Professor Botelho's research is in the areas of entrepreneurship, labor markets, organizational sociology, and strategy. One stream of his research focuses on the factors that contribute to bias and inequality in evaluation processes. A recent project examines how receiving a status award affects evaluators' likelihood of exhibiting bias in subsequent evaluations. In his other stream of work, Professor Botelho uses evaluations to understand the market and organizational factors that affect career-related outcomes, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship. In recent work, he focuses on how failure in high-tech startups affects founders and their employees' subsequent careers. This research most frequently draws on data he collects through collaborations with technology-focused startups. He uses a diverse set of methodologies, including analyzing observational data and conducting field experiments. This research is published in leading journals, covered by various media outlets, and recognized by several awards.

Before joining Yale, Professor Botelho earned his masters and doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management and his bachelor's degree from Providence College.