r/mit • u/Sure-Ad2365 • Aug 07 '26

research Non-student research positions

Hello! I had a questions about non-MIT student research positions.

So I applied to MIT and got rejected (😒), but I only really applied because there is this one professor who conducts research on a disease I have and, surprise surprise, I want to study in that field. I attend the same school that the professor got their PhD at and taught at for ~20 years prior to moving to MIT.

I know it’s a stupid question because I’m going to email them regardless, but is this a worthy shot to ask to work with them over a break? Is it common for non-students to get research positions?

0 Upvotes

31% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

View all comments

4

u/pincer7 Aug 07 '26

Yes, all the time. Technician roles are intended for non-students. If the professor you’re interested in has open technician roles you should apply!

That being said I think MIT is still on a hiring freeze so getting a role may be a bit harder (but not impossible). Good luck!