Careers with LIDS

MIT Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS); Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

MIT benefits

Job summary

MIT Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate joint with Sloan and the Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC). The role focuses on generative AI and reasoning through social/ethical considerations, with supervision of students and researchers.

The appointment is split: 50% ongoing and new applied research, 25% independent work, and 20% leading SERC activities, including a scholar group through the academic year.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Computer Science or related field completed by Sep 1, 2026.
• Advanced training in quantitative methods with expertise in experiments, identification, and causal inference.
• Proven record of academic excellence and publications in the field.
• Proficiency in Python; willingness to contribute to open source.

Responsibilities

• Research focus on generative AI and reasoning with social/ethical computing perspectives.
• Supervise students and researchers; lead a SERC Scholar Group throughout the academic year.
• Collaborate with MIT LIDS, Sloan School, and SERC; publish and share results.
• Contribute to community-building activities and open-source projects as appropriate.

Skills

Quantitative methods

Independent research

Self-motivation

Python

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Python

Job description

Posting Description

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS) and Sloan School of Management in collaboration with The Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC), will focus on generative AI and reasoning through the lens of social and ethical responsibilities of computing; provide supervision and guidance to students, and researchers while engaging in activities that support the general mission of MIT Sloan, SERC, and LIDS; collaborate with other post docs, and instructors along with supervising a SERC scholar’s group throughout the academic year. This unique joint appointment offers an exceptional opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research across multiple departments at MIT. Responsibilities will approximately be divided as 50% ongoing and new applied research projects under the supervision of Professors Sertac Karaman and Eric So; 25% independent research; 20% participating in SERC's community-building activities and programming, including to lead a SERC Scholar Group throughout the academic year; and additional responsibilities as determined by organizational needs. 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.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: A Ph.D. in Computer Science or another related field defended and completed by the start date of the position, which is no later than September 1, 2026; advanced quantitative methods training with expertise in experiments, identification, and causal inference; proven record of academic excellence, research achievement and publication that contributes to the study of the above areas; attention to detail; self-motivation and ability to work on projects independently; proven ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines; and demonstrated proficiency in Python and willingness to contribute to open source.

PREFERRED: Qualitative fieldwork experience.

The appointment is for one year starting September 1, 2026, 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 fortravel.

The position is eligible for MIT benefits.

6/1/2026