MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Research Support Associate 2

Q: What are the minimum qualifications for the Research Support Associate II?

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent , along with strong communication and organizational skills , precision, and a proactive attitude. A knowledge of social science research methods (both quantitative and qualitative) and solid data management abilities (spreadsheets and databases) are highly preferred. An undergraduate degree in economics, public policy, environmental studies, or conflict resolution – or a demonstrated interest in international studies – will make your application more competitive. You can explore similar research assistant jobs to understand typical qualification profiles.

Q: Does the position offer visa sponsorship?

No. The job posting explicitly states that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the United States. For other staff opportunities at MIT that may consider sponsorship, you can browse administration and staff openings .

Q: What kind of research will I be supporting at the Center for International Studies?

You will contribute to research on development, sustainability, governance, and geopolitics , with a special focus on the BRICS bloc . Activities include collecting and analyzing data , visualizing findings , drafting workshop reports and policy briefs , and disseminating results through the CIS website and social media. You'll also help plan a bi-weekly seminar series and support visitors, fellows, and working groups. More about CIS’s mission can be found on the MIT Center for International Studies website .

Q: What application materials are required and when do I need them?

At the interview stage, you must provide a writing sample, two letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts . It is wise to prepare these documents in advance. The anticipated start date is on or about September 1, 2026 , and the application remains open until October 10, 2026. For tips on assembling a competitive application, see our guide on how to write a winning academic CV .

Q: What is the salary and work arrangement for this position?

The position pays an hourly rate of $22.57 to $30.60 , corresponding to MIT’s pay grade 4. It is a full-time, hybrid role : you will be expected to work in the office three days per week during the academic semester . The initial appointment is one year with the possibility of extension to two years . For a broader look at MIT’s research support roles, see research jobs at top institutions .

Closes: Oct 10, 2026

Salary: $23 – $31 per hour

607

Job Number: 25917
Functional Area: Research - Social Science
Department: Center for International Studies
School Area: Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences
Pay Range Minimum: $22.57
Pay Range Maximum: $30.60
Employment Type: Full-time (Hybrid)
Employment Category: Non-Exempt
Visa Sponsorship Available: No
Schedule:
Pay Grade: 4

Posting Description

RESEARCH SUPPORT ASSOCIATE II (RSA II), Center for International Studies, to support the Center’s administrative and research-related activities. The RSA will support research on development, sustainability, governance, and geopolitics, particularly on the BRICSbloc. Activities will include collecting, analyzing, and visualizing data; writing workshop reports and policy briefs; and disseminating findings through timely updates on research activities on the CIS website and social media. The RSA will also support the planning and implementation of a bi-weekly seminar series, visitors and fellows programs, working groups, and occasional workshops. Related duties: event planning and scheduling; ordering catering; processing expenses and budgeting; managing databases; hiring short-term researchers; and other tasks as needed. The position reports to Dr. Mihaela Papa, Director of Research and Principal Research Scientist.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: High school diploma or its equivalent; strong communication and organizational skills; precision, and a proactive attitude. PREFERRED: Knowledge of social science research and data collection methods (quantitative and qualitative); strong data management skills (spreadsheets and databases); an undergraduate degree in economics, public policy, environmental studies, conflict resolution; or a demonstrated interest in international studies.

A writing sample, two letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts will be needed at the time of interview.

This is a one-year position with the possibility of extension to two years.

The anticipated start date is on or about September 1, 2026.

This is a hybrid position, and the RSA is expected to work in the office, three days/ week during the academic semester.

7/31/2026

Job details

Title: Research Support Associate 2
Employer: MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Location: Cambridge, MA, USA
Published: Aug 11, 2026
Closes:: Oct 10, 2026
Job type: Full time, Staff / Administration
Field: Other Administrative Positions
Salary: Salary: $23 – $31 per hour

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What are the minimum qualifications for the Research Support Associate II?

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with strong communication and organizational skills, precision, and a proactive attitude. A knowledge of social science research methods (both quantitative and qualitative) and solid data management abilities (spreadsheets and databases) are highly preferred. An undergraduate degree in economics, public policy, environmental studies, or conflict resolution – or a demonstrated interest in international studies – will make your application more competitive. You can explore similar research assistant jobs to understand typical qualification profiles.

🛂Does the position offer visa sponsorship?

No. The job posting explicitly states that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the United States. For other staff opportunities at MIT that may consider sponsorship, you can browse administration and staff openings.

🔬What kind of research will I be supporting at the Center for International Studies?

You will contribute to research on development, sustainability, governance, and geopolitics, with a special focus on the BRICS bloc. Activities include collecting and analyzing data, visualizing findings, drafting workshop reports and policy briefs, and disseminating results through the CIS website and social media. You'll also help plan a bi-weekly seminar series and support visitors, fellows, and working groups. More about CIS’s mission can be found on the MIT Center for International Studies website.

📝What application materials are required and when do I need them?

At the interview stage, you must provide a writing sample, two letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts. It is wise to prepare these documents in advance. The anticipated start date is on or about September 1, 2026, and the application remains open until October 10, 2026. For tips on assembling a competitive application, see our guide on how to write a winning academic CV.

💰What is the salary and work arrangement for this position?

The position pays an hourly rate of $22.57 to $30.60, corresponding to MIT’s pay grade 4. It is a full-time, hybrid role: you will be expected to work in the office three days per week during the academic semester. The initial appointment is one year with the possibility of extension to two years. For a broader look at MIT’s research support roles, see research jobs at top institutions.

About the employer

MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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