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Position Overview

Blueprint Labs is recruiting multiple Research Fellows based at MIT in Cambridge, MA. Blueprint Labs uses data, econometrics, and analytic tools to generate insights on the consequences of policy choices and improve society. Based in the Department of Economics at MIT, Blueprint Labs consists of academic affiliates who represent leading economic thinkers, full-time staff members, and graduate researchers. Blueprint Labs works closely with leading academic, government, and nonprofit institutions across the country to generate pioneering research that informs policy and practice in education, health care, and the workforce.

We are seeking motivated, independent, and organized Research Fellows to support research on our workforce, healthcare, and education initiatives. The Research Fellows will work closely with one or more of the Blueprint Labs Directors or Co-Directors, including Josh Angrist, Parag Pathak, Nikhil Agarwal, and David Autor, plus collaborators at other universities. This position also offers the opportunity to work with other Blueprint Labs research staff, including a cohort of other fellows. A Research Fellowship at Blueprint Labs is equivalent to a “pre-doc” or a post-undergraduate role prior to grad school or other career advancement. Previous fellows have gone on to master’s and PhD programs or careers in consulting, tech, government, economics, K-12 education, policy, and more.

Learn more about working at Blueprint in this video.

For the 2023 hiring cycle, Blueprint is hiring fellows for multiple projects, and candidates will rank preference for the role or roles that best suit your skills and interests. Please note in your cover letter which role(s) you’re applying to.
  • Policy and Communications Fellow, Workforce: The Policy and Communications Fellow will work with Professors David Autor and Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, affiliated faculty, and external audiences to contribute to scientific research and communicating results. Specific responsibilities include research fellow duties as well as editing written content for publication; reviewing and communicating data analyses to translate research findings for different audiences; preparing presentations; creating data visualizations; conducting literature reviews and bibliographies; and other related tasks.
  • Research Fellow, Workforce: The Research Fellow, Workforce will work with Professors David Autor and Daron Acemoglu to contribute to scientific research and analysis on the impacts of automation, innovation, new work, and globalization on American workers.
  • Research Fellow, K12: The Research Fellow, K12 will work with Professors Josh Angrist, Parag Pathak, and affiliated faculty to contribute to scientific research and analysis on the social and labor impacts of domestic K12 policies and reform.
  • Research Fellow, Higher Education: The Research Fellow, Higher Education will work with Professors Josh Angrist, David Autor, and affiliated faculty to contribute to scientific research and analysis on the social and labor impacts of financial aid and access within higher education.

Research Fellows receive a full-time, one-year appointment that is renewable annually, contingent on funding and mutual agreement. A two-year minimum employment term is strongly preferred. Some positions will begin by Summer 2024, while others will begin as soon as possible at Blueprint’s office in Cambridge, MA. Blueprint understands that candidates may need to first complete a degree program or transition from another full-time role. The expected starting salary range is $65,000 – $66,000.


Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Fellow will work on research projects with MIT faculty members and additional affiliated faculty. Specific responsibilities include constructing and preparing data for analysis, conducting analysis in Stata, Python, and/or R (or similar), presenting results and engaging in discussion in project meetings, and editing papers for publication. Fellows can also expect to manage advanced code bases and write about results for different audiences. Other duties will arise as needed. This position requires a high level of independent judgement and presents opportunities for professional development and on-the-job learning.

We encourage you to apply even if you do not possess every qualification and skill listed.


Qualifications & Skills

Minimum required education and experience:
  • Education: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in economics, computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field.
  • Experience: Minimum 2 years’ specialized experience with quantitative data analysis, research methods, and/or social sciences research (which may include coursework or experience gained as an undergraduate).
  • Skills: Programming skills, particularly around data analysis, cleaning, and simulations. Previous fellows in this position have used Stata, R, or Python to conduct analyses.
  • Ability to work independently in a self-directed role across multiple projects, managers, and teams.
  • Responsibility and Judgement: Deals with confidential information and/or issues using discretion and judgement.

Preferred education and experience:
  • Education: Coursework or experience in labor economics, econometrics, and/or computer science.
  • Experience: Knowledge of statistical programming and previous research experience, acquired through a research assistantship or an independent research project, are strongly preferred. Some background or willingness/ability to learn Stata is particularly important.
  • Skills: Familiarity with machine learning and natural language processing methods is preferred, though not necessary.


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 22964.
  • Please only submit one application to the MIT site.
AND
  • Complete the Google form at this link.
  • The Google form requires you to upload a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript in a single PDF.
  • Your cover letter should describe your:
  • Preferred role(s) for consideration*
  • Relevant experience and qualifications
  • (If applicable and of interest) Identity influences that impact you and your desire to work at Blueprint**

*For the 2023 hiring cycle, Blueprint is hiring fellows for multiple projects, and candidates are required to rank preference of the role or roles that best suit your skills and interests. Please note in your cover letter which role(s) you’re applying to and select the appropriate boxes in the Google Form.

**Blueprint Labs values diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusivity in our work and the broader perspectives our staff bring. We encourage people of color, first generation college students/graduates, and other underrepresented groups to apply to this role. In your cover letter, please consider sharing how your racial, ethnic, gender, socioeconomic and/or other identity has influenced your drive and desire to work at Blueprint. This is not required, but rather an opportunity for us to get to know you. For more information on the MIT Economics Department’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion visit this webpage.

The Hiring Process

The priority application deadline is Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 11:59pm ET. We will continue to accept applications after the priority deadline until all roles are filled. We will maintain this webpage with the latest open roles and timeline updates.
Candidates who apply by the priority deadline and advance to further stages can expect the following additional activities:

  • Late-September: Complete a timed data task and submit a pre-existing writing sample. You will receive about two weeks to access the task, and it must be submitted within 48 hours of starting.
  • Early to mid-October: Participate in interviews with current Blueprint fellows and staff managers.
  • Late-October: Participate in final interviews with faculty and project team members. At this time, we will also request professional references.

If you apply after the priority deadline, the hiring process mirrors the steps above but will follow a variable timeline.

Please consult our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the hiring process. We also have a Research Fellow Webinar from the 2021-2022 Hiring Cycle, you can watch here. Questions not addressed in the FAQ should be directed to hiring@mitblueprintlabs.org.

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.