Job Description

Professor Juan Antolin-Diaz is looking to hire one full-time pre-doctoral research fellow. The position duration is up to two years (one year, with potential renewal for a second), with a start date of July 1, 2026. The job will entail close collaboration at all stages of a research project exploring applications of deep learning and artificial intelligence to dynamic portfolio optimization problems.

This position offers the opportunity to gain exposure to and training in state-of-the-art uses of machine learning for solving complex optimization problems with realistic applicability in real-world investment settings. The position is ideal for individuals that are interested in pursuing a PhD in economics or finance. The chosen candidate will also gain valuable experience in the application of machine learning and Bayesian inference methods to financial and economic time series, working with programs such as MATLAB, Python, and C++. The chosen candidate will have the opportunity to audit a course and attend seminars at MIT.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform analysis of large-scale quantitative and qualitative datasets as part of research projects.
• Use of new tools to collect and process data.
• Summarize and document research results and learn about different research agendas.
• Other duties are as needed or required.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess one or more of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or Economics (with a strong quantitative orientation).
• Master’s Degree preferred but not required.
• Having taken at least one course on dynamic programming, convex optimization, portfolio theory, or deep learning will be advantageous.
• Strong programming skills and experience, especially in Python, MATLAB, or C++, including experience gained as an undergraduate.
• Ability to work independently to solve problems, and to critically use AI tools to speed up workflows
• Candidates must have authorization to work in the US for the duration of the appointment.Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• The pay range for Technical Associate I is $50,000-$63,000

Application Instructions

If you are interested, please provide the following documents and apply via Interfolio:

• A one-page cover letter briefly describing your academic career and future study goals.
• A CV
• A transcript
• A writing sample. This could be any research paper or term paper that you think best reflects your abilities
• A sample of code(s) which you have written, along with a summary of the outputs it generates (logs/graphs) in a single document
• We will be accepting and reviewing applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

NOTE
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates should have authorization to work in the US for the duration of the appointment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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

Background Check Policy

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.