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Predoctoral Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Predoctoral Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do predoctoral researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for predoctoral researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Predoctoral Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Predoctoral Researcher, you need a solid academic background in your field, strong analytical abilities, and experience with research methodologies, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), literature databases, and sometimes laboratory equipment is essential. Excellent critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills help you stand out in research environments. These competencies ensure rigorous, credible research output and effective collaboration within academic teams.

What are some common challenges faced by predoctoral researchers, and how can they be overcome?

Predoctoral researchers often face challenges such as managing multiple research projects, adapting to new technical skills, and balancing coursework with research responsibilities. It can also be challenging to navigate the expectations of supervisors and develop independent research ideas. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to establish clear communication with mentors, create structured timelines, and actively seek feedback from colleagues. Engaging with lab members and participating in seminars or workshops can also provide support and foster professional growth.

What are predoctoral researchers?

Predoctoral researchers are individuals who typically hold at least a bachelor's or master's degree and are engaged in research work before entering a doctoral (PhD) program. They often work in academic, research, or laboratory settings, assisting with experiments, data analysis, and scholarly publications under the supervision of established researchers. These positions provide valuable experience and training, helping individuals strengthen their research skills and academic credentials in preparation for a PhD program. Predoctoral researchers may also be referred to as research assistants or research fellows, depending on the institution.
More about Predoctoral Researcher jobs
Predoctoral Researcher

Predoctoral Researcher

MIT Human Resources

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

PREDOCTORAL RESEARCHER, Economics, to support work at all stages of the research process on projects in economics and applied machine learning / artificial intelligence. This position offers the opportunity to gain exposure to and training in a broad set of statistical methods and economic research topics. Predoctoral Researchers will engage directly in the research process, and implement complete project pipelines covering data processing, machine learning, and statistical inference. Predoctoral Researchers will work on research projects with Professors Sendhil Mullainathan and Ashesh Rambachan along with their co-authors at MIT, the University of Chicago, Harvard University and other institutions. The role will entail close collaboration with all stages of the research process on projects that integrate machine learning / artificial intelligence and economics. These positions will be part of BikeShop@MIT, an interdisciplinary lab that integrates computing and economics to build algorithms that make people and the world better.

The full job description is here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/izvkooxmlzm44fe5u01ih/Job_Description_Predoc_Rambachan-and-Mullainathan.pdf?rlkey=nikteu91582q8leteyxome4t4&e=1&st=9rg29o01&dl=0.


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About MIT Human Resources

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our mission is to advance a vibrant and diverse work community where individuals and groups thrive and contribute to MIT's excellence. We offer Support, Services, and Programs to enhance your work life. We're here to help. MIT is committed to helping employees achieve a healthy balance between their careers and the full lives they lead off-campus. Explore all of MIT's Work & Life resources, including MyLife Services, which provides 24/7 access to a network of experts available to help with life’s challenges.

Industry

Human resource programs administration

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, MA, US

Year founded

2014