Postdoctoral Associate

Professor Nathan Wilmers is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to collaborate on sociological research on labor market inequality. Candidates should have an interest in how firms, organizations and labor market institutions affect inequality. The position will support a mix of the candidate’s own solo research alongside collaborative, coauthored work with Prof. Wilmers. During the course of the appointment, there are possible data access opportunities, dependent on various eligibility requirements, to the Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics data, the Economic Census microdata, Glassdoor reviews, employer‑matched PSID data, and Burning Glass job postings.

This is a two‑year position that will be focused entirely on research, with no teaching obligations.

There is substantial scope to design research projects that fit both the candidate’s and Prof. Wilmers’ research agendas. Currently, Wilmers has projects studying how social relations within organizations affect inequality; structural barriers to upward mobility within organizations; drivers of recently rising pay for low‑wage jobs; changing employment practices in response to tight labor markets; and effects of union democracy and contention within American labor unions.

More broadly, Wilmers aims to use ideas from economic sociology to clarify the social foundations for rising and falling inequality.

• Perform analysis of large‑scale quantitative and qualitative datasets as part of research projects.
• Collaborate on preparing and writing coauthored research papers.
• Other duties as needed or required.

Prof. Nathan Wilmers will supervise.

None

$71,000-$90,000

Candidates must possess, or be close to completion of, a Ph.D. in one of a variety of fields, including but not limited to Sociology, Organizations, Strategy, Management, Economics or Political Science at the start of employment. Master’s degree preferred.

If you are interested, please provide the following documents:

• A one–page cover letter briefly describing your research.
• A CV.
• A research statement.
• A writing sample.

We will be accepting and reviewing applications on a rolling basis until the position(s) are filled.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. MIT’s full policy on nondiscrimination can be found here.

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check, including possible verification of any findings of misconduct (or pending investigations) from prior employers.