Predoctoral Researcher – MIT Economics (Prof. Ben Olken)

Summary of the organization:

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Economics Department, seeks solutions to the world's most pressing challenges through innovative economic research. Our faculty are at the forefront of economics research. From developing new theories and methodologies that advance the standard of economic analysis to delivering rigorous, evidence-based results, their work informs policy and helps shape interdisciplinary approaches to some of the world's most pressing challenges. Their award-winning work and mentorship have established MIT Economics as one of the world's leading centers for economic research and education.

Summary of the role:

The Predoctoral Researcher position is a full-time, one-year opportunity (with possible 2nd year renewal) in MIT’s Economics Department, working closely with Professor Ben Olken and his collaborators. The role 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. The researcher will also collaborate 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. Additional duties may include mentoring student interns, onboarding new team members, and assisting with literature reviews and academic writing.

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.

Responsibilities:

• Data analysis: work with data sets; clean and run checks to spot errors; prepare data for analysis; use statistical matching methods to link multiple datasets together; coding in STATA or R to perform custom analysis of large datasets; adapt modules and code to the specific project needs; prepare data replication packages for publication; and publish replication packages. 
• Literature Research: Assist faculty with literature reviews, drafting such reviews or portions of such reviews.
• Project Work: Liaising with field staff running evaluations and collaborating with them including occasional travel to research field sites; focus of work is to advise on quality control of data collection practices, data management, and initial data processing.
• Reporting: As needed, provide input on project reports for funders, particularly technical aspects.
• Human Subjects: Assist with new and renewal applications to Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), particularly technical aspects, coordinating with portfolio team members managing IRB submissions.
• Writing: Provide input as appropriate into academic papers; developing data replication packages (as discussed above).
• Supervise: As needed, help onboard, mentor, or oversee student interns who may assist with the PI’s projects. Assist with technical onboarding for new team members.
• Misc.: Other duties as needed or required. This requires a high level of independent judgement. 

Qualifications:

Required:

• Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree required, including significant training in economics and foundational math courses; excellent grades required.
• Experience: Hands on experience with Stata or equivalent statistical package; experience working with large data sets. Formal post-undergraduate professional experience is not required.
• Communication: Good oral and written communication skills.
• Time Management: Proven ability to handle several different projects/tasks at one time, successfully complete tasks assigned, and meet deadlines. A willingness to work hard, work independently, be self-motivated and learn will be essential for doing well in this position.
• Technical skills: Strong quantitative background, strong computer skills including programming.

Preferred:

• Prior research assistant experience strongly preferred.
• Long-term interest in pursuing a PhD in economics or a related field.

Note: Professor Olken welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, people of color and other marginalized communities which have historically been underrepresented in the field of economics.