Research Associate, Human Workforce Learning and AI & Learning Initiatives

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Tuition assistance

Wellbeing resources

Retirement plans

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is seeking a full-time Research Associate to advance two initiatives: the AI & Learning Initiative and the Workforce Learning and Artificial Intelligence Initiative (WLAI). The role splits focus 70/30 between AI learning and workforce AI work, reporting to the WLAI Faculty Director.

Responsibilities include tool design, development, and iteration; stakeholder research; and producing thought leadership content.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent
• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
• Experience with design-based and mixed-methods research workflows

Responsibilities

• Support AI-learning tool design, development and iteration grounded in the science of learning and human thriving.
• Coordinate user research and usability testing with educators, students, and stakeholders.
• Conduct and synthesize research on AI in education and human–AI interaction.
• Contribute to thought leadership (briefs, articles, presentations) and external communications.
• Lead and support program and partnership development with employers, workforce boards, and education partners.

Skills

Research coordination

Program coordination

Design thinking

User-centered design

Partnership development

Communication skills

Adaptability

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree

Tools

R

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Education?

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.

Job Description

Job Summary:

TwonewinitiativesattheHarvardGraduateSchoolofEducation(HGSE)jointlyseekafull-time Research Associate to support research, partnership development, and programmatic activities across two complementary efforts:

• The AI & Learning Initiative, which advances an agenda around AI and human development,withafocusonthescienceoflearning,development,andhumanthriving.
• The Workforce Learning and Artificial Intelligence Initiative(WLAI),whichfocuseson how adults learn and develop skills in and for work.

Thisroleissplitacrosseachinitiative(70%AI&Learning,30% WLAI)

Reporting to WLAI Faculty Director Dr. Tessa Forshaw, and working closely with the AI and LearningInitiativeteam,collaboratorsacrossHGSE,andexternalorganizations,theResearch Associate will operate at the intersection of learning science, workforce practice, and AI in education.

Job-Specific Responsibilities: AI&LearningInitiative,(70%)

AI-LearningToolDesign,Development,andIteration(~30%)

• Supportthedesign,development,andtestingofAI-learningtools,ensuringtheyare grounded in the science of learning, development, and human thriving.
• Help translate research and faculty expertise into tool features, content, and user experiencesthatarepracticalforeducators,parents,policymakers,andtechnology builders.
• MaintainandupdatetheLab’strainingcorpusandunderlyingAImodels,incorporating new content, research findings, and user feedback
• Coordinateandconductuserresearchandusabilitytestingwitheducators,students, and other stakeholders to understand needs, pain points, and opportunities for improvement.
• Collect,analyze,andsynthesizeuserfeedbacktoinformiterativedesigncyclesand revised versions of AI-learning tools.
• Monitoremergingtrends,practices,andquestionsinAIandeducationtoensurethe lab’s tools remain responsive to the field’s evolving needs.

ResearchandCommunications(~20%)

• ConductandsynthesizeresearchonAIineducation,developmentalconsiderations,and human–AI interaction in learning contexts.
• Supportthoughtleadershipactivities(e.g.,writingbriefs,articles,andpresentations) that help shape public and professional conversations about AI and learning.
• Contributetoexternal-facingcontent(e.g.,websitecopy,newsletters,slidedecks,social media) to share the Lab’s tools, insights, and events with broader audiences.

WorkforceLearning&AIInitiative(30%)

Research(~15%)

• Contribute to a focused research agenda on workplace learning and AI in workforce contexts,includingliteraturereviews,synthesis,andappliedwriting(e.g.,briefs,case studies).
• Supportdesign-basedandmixed-methodsresearchincludingstudydesign,protocol development, data collection, and IRB processes.
• Collectandanalyzequalitativeandquantitativedata(e.g.,qualitativecoding,thematic analysis, descriptive statistics, and basic quantitative methods).

Program&PartnershipDevelopment(~15%)

• SupportWLAI’scertificateprogramincludingcoordinatingtheteachingteam,preparing curriculum materials, and gathering feedback from participants and partners.
• Leadorsupportpartnershipdevelopmentandmanagementwithemployers,workforce boards, training providers, and other organizational partners, including:
  • Serveasday-to-daypointofcontactfortheUNITARpartnership,coordinating scopes of work, timelines, and deliverables.
  • Identifyingandcultivatingnewappliedresearchandprogrammaticpartners.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor'sdegree required
• Minimum 4years of relevant experience (such as research, project/program coordination,consulting,learninganddevelopment,workforcedevelopment,productor tool development, or related work).
• Experiencewithbasicquantitativemethods(e.g.,descriptivestatistics,linear regression) and statistical software such as R or similar tools.
• Experiencecoordinatingmulti-stakeholderprojectsorprogramsineducation,workforce, or adjacent fields.
• Occasionalearlymorning,evening,orweekendhoursmayberequiredtosupport events, partner meetings, and program activities.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as education, learning sciences, cognitive science, psychology, organizational behavior, public policy, human–computer interaction,or a related discipline. Equivalent professional experience in L&D, consulting, workforce development, or adjacent fields will also be considered.
• Experiencewithdesign-basedresearch,designthinking,oruser-centereddesign approaches, particularly in educational or workforce settings.
• Demonstratedexperienceinpartnershipdevelopmentandmanagement,suchas working with employers, workforce boards, education systems, or technology companies.
• Demonstratedinterestinworkplacelearning,workforcedevelopment,adultskill acquisition, and/or the application of learning science to professional contexts.
• DemonstratedinterestinorexperiencewithAIineducationorworkforcecontexts, including comfort learning and using AI tools across research, productivity, and/or educational applications.
• Initiative,adaptability,andcomfortworkinginnewandevolvinginitiativeswherethe work spans research, programming, partnerships, and communications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor communicationtoacademic,professional,technical,andpractitioner audiences.
• Strongabilitytoworkbothindependentlyandcollaborativelyinafast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Experiencemaintainingdatasets/corporaorfine-tuningAImodelsisaplus

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: One year from date of hire.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $90,000 - $95,000commensurate with experience
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity andEducation

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

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.