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Research Support Associate 2
  • Job Number: 24932
  • Functional Area: Research - Social Science
  • Department: Political Science
  • School Area: Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences
  • Employment Type: Full-Time
  • Employment Category: Non-Exempt
  • Visa Sponsorship Available: No
  • Schedule: M-F


Posting Description

RESEARCH SUPPORT ASSOCIATE 2 (RSA), Political Science, to support the research and administrative needs of the Global Diversity Lab at MIT, directed by Professor Evan Lieberman; assist with research on topics related to the challenge of governing diverse societies; will compile literature reviews and maintain bibliographic database, conduct case studies, and write memos; collect, clean, and analyze data; help design and field online surveys; provide feedback and assistance at all stages of research projects; help to disseminate research findings; conduct research for rapid response / policy-related short pieces; perform general administrative duties, including maintaining lab website, organizing lab calendar, ordering catering for weekly meetings, processing expenses, hiring short-term research assistants, providing support for conference and working-group planning, and other miscellaneous tasks; and participate in weekly lab meetings of approximately four faculty and eight PhD students.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: High school diploma or its equivalent; and robust communication and organizational skills. PREFERRED: Knowledge of social science research and data collection methods (quantitative and qualitative); robust statistical analysis (Stata or R) and data management (spreadsheets and databases) skills; GIS analysis skills; experience with Latex; interest in the political economy of development; and an undergraduate degree in political science or related social science or policy discipline. Job #24932-4

This is an ideal position for someone interested in gaining research experience in political science and potentially pursuing graduate study in a social science / policy-related field.

This is a one-year position with the possibility of extension to two years.

The anticipated start date is on or around July 1, 2025.

This is a hybrid position, and the RSA is expected to work in the office 3 days/ week during the academic semester.

Please submit a cover letter, writing sample (for example, a paper from a college course), two letters of recommendation and an academic transcript as a single PDF.

We will begin reviewing applications on June 1 but will consider applications on a rolling basis.

5/1/2025