Research Fellow – K12

Posted July 27, 2022

Position Overview

Blueprint Labs is recruiting a Research Fellow based at MIT in Cambridge, MA. Blueprint uses data and economics to uncover the consequences of policy choices and improve society. Based in the Department of Economics at MIT, Blueprint Labs consists of over 18 academic affiliates who represent leading economic thinkers, ten full-time staff members, and six 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 a motivated, independent, and organized Research Fellow to support research on our K-12 education initiatives. The Research Fellow will work closely work with Professors Josh Angrist, Parag Pathak, and affiliated faculty and contribute to scientific research and analysis on the social and labor impacts of domestic K12 policies and reform.

This position also offers the opportunity to work with other Blueprint Labs research staff, including a cohort of other fellows. Previous fellows have gone on to master’s and Ph.D. programs or careers in consulting, tech, government, Economics, K-12 education, and more. Curious to learn more? Check out “A Day in the Life at SEII” (note that our lab used to be called SEII!).

Research Fellows receive a full-time, one-year appointment that is renewable annually (contingent on funding). An employment term of two years is strongly preferred. This position will begin as soon as possible, no later than June 15, 2023, in-person at Blueprint’s office in Cambridge, MA. The salary range is $53,000-$58,000.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions**)

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, 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.

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:

1. 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
   • Please only submit one application to the MIT site.

AND 

2. 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.
   • For the Fall 2022 hiring cycle, Blueprint is hiring fellows for multiple projects, and candidates are encouraged to apply to 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.

The priority application deadline is Sunday, September 18, 2022 at 11:59pm ET. We will continue to accept applications after the priority deadline through Monday, October 31, 2022 at 11:59pm ET.

Candidates who apply to meet 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.

Please consult our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the hiring process. 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.