MIT Predoctoral Researcher Opportunity 2026: No Master’s Required

The MIT Golub Center for Finance and Policy is inviting applications for a Predoctoral Researcher position for candidates seeking advanced research experience before pursuing doctoral study in finance, economics, public policy or a related quantitative discipline. The opportunity is based at the MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The position is designed for graduates who want to strengthen their research capabilities before applying for a PhD. A bachelor’s degree is required, while a master’s degree is not required. Applicants can come from finance, economics and other related technical fields, making the opportunity relevant to candidates with strong quantitative and analytical backgrounds.

The Predoctoral Researcher will work with Professors Deborah Lucas and Haoxiang Zhu, Co Directors of the Golub Center for Finance and Policy, as well as other affiliated faculty and researchers. The work combines financial economics, quantitative research and public policy, giving researchers exposure to different stages of academic and policy research.

About the Opportunity

The Golub Center for Finance and Policy conducts research at the intersection of financial economics and public policy. Its work examines financial and economic questions that have implications for public policy and decision making.

The Predoctoral Researcher position is intended to provide intensive practical research experience for individuals who may later pursue doctoral studies. Researchers can contribute to projects involving economic and financial models, quantitative analysis, data development, research writing and communication.

The opportunity may be particularly relevant to graduates planning future PhD study in finance, economics, public policy, financial economics or another quantitative field.

The position provides exposure to the academic research environment at MIT Sloan and opportunities to work alongside faculty, researchers and other members of the research community.

Opportunity Benefits

• Two year full time research appointment

• Research experience at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Opportunity to work with Professors Deborah Lucas and Haoxiang Zhu

• Practical experience in financial economics and public policy research

• Experience working with research data and quantitative methods

• Programming and computational research experience

• Academic writing and research communication experience

• Exposure to economic and financial modelling

• Preparation for future PhD applications

• Opportunity to participate in an academic research environment at MIT

Programme Areas

The research position can involve several interconnected areas, including:

• Finance

• Economics

• Financial economics

• Public policy

• Quantitative research

• Economic and financial modelling

• Data analysis

• Research programming

• Policy research

• Academic research communication

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree.

• A master’s degree is not required.

• Applicants should have an academic background in finance, economics or a related technical field.

• Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and quantitative abilities.

• Interest in research and future doctoral study is relevant to the position.

• Programming or data analysis experience can be useful for the research responsibilities.

• Relevant backgrounds may include finance, economics, financial engineering, data science, mathematics and related areas.

The current research opportunity listing identifies the position under MIT Sloan School of Management and lists Finance and Policy as its research areas. (Booth School of Business)

Ideal Backgrounds

The opportunity can be relevant to graduates with backgrounds such as:

• Finance

• Economics

• Financial engineering

• Data science

• Mathematics

• Business

• Statistics

• Computer science

• Other related quantitative disciplines

Required Application Information

Applicants should carefully review the official MIT vacancy for the complete application requirements before submitting their application.

Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate:

• Academic qualifications

• Relevant quantitative background

• Research interest

• Analytical abilities

• Programming or data analysis experience where applicable

• Relevant academic or research experience

• Interest in future doctoral study where applicable

How to Apply

1. Review the current MIT Golub Center for Finance and Policy Predoctoral Researcher vacancy.
2. Confirm that your bachelor’s degree and academic background meet the stated requirements.
3. Prepare your current academic and professional information.
4. Highlight relevant experience in finance, economics, mathematics, statistics, programming, data analysis or research.
5. Explain your research interests and how the position relates to your future academic goals.
6. Submit the application through the official recruitment channel specified in the vacancy.
7. Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, submit your application before the position is filled.