Innovation Research Fellow

SCOPE OF WORK AND ROLE DESCRIPTION

INNOVATION RESEARCH FELLOW

Miami-Dade Innovation Authority, Inc. dba MDIA helps municipalities fast track how they pilot and procure emerging technology that enable local governments to more effectively and efficiently address pressing issues that impact resident quality of life in cities.

We leverage pilot based Public Innovation Challenges to accelerate the discovery and adoption of innovative solutions to critical public challenges by identifying, investing in, and supporting early-to-growth stage companies to pilot, test, and validate their technology in collaboration with the economic engines and local government.

Duration: Minimum of three (3) months, with flexibility.

Hours: 8-10 hours per week, with flexibility based on availability.

Employment Type: Academic credit option or $500 monthly stipend

Location: Miami, FL (Hybrid)

Start Date: Rolling

Level: Fellowship (Graduate/Master’s student)

THE ROLE:

MDIA is seeking Innovation Research Fellows to support short-term, high-impact research projects that inform our pilot programming and broader civic innovation strategy. This part-time fellowship position is ideal for graduate students in policy, business, marketing, data science, or engineering fields looking to apply their skills to real-world, mission-driven work.

Each fellow will be assigned to one of three core research areas based on their experience and interests. These project-based tracks allow fellows to dive deep into a strategic research focus while contributing to MDIA’s broader mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research aligned with the assigned project track

• Synthesize complex data and research into actionable summaries and strategic insights

• Draft reports, briefs, and presentations tailored to specific audiences (e.g., executive teams, government partners, startup stakeholders)

• Support the pilot team with knowledge management, templates, and documentation as needed

• Participate in check-ins and feedback sessions with MDIA staff for guidance and project alignment

PROJECT TRACKS:

Each track includes retrospective analysis and forward-looking research, with deliverables that may include internal reports, executive briefings, and public-facing summaries.

1. Data & AI Systems (Ideal for Computer Science, Data Science, or Engineering students):

• Evaluate MDIA’s technical infrastructure (e.g., secure sandboxes, API layers, cloud-based environments) to identify opportunities for modeling, automation, or improved usability

• Explore the role of data pipelines and sandbox environments in enabling scalable, third-party innovation

• Contribute to both retrospective data reviews and forward-looking research on how AI/ML models or technical infrastructure can enhance government technology deployments

• Deliverables may include: dashboards, briefings for executive leadership, and 1-page summaries for policymakers

2. Innovation Policy & Strategy (Ideal for MPA, MPP, or MBA students):

• Analyze quantitative data emerging from MDIA pilot programs to identify patterns, performance metrics, and areas for improvement

• Conduct retrospective and prospective research on MDIA’s public innovation challenges, examining how pilot projects address civic and societal needs

• Analyze the policy and regulatory landscape influencing innovation in Miami-Dade County and nationally

• Deliverables may include briefings for executive leadership and 1-page summaries for policymakers

3. Innovation Market Landscape (Ideal for Marketing, Strategy, or Public Affairs students):

• Conduct comparative research on innovation teams, offices, and procurement practices across U.S. cities, states, and counties

• Analyze market trends in civic tech and public-sector innovation, with a particular focus on implementation, adoption barriers, and procurement pathways

• Deliverables may include briefings for executive leadership and 1-page summaries for policymakers

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong research and analytical skills, with an ability to interpret qualitative and quantitative inputs

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s program (MPA, MBA, MPP, Computer Science, Marketing, Data Science, or related fields)

• Clear, professional writing style and the ability to communicate ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences

• Self-motivated with excellent time management and organizational abilities

• Proficient in tools such as Google Suite; familiarity with Notion, Canva, or Asana is a plus

• Demonstrated interest in civic innovation, public-private partnerships, or applied research

• Familiarity with nonprofit or startup environments is a plus

YOU’D BE A GOOD FIT IF YOU:

• Resonate with our work, mission and purpose.  You believe in our core values: inclusion, diversity, connectivity, access to opportunity, and racial equity.
• Strive for a high-impact, low-ego working style, have a passion for working with others (being collaborative) and a deep commitment to mission and team.
• Are goal-oriented, driven, determined, highly energetic, hard-working, an out-of-the-box thinker and unfailingly dependable.
• Have a passion for working with startups and patience for working with large enterprises
• You have developed an aptitude for learning new technologies, able to navigate new tech quickly and efficiently
• Have a willingness to learn new skills and adapt to the needs of the organization.
• Are a good listener. You know when it is pertinent to speak and when it is better to be quiet. Highly developed self-awareness.
• Deliver well ahead of deadlines.

MDIA reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This scope of work and role description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. MDIA’s hiring and employment policy is to provide equal opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or other protected classes prohibited by applicable law. Further, we take special and intentional consideration to ensure that applicants are evaluated equally without regard to any of these characteristics. We do not tolerate discrimination of any type or form.