Fellow in Research Engineering, Kempner Institute

Harvard University; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University is looking for a Fellow in Research Engineering at the Kempner Institute to enhance skills in AI/ML. This full-time position offers hands-on experience with model development and computing resources while working directly with research teams.

Applicants should be recent graduates with a background in Python and deep learning. The role is fully on-site in Allston, MA, with a minimum commitment of six months. Ideal candidates are eager to learn and engage in advanced AI/ML projects.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Python and PyTorch with a drive to enhance skills.
• Familiarity with fields like NLP, Computer Vision or strong interest.
• Basic skills in data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Interact with the research team to advance AI/ML skills.
• Develop and optimize AI/ML models and datasets.
• Learn software engineering best practices.

Skills

Proficiency in coding (Python)

Deep learning frameworks (PyTorch)

Familiarity with AI/ML fields

Data preprocessing and feature engineering

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree

Tools

GitHub

Hugging Face

Python libraries

Job description

Fellow in Research Engineering, Kempner Institute

Title Fellow in Research Engineering, Kempner Institute

School Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural and Artificial Intelligence

Position Description

The Engineering Fellowship Program at Kempner Institute at Harvard University offers a structured opportunity for recent graduates (fellows) to further their experience in AI/ML engineering. The program offers fellows a comprehensive, hands‑on learning experience that prepares them for a successful career in the AI/ML field.

Engineering Fellows will interact directly with a member of the Kempner Institute Research Engineering team to advance their skills and understanding of advanced technologies. This includes developing cutting‑edge AI/ML models and datasets; learning how to take advantage of unparalleled computing resources in the academic environment by optimizing AI/ML models including scaling models across a large set of GPUs; building or optimizing LLMs to tackle new, complex tasks; developing new models of brain circuits and function; and learning software engineering best practices including how to develop and disseminate reliable, reproducible open‑source AI/ML scientific software packages.

Products resulting from the fellows activities such as code, models, or datasets may be published on Kempner Institute public channels, including GitHub, Hugging Face, or our Research Blog.

The fellowship program is a full‑time (35-hour per week) position. Fellows are appointed for a minimum 6 month commitment, which is typically renewed for an additional 6 month term based on satisfactory performance and mutual interest.

The program is fully on‑site, in person in the Kempner Institute, 6th floor, Science and Engineering Complex in Allston, MA. Remote work is not possible in this position. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States. We are not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Basic Qualifications

• Proficiency in coding (Python) and deep learning frameworks (PyTorch) with a drive to enhance these skills.
• Familiarity with one of the AI/ML fields like Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Reinforcement Learning, generative models, or a strong interest in exploring them.
• Basic data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model evaluation, or a strong willingness to gain hands‑on experience.
• Eagerness to learn HPC concepts, including parallel computing, distributed systems, and optimization.
• Analytical skills, problem‑solving abilities, and a growth mindset.

Additional Qualifications

Applicants should be within three years of graduation from a bachelor’s or master’s degree at the time of application.

Special Instructions

Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter which:

• Briefly describes your educational background (50 words).
• Describes a project or experience where you used Python for coding or developing AI/ML models (100 words max).
• Describes any hands‑on experience you have in data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model evaluation (100 words max).
• Lists any additional skills or technologies you are proficient in (e.g., C++, Julia, AWS , TensorFlow, etc.) (50 words or less).

Cover letters should also include a rating for your:

• A. Proficiency in Python
• B. Experience with Deep Learning Frameworks (e.g., PyTorch)
• C. Familiarity with HPC including running serial or distributed jobs
• D. Familiarity with AI/ML fields

Using the following ratings:

• (2) Intermediate – have used it in projects
• (3) Advanced – extensive experience and deep understanding in multiple successful projects

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non‑discrimination policy . Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.