Postdoctoral Associate Program

MIT and new manufacturing initiative

CIS supports outstanding early-career scholars pursuing innovative, policy-relevant research on critical global challenges. Postdoctoral associates join a vibrant intellectual community while advancing an independent research agenda, with mentorship from a CIS-affiliated faculty member.

This 12-month position is designed to maximize time and support for research development, while also enabling scholars to participate in CIS events and connect with our regional programs.

Postdoctoral associates have access to a wide range of MIT resources for professional development, including the Writing and Communication Center and Data Services. They may also engage with the MIT Postdoctoral Association to network across disciplines and may apply to hire research assistants through our Undergraduate Fellows Program. In addition to a competitive salary, postdoctoral associates receive a modest research stipend that may be used for conference travel, field research or other research-related expenses.

Expectations

CIS postdoctoral associates are expected to:

  • pursue an independent research agenda during their appointment
  • present their work through the CIS Global Research & Policy Seminar
  • participate in CIS seminars and related community events with faculty, fellows and visitors
  • be in residence during academic terms, with the option to work remotely outside term time
Selection Criteria

CIS welcomes applications from scholars in political science (comparative politics and international relations), environmental science, sociology, anthropology, history, economics, psychology, computer science and related fields.

Successful applicants will demonstrate:

  • a record of exceptional scholarly achievement and a strong orientation toward policy-relevant research in international studies
  • a robust research plan for their year at MIT
  • alignment with CIS thematic priorities, including climate adaptation, environmental degradation, artificial intelligence, inequality reduction, building just societies, conflict resolution, global governance, democratic erosion, health access and science policy
  • interest in contributing to CIS community life and engaging across disciplines
How to Apply

CIS posts annual calls for postdoctoral associate applications by mid-September for the following academic year.

For questions about the program, please email cis-research@mit.edu.

Current Fellow