Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Associate will work with Stone Center Co-Directors Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson to conduct academic research on the history of invention and technological change, societal implications of technological choices, and topics related to human-technology and human-AI interactions both in the present and in the future.

Other duties include:

• Disseminating research to academic and policy audiences
• Participating in the organization of events, including regular micro-conferences;
• Contributing to proposal development and fundraising activities.

Other duties as needed or required.

Supervision Exercised: The Postdoctoral Associate will provide indirect supervision to junior research staff and may manage interns, students, and temporary hourly workers.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: A doctoral degree in history, sociology, economics, public policy, political science, or a related field is required. A doctoral degree in sociology or history is preferred.
• Skills and Experience: Candidates should have a demonstrated track record of conducting historical analysis, including the use of archives. Data and econometrics experience, and experience in interdisciplinary environments, are also highly valued.
• Communication Skills: Strong writing and speaking skills and the ability to communicate across multiple stakeholders in memos, papers, and presentations.
• Technical Skills: Ability to use relevant software packages in the support of research. Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in relation to complex research tasks.
• Management and Leadership: Must have strong management skills and the ability to prioritize and deliver results. Project management skills including the ability to plan projects, set timelines, and execute plans to meet organizational goals.
• Responsibility and Judgment: Must be able to work independently and across several different projects at once. Handles confidential information and issues with discretion and good judgment.

How to Apply

• Submit your application via MIT’s hiring site here. If this link doesn’t work, please visit hr.mit.edu, Click “Search Open Positions,” and search for Job Number 25695
  • Compile the following materials in a single PDF:
    • Cover letter
    • Resume/CV
    • Up to three writing samples (paper or chapter-length; including Job Market Paper if relevant)
    • Unofficial transcript
  • In the “Submit a Resume” section, upload a single PDF by clicking “Upload an existing Resume”
  • In the “Submit a Cover Letter Section,” select “no cover letter”

AND

• Have three letters of recommendation submitted via this form.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. For full consideration, apply by June 15, 2026.

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.