Research Scientist 2

MIT•Cambridge, MA

About The Position

The MIT Election Data and Science Lab (MEDSL) is seeking a Research Scientist 2 to oversee the data science workflow for election-related data collection, processing, and dissemination. This role involves assisting the director with research project design and implementation, data gathering and analysis, research protocol design, and results documentation. The position will manage data science and quality control for the 2026 release of the Elections Performance Index (EPI), acquire data from government sources, and design protocols for updating indicators. Responsibilities also include assisting with redistricting data collection and dissemination, collaborating with web designers to update the EPI website, creating original content for the MEDSL website, onboarding and monitoring student workers and research support associates, and tracking scholarship in election science. The role will also involve other data science, administrative, and reporting duties as assigned. MEDSL's mission is to enhance the democratic experience for all U.S. voters by applying scientific principles to the study and administration of elections.

Requirements

Master's degree in data science, political science, or related area.
Experience analyzing data independently using statistical programs such as R, Python, and Stata.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Flexibility.
Initiative.
Ability to work as part of a team and as an independent researcher.

Nice To Haves

Research experience in voting, elections, election administration, redistricting, campaign finance, or similar subjects.
Demonstrated portfolio in data science and/or original computationally-intensive quantitative social science.
Candidates for and recent Ph.D. recipients in political science, economics, or related field with strong data science concentration.
Knowledge of web design and architecture.
At least four years' field experience in elections and voting research and significant data science experience.

Responsibilities

Oversee the data science workflow of the lab's election-related data collection, processing, and dissemination efforts.
Assist the director with designing and implementing research projects.
Gather and analyze data.
Design research protocols.
Document results.
Manage data science and quality control for the 2026 release of the Elections Performance Index (EPI).
Acquire data from government sources and design protocols to update indicators not provided by government sources.
Assist with redistricting data collection/dissemination efforts.
Work with web designers to update EPI website and create original content for MEDSL website.
Onboard and monitor the work of students/research support associates.
Track scholarship in the field of election science.
Perform other data science/administrative/reporting duties as assigned.