Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Schwarzman College of Computing

Position ID:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Schwarzman College of Computing-POSTDOC [#30576]
Position Title: 
Postdoctoral Associate
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-4307, United States of America
Subject Area: 
Artificial Intelligence / AI for Social Research
Appl Deadline:
(posted 2025/09/16, listed until 2026/02/17)
Position Description:
   

Position Description

Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Schwarzman College of Computing/Sloan School of Management

The MIT Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS) and the MIT Sloan School of Management in collaboration with The Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC) invite applications for a postdoctoral associate position focusing on generative AI and reasoning through the lense of social and ethical responsibilities of computing. This unique joint appointment offers an exceptional opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research across multiple departments at MIT.

The appointment is for one year starting Summer 2026 (flexible start date), with the possibility of renewal for a second year. The Postdoctoral Associate should expect to work from Cambridge, MA for the duration of the appointment, with some potential for travel. The position is eligible for MIT benefits. The selected candidate will provide supervision and guidance to students, and researchers while engaging in activities that support the general mission of MIT Sloan, SERC, and LIDS. The Postdoctoral Associate will also collaborate with other post docs, and instructors along with supervising a SERC scholar’s group throughout the academic year. About Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC) The Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC) is facilitating the development of responsible “habits of mind and action” for those who create and deploy computing technologies and foster the creation of technologies in the public interest. For more details about this cross-cutting program, please see SERC’s website. Principal Duties and Responsibilities: The postdoc’s time will be allotted as such:

• 50% towards ongoing and new applied research projects under the supervision of Professors Sertac Karaman and Eric So; • Approximately 25% of time allotted for independent research. • Approximately 20 of time allotted for participating in SERC's community-building activities and programming, including to lead a SERC Scholar Group throughout the academic year. • Additional responsibilities as determined by organizational needs.

Supervision Received: The position works closely with Professors Sertac Karaman and Eric So. Position requires ability to perform with minimal supervision. Supervision Exercised: No direct reports. May monitor the academic work of research associates and graduate research assistants involved in specific projects.

Qualifications 1. A Ph.D. in Computer Science or another related field required. 2. Advanced quantitative methods training with expertise in experiments, identification, and causal inference required. Qualitative fieldwork experience is also preferred. 3. Proven record of academic excellence, research achievement and publication that contributes to the study of the above areas. 4. Attention to detail; self-motivation and ability to work on projects independently; proven ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines. 5. Demonstrated proficiency in Python and willingness to contribute to open source. 6. Ph.D. Degree must be defended and completed by the start date of the position, which is no later than September 1, 2026.

Application Instructions Please provide the following as compiled in one attachment: 1. Cover letter 2. CV 3. Research statement of primary research interests including ongoing and planned projects (3-5 pages) Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide three letters of reference. Priority review will be given to application materials submitted through careers.mit.edu.

MIT is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin. View MIT Policy on Non Discrimination and EEOC’s Know Your Rights. Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check, including possible verification of any findings of misconduct (or pending investigations) from prior employers.

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Contact: Steven Heim, 617-258-7539
Email: email address
Postal Mail:
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Web Page: https://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_mit/external/jobDetails/jobDetail.html?jobPostId=32932&localeCode=en-us