Careers

Cambridge, MA

Postdoctoral Associate

Date Posted
Oct 30, 2024

About the Job

Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson are recruiting a Post-Doctoral Associate to research the history, social implications and future of technology. The position is based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, MA. The Post-Doctoral Associate will be part of the Shaping the Future of Work Initiative, an organization co-founded by Professors Acemoglu and Johnson (with David Autor) that studies the effects of technological change on economic outcomes.

Position Overview

The Post-Doctoral Associate will work closely with Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson and a range of collaborators at other universities along with a research team of pre-doctoral fellows based at MIT.

The Post-Doctoral Associate will receive a full-time, one-year appointment that is renewable annually. An employment term of at least two years is strongly preferred. The expected starting salary range is competitive with the market. MIT can sponsor visas for this position.

This position is hybrid, working at least three days per week in the office and up to two days from home. Occasional evening/night/weekend work may be required. Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.

 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Post-Doctoral Associate (Post-Doc) will work with Shaping the Future of Work Co-Directors Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson to conduct academic research on the history of invention and technological change, societal implications technology 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 Post-Doctoral Associate will provide indirect supervision to junior research staff.

 

Qualifications & Skills

  • Education: A doctoral degree in history, sociology, economics, public policy, political science, or a related field is required.
  • Skills and Experience: Candidates should have a demonstrated track record of conducting historical analysis, including the use of archives. Data and econometrics 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 24557.
    • Compile the following materials in a single PDF:
      • Cover letter
      • Resume
      • Up to three research papers (including Job Market Paper if possible)
      • 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 (this brief form should be completed by the recommenders).

 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. For full consideration, apply by 11:59 PM ET on December 15, 2024.

 

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.

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