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.

SENIOR PROJECT ASSOCIATE, Political Science-MIT Governance Lab, (MIT GOV/LAB), to contribute to the development, design, and implementation of new projects in sub-Saharan Africa by building relationships with partner organizations, field researchers, implementers, and handling overall project management. Will manage new projects by navigating the operational challenges of conducting field research, including accessing data and understanding IRB requirements; train and manage the work of research assistants who conduct data analysis, design data collection tools, and provide other research assistance; draft and edit study protocols and descriptions for use in documents such as IRB applications, grant applications, and memorandums of understanding; provide support for events and meetings, weekly reporting, and other logistical arrangements as needed; research resources; create guides and documents on new projects, partnerships, and research processes that can serve as a resource for researchers and external parties; ensure that GOV/LAB’s research projects comply with IRB and other relevant regulations; and draft documents required for research, including data use agreements (DUAs), IRBs, MOUs.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED:  bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in political science, economics, international development, or a closely related social science field. at least four years’ related experience and at least two years’ working in developing countries; proven ability to prioritize activities and successfully complete projects on tight deadlines with little supervision; attention to detail; discretion and good judgment with sensitive and confidential issues; ability to use clear, precise language when writing, including when doing so for nontechnical audiences; effective speaking and relationship-building skills; ability to understand and write technical research language (e.g., in political science, economics, statistics) and legal language (IRB, DUAs, MOUs). Coursework in research methods and statistics preferred.  

Job #18406

The position will be based in Cambridge, MA with international travel estimated at up to twenty-five percent (length of trips varies based on project responsibilities) to sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on Nigeria. 

This position is initially for one year with the possibility of extension.