Software Engineer — AI for Public Policy Lab

Harvard University FAS Human Resources; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard Kennedy School's Computational Policy Lab at the Shorenstein Center seeks a Software Engineer with expertise in software development, generative AI, and data science to work on large-scale education technology projects. This fellowship is hosted within the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy.

You will design, develop, and deploy production-grade AI tools, collaborate with researchers, and contribute to academic publications while upholding Harvard IT standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of two years' relevant full-time work experience.
• Experience working with generative AI pipelines.
• Experience deploying software in a cloud environment.
• Demonstrated team performance skills, service mindset, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor.
• Full stack development experience with Python / TypeScript and familiarity with Svelte / React preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform complex applications/web development for projects of large to very large size and complexity
• Design and develop complex software systems for large-scale research projects, with a focus on education technology and generative AI-based tools.
• Leverage breakthroughs in machine learning and natural language processing to build, test, and deploy advanced algorithmic tools that underpin rigorous empirical research in real-world environments.
• Lead and collaborate on technically challenging projects involving AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and large-scale experimentation.
• Contribute to the design and execution of randomized controlled trials and other empirical methods used to evaluate the impact of AI-driven interventions.
• Collaborate closely with other researchers to translate theoretical models and experimental designs into high-performance, production-ready systems.
• Co-author or contribute to academic publications and technical reports intended for peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and lay audiences.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and research developments related to AI, computational social science, and causal inference.
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT technical standards, policies and Code of Conduct.

Skills

Generative AI pipelines

Cloud deployment

Full stack development

Python

TypeScript

Svelte

React

Team collaboration

Advising/mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Data Science or related field

2+ years post-secondary education or related work experience

Tools

Python

TypeScript

Svelte

React

Job description

Harvard Kennedy School's Computational Policy Lab at the Shorenstein Center seeks a Software Engineer with expertise in software development, generative AI, and data science to work on large-scale education technology projects. This fellowship is hosted within the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy.

You will design, develop, and deploy production-grade AI tools, collaborate with researchers, and contribute to academic publications while upholding Harvard IT standards.