Positions
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Listings
Research Associate 2
Job Title: Research Associate 2
Position Title: Research Associate 2
Effort: 100%
Term: One-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal dependent upon funding and research priorities
Position Summary
The MIT’s Norman B. Leventhal Center for Advanced Urbanism (LCAU) and the Civic Data Design Lab (CDDL) are seeking a researcher who has combined skills in computation and design and in the use of data to understand urban complexity. The Research Associate will work on ongoing projects and will be responsible for planning and conducting research that advances innovation in urban environments, as well as collaborating with the LCAU Director and affiliated faculty to develop new research initiatives.
Experience in producing scholarly publications, exhibitions, and interactive multi-media is highly desirable, as our work often culminates in academic publications as well as public-facing installations and multi-media displays. The researcher will also be responsible for coordinating and preparing grant proposals. As project manager of a research projects that includes technical needs, the researcher will also be responsible for maintenance of the CDDL Amazon servers, adding research output for the Civic Data Design Lab Website (civicdatadesignlab.org), and the GitHub site, and contributing to communication materials. Given LCAU and CDDL’s commitment to innovation in teaching, there may also be opportunities to contribute to MIT courses on urban design, GIS, data visualization, and the relationship between technology (including AI) and the urban environment.
Applicants should submit:
• Cover letter summarizing expertise, design philosophy, and research interests
• Curriculum vitae
• Link to a digital portfolio (20-page max as part of either their CV or Cover Letter)
• (Optional) List of courses the candidate is prepared to teach
Primary Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
• Plan and conduct research aimed at improving urban design and planning
• Contribute original ideas on research directions and methodologies
• Lead design of ideation workshops and other research-related events with collaborators
• Develop exhibitions tied to research initiatives
• Produce web-based visualizations and communication strategies
• Prepare high-quality reports for funders and stakeholders
• Build a strong publication record (traditional and non-traditional outlets)
• Manage research projects to ensure quality and timely delivery
• Innovate and refine research methods
• Oversee the development of data collection tools and instruments including GIS data.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Draft research narratives and prepare grant/funding proposals
• Represent the Center to sponsors and assist with presentations to potential funders
• Build partnerships across MIT, industry, NGOs, and governments
• Pursue new research opportunities within the LCAU
• Maintain CDDL website, github, and amazon servers
• (Optional and to be discussed after successfully performing other aspects of the role) Teach up to two courses per semester
• Mentor/coach junior researchers in advanced methods as appropriate
• Supervise and guide TAs, RAs, and students
Minimum Qualifications
• Master’s or terminal degree in architecture, urban design, urban planning, geography, or a related field
• Minimum of four years of direct research experience
• Knowledge of JavaScript, D3, Python, HTML, CSS is essential.
• Data Science and GIS skills required.
• Interest in machine learning for urban environments including the use of vision recognition software.
• Interest in generative AI, understand and concept as applied to urban planning and architecture.
• Experience with web development, data visualization, web mapping tools and data science required
• Evidence of original or collaborative scholarship
• Excellent research skills and outstanding written/verbal communication
• Demonstrated project management and exhibition experience
• Experience working across diverse disciplines and with broad networks of collaborators.
Hiring Range; $85,000-$105,000
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until role is filled.
Please apply through MIT's application system HERE
(last updated 3/9/2026)