Welcome to your ultimate guide for MIT Jobs and academic careers at MIT. Located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in higher education. Whether you're an aspiring professor, researcher, or student, this page provides comprehensive insights into professor positions at MIT, research jobs at MIT, lecturer roles at MIT, and more. Discover higher education jobs at MIT, explore salaries in MIT academia, and access rate professors at MIT through AcademicJobs.com's integrated tools. MIT's commitment to pushing boundaries in science and technology makes it a top choice for academic opportunities. From faculty jobs at MIT to detailed career guides, we highlight what makes working or studying here rewarding. Ready to advance your career? Check out Higher Ed Jobs filtered for MIT and rate educators at Rate My Professor.
About MIT
Founded in 1861, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Initially established to meet the demands of the Industrial Revolution, MIT has evolved into a global leader in science, engineering, and technology education. Its mission is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century. Key achievements include over 100 Nobel laureates affiliated with MIT, groundbreaking inventions like the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee, and pivotal contributions to fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy. The main campus spans 168 acres along the Charles River, featuring iconic buildings like the Great Dome and state-of-the-art research facilities. MIT operates additional locations, including the MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on national security research. With schools like the School of Engineering, School of Science, and Sloan School of Management, MIT fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. For more details, visit the MIT Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Massachusetts, and Academic Jobs in Cambridge.
MIT's history is marked by innovation, from its role in World War II radar development to modern advancements in quantum computing and climate solutions. The university boasts a diverse community of over 11,000 students and 1,000 faculty members, emphasizing hands-on learning through programs like the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). Notable alumni include astronauts, CEOs, and policymakers, underscoring MIT's impact on global progress. Campus life integrates rigorous academics with entrepreneurship, as seen in the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition. For academics interested in MIT academic opportunities, the institution offers robust support for research funding and collaboration. Students can leverage resources like the MIT OpenCourseWare for free access to course materials. Whether pursuing professor positions at MIT or exploring higher education jobs at MIT, this institution provides unparalleled platforms for growth. Discover more about academic careers at MIT and rate professors at MIT via Rate My Professor.
In terms of key departments, MIT excels in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and Biological Engineering. These departments drive trends in AI, robotics, and sustainable energy. Job trends for 2025 indicate high demand for faculty in emerging fields like machine learning and bioengineering, with MIT investing heavily in interdisciplinary centers such as the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. Salary data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education shows competitive compensation, reflecting MIT's commitment to attracting top talent. For those eyeing faculty jobs at MIT, understanding these elements is crucial. Explore salaries in MIT academia and professor ratings at MIT to make informed decisions.
Faculty Job Opportunities at MIT
💼 Faculty job opportunities at MIT are abundant, particularly in high-demand roles such as Assistant Professor, Research Scientist, Lecturer, and Postdoctoral Fellow. Based on 2025 trends from sources like Inside Higher Ed and MIT's career portal, there's strong growth in departments like Computer Science, where AI and data science positions are surging, and Engineering, focusing on sustainable technologies. For instance, the School of Engineering often seeks experts in robotics and materials science, while the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences recruits for economics and linguistics roles. Salary ranges for these positions vary: Assistant Professors typically earn $120,000-$160,000 annually, influenced by experience and department; Lecturers range from $90,000-$130,000; and Research Fellows can expect $100,000-$140,000, with adjustments for location in high-cost Cambridge. These figures are drawn from AAUP data and MIT reports, showing MIT's salaries are among the highest in academia, often 20-30% above national averages due to endowments and grants.
Pursuing professor positions at MIT means engaging with a tenure-track system that emphasizes impactful research and teaching excellence. Job trends for 2025 highlight interdisciplinary roles, such as in climate science combining environmental engineering and policy. MIT's hiring focuses on diversity and innovation, with initiatives like the MIT Faculty Search to attract underrepresented groups. For academic careers at MIT, candidates should prepare strong publication records and grant proposals. Explore these higher education jobs at MIT through AcademicJobs.com, where you can filter for faculty jobs at MIT. Additionally, check lecturer roles at MIT and research jobs at MIT for entry-level opportunities. Location plays a key role, with positions tied to Massachusetts and Cambridge. Visit Higher Ed Jobs for the latest listings filtered by MIT.
To succeed in MIT academic opportunities, networking through conferences and MIT's alumni network is essential. Salary insights reveal that full professors in STEM fields can exceed $250,000 with bonuses from patents and consulting. Factors like department prestige—e.g., EECS vs. Architecture—affect pay, with tech-focused roles commanding premiums. For those interested in salaries in MIT academia, resources like Professor Salaries provide comparisons. MIT also offers non-tenure positions like Adjunct Professor for flexible engagements. Overall, faculty jobs at MIT promise intellectual freedom and global impact, making them ideal for ambitious scholars.
Assistant Professor in Computer Science
Focus on AI; salary $130k-$150k. Apply via Higher Ed Jobs.
Lecturer in Engineering
Teach undergrad courses; salary $100k-$120k.
Research Fellow in Biology
Biotech focus; salary $110k-$130k.
Associate Professor in Physics
Quantum research; salary $160k-$200k.
Why Work at MIT
Working at MIT offers unparalleled advantages for academic careers at MIT, including access to world-class research facilities and collaborative environments. Faculty benefit from generous funding, with MIT securing over $700 million in annual research expenditures, enabling groundbreaking work in AI, nanotechnology, and climate change. Career prospects are exceptional, with high tenure rates and opportunities for entrepreneurship through the MIT Innovation Initiative. Unique benefits include sabbaticals, housing assistance in Cambridge, and family support programs. Researched data from MIT's faculty reports highlight low turnover due to intellectual freedom and global impact. Compared to other institutions, MIT's emphasis on innovation makes it a hub for professor positions at MIT and research jobs at MIT. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice.
The appeal extends to work-life balance, with flexible schedules and wellness resources. Notable for its culture of 'hacking'—creative problem-solving—MIT fosters a dynamic atmosphere for lecturer roles at MIT and faculty jobs at MIT.
Salary Guide for Faculty at MIT
📊 The salary guide for faculty at MIT reflects its status as a top-tier institution. Based on 2025 projections from Glassdoor, AAUP, and MIT disclosures, average faculty salaries range from $110,000 for entry-level roles to over $300,000 for senior professors. Factors influencing pay include experience (e.g., 5+ years adds 20-30%), department (STEM fields like Computer Science average $220,000 vs. Humanities at $180,000), and location premiums for Cambridge's cost of living. Tenure-track positions offer base pay plus bonuses from grants and patents. For instance, Assistant Professors earn $120,000-$160,000, Associate Professors $150,000-$220,000, and Full Professors $200,000-$350,000. These are competitive, often 25% higher than national averages due to MIT's endowment. Additional perks like health benefits and retirement matching enhance total compensation.
Comparing to peers, MIT salaries surpass those at Harvard or Stanford in engineering disciplines. Trends for 2025 show increases in AI-related roles, with adjustments for inflation. For detailed breakdowns, visit Professor Salaries. Understanding these ranges helps in negotiating offers for higher education jobs at MIT.
Location in Cambridge adds value through networking but requires budgeting for housing. Overall, salaries in MIT academia support a high quality of life for academics.
| Role | Salary Range (2025) | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $120k-$160k | Engineering |
| Associate Professor | $150k-$220k | Computer Science |
| Full Professor | $200k-$350k | Physics |
| Lecturer | $90k-$130k | Biology |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at MIT
⭐ Discover top educators at MIT through AcademicJobs.com's Rate My Professor platform, where students rate professors at MIT to highlight excellence in teaching and research. This tool aids in choosing courses and recognizing outstanding faculty in MIT's programs like engineering and economics. Rate professors at MIT to contribute to the community.
Tim Berners-Lee - Computer Science
Rating: 4.8/5 - Known for innovative lectures on web technologies.
Esther Duflo - Economics
Rating: 4.9/5 - Nobel winner, excels in development economics.
Robert Langer - Engineering
Rating: 4.7/5 - Pioneer in biomaterials, inspiring mentor.
Susan Solomon - Earth Sciences
Rating: 4.6/5 - Expert in atmospheric chemistry.
Wolfgang Ketterle - Physics
Rating: 4.8/5 - Nobel laureate in quantum physics.
Career Progression at MIT
Career progression at MIT follows a structured path, starting from Postdoc to Assistant Professor, advancing to tenure as Associate, then Full Professor. Salaries escalate accordingly: Postdocs at $70k-$90k, Assistants at $120k+, with tenure bringing $200k+. Research funding via NSF and MIT grants supports advancement. Professional development includes workshops and mentorship. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Research and Innovation at MIT
🔬 Research at MIT focuses on AI, biotech, and sustainability, with centers like the Media Lab and CSAIL leading innovations. 2025 trends emphasize quantum computing and clean energy. Explore Research Jobs.
Resources for MIT Academics
- Professional development via MIT's Teaching + Learning Lab.
- Faculty unions and benefits including health insurance and retirement.
- Research funding resources from the Office of Sponsored Programs.
Student Life and Perspectives at MIT
Student life at MIT features rigorous programs, clubs, and hackathons. Career outcomes lead to top tech firms. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.

