research study components, including design, data analysis, and writing of reports, briefs, and academic papers for publication via internal and external channels; supporting MIT GOV/LAB’s mission and strategic development through interactions and representation at events with donors, partners, and high-level leaders in the field; contributing to the development of tools for engaged scholarship in collaboration with the MIT GOV/LAB team; developing and executing independent research projects for the eventual publication of results in academic journals; and performing additional duties as determined by organizational needs. Independent research is expected not to exceed 25% of the role. Independent project selection to be determined in consultation with MIT GOV/LAB leadership. 

Job Requirements

REQUIRED:  Ph.D. in political science, economics, public policy, or related field social science field; advanced quantitative methods training with expertise in identification and causal inference; at least two years’ postdoctoral research experience in citizen engagement, government accountability, public trust, misinformation and polarization, governance innovation, or related area, with expertise in developing country contexts; and a proven record of publishing contributions in the study of the above areas.  Job #18961

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.

MIT considers equivalent combinations of experience and education for certain jobs. All candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply.