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Harvard University

Software Engineer, Computational Policy Lab

Closes:

624

Job Details

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 Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

Job Description

Professor Goel’s Computational Policy Lab at the Shorenstein Center at Harvard Kennedy School is seeking a Software Engineer with specialized expertise in software development, generative AI, and data science. This position is housed within the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. Through teaching and research at the Kennedy School of Government and its program of visiting fellows, conferences and initiatives, the Center is at the forefront of its area of inquiry.

Application Requirements

  • Applications must include the following, or they will be considered incomplete:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter including:
  • A link to a piece of code on GitHub that you wrote, ideally something that demonstrates your technical skills and you’d enjoy walking us through if you were selected for an interview
  • A short description of the project you linked to
  • Confirmation that you are legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for at least two years

Duties and Responsibilities

Core responsibilities encompass specialized tasks including:

  • 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 recent 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.

Projects you will work on include, but are not limited to:

  • AI in Education: We are designing and testing AI-powered technologies that go beyond generic tools like ChatGPT to provide tailored support for student learning. Our flagship tool, PingPong, is currently being evaluated through a large-scale randomized experiment across universities and community colleges nationwide. In addition, we are piloting innovations such as virtual lectures, personalized student diagnostics, and teacher co-pilot tools. This role will help design, implement, and scale these technologies so they can be rigorously tested and used in real classroom settings.
  • AI in Public Policy: We are engineering AI systems that improve public service delivery and decision-making. Examples include tools that assist county prosecutors in making unbiased charging decisions, help public defender clients to avoid jail time due to missed court dates, and support adjudicators as they process unemployment insurance claims. In this role, you will work on building robust, production-quality systems that can be deployed in high-stakes government environments where reliability, fairness, and performance are critical.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • Minimum of two years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree and/or relevant work experience in computer science, data science, or a closely related field, with a strong emphasis on advanced software engineering, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and empirical research methodologies.
  • Experience working with generative AI pipelines.
  • Experience deploying software in a cloud environment.
  • Demonstrated team performance skills, service mindset approach, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor.
  • Experience with Python / TypeScript and familiarity with Svelte / React preferred.

Additional Information

  • Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment, ending one year from date of hire, with the possibility of renewal.
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Important Application instructions:

  • Applications must include the following, or they will be considered incomplete:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter including:
  • A link to a piece of code on GitHub that you wrote, ideally something that demonstrates your technical skills and you’d enjoy walking us through if you were selected for an interview.
  • A short description of the project you linked to.
  • Confirmation that you are legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for at least two years.

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.

Job details

Title
Software Engineer, Computational Policy Lab
Employer
Harvard University
Location
Low Memorial Library, 208, 535 W 116th St, New York, NY 10027, USA
Published
Mar 31, 2026
Closes:
May 31, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Programmer/Analyst

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About the employer

Harvard University Jobs

Harvard University

4.0 Star Employer Ranking

Harvard University offers a diverse range of job and work opportunities across various categories, reflecting its status as a leading academic and research institution. These opportunities cater to different skill sets, academic backgrounds, and career stages. Harvard University Academic Positions - click here . Harvard University Staff Jobs - click here . The main types of jobs and work opportunities at Harvard: 1. Faculty and Academic Positions Tenure-Track Faculty : These roles include assistant, associate, and full professors across Harvard’s schools (e.g., Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School). Faculty engage in teaching, research, and service. Qualifications typically include a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, a strong research portfolio, and teaching experience. Openings vary by department and school, with competitive hiring processes. Non-Tenure-Track Faculty : Includes lecturers, preceptors, and visiting professors. These roles focus primarily on teaching or short-term research projects and may require a Ph.D. or significant expertise in the field. Research Appointments : Postdoctoral fellowships, research associates, and scientists work on cutting-edge research in fields like medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. These positions often require advanced degrees and are funded through grants or specific research programs. 2. Administrative and Professional Staff Administrative Roles : These include positions in academic administration (e.g., deans’ offices, registrar, admissions), student services, and program management. Examples include academic program coordinators, admissions officers, and financial aid advisors. These roles often require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and relevant experience. Professional Staff : Harvard employs professionals in areas like human resources, finance, communications, development (fundraising), and alumni relations. Examples include HR specialists, financial analysts, and marketing managers. These positions typically require specialized skills or certifications. Executive and Leadership Roles : Senior positions like directors, department heads, or executive administrators oversee operations in specific units or schools. These roles demand extensive experience and leadership skills. 3. Research and Laboratory Staff Research Support Staff : Includes lab managers, research technicians, and data analysts who support faculty and postdoctoral researchers in labs across disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. These roles often require technical skills, such as proficiency in lab equipment or data analysis software. Clinical Research Roles : At Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals, clinical research coordinators and specialists support medical and health-related studies. These positions may require certifications like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. 4. Technical and IT Staff Information Technology : Harvard employs IT professionals for roles like systems administrators, software developers, cybersecurity analysts, and data scientists to support its technological infrastructure. These positions require expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or network management. Library and Information Services : Harvard’s extensive library system hires librarians, archivists, and digital resource specialists. These roles often require a master’s degree in library science or related fields. 5. Support and Operations Staff Facilities and Operations : Includes roles in maintenance, custodial services, groundskeeping, and security. These positions ensure the smooth operation of Harvard’s campus and may not require advanced degrees but often need specific training or certifications. Dining and Hospitality : Harvard’s dining services employ chefs, food service workers, and catering staff to support campus dining halls and events. Administrative Support : Roles like executive assistants, office managers, and receptionists provide critical support to departments and faculty. 6. Student and Temporary Opportunities Student Employment : Harvard offers on-campus jobs for students, including work-study positions in libraries, dining halls, labs, and administrative offices. These roles are typically part-time and designed to accommodate academic schedules. Temporary and Seasonal Work : Temporary roles, such as event staff or short-term project assistants, are available for non-students as well. These are often listed through Harvard’s temporary staffing services. 7. Medical and Healthcare Roles Clinical and Healthcare Staff : Through Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital), opportunities exist for physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals. These roles require medical licenses or certifications. Public Health Professionals : The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health employs researchers, policy analysts, and program managers focused on global health initiatives. 8. Creative and Media Roles Arts and Culture : Harvard’s museums (e.g., Harvard Art Museums) and cultural institutions hire curators, educators, and exhibition staff. The American Repertory Theater employs artists, stage managers, and production staff. Communications and Media : Roles in writing, graphic design, social media, and public relations support Harvard’s outreach and branding efforts. Key Characteristics of Harvard Jobs Diversity of Roles : Harvard’s workforce spans academic, administrative, technical, and operational functions, with opportunities for both entry-level and highly specialized professionals. Competitive Benefits : Harvard offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and professional development. Faculty and staff also gain access to Harvard’s libraries, museums, and cultural events. Global Impact : Many roles, especially in research and public health, contribute to global advancements in knowledge and policy. Location : Most positions are based in Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts, with some remote or hybrid options, particularly for administrative and IT roles. How to Find Opportunities Harvard Careers Portal : The primary resource for job listings is Harvard’s Human Resources website (hr.harvard.edu/jobs), which lists openings for faculty, staff, and temporary roles. School-Specific Listings : Each Harvard school (e.g., Harvard College, Harvard Law School) may post specialized positions on their websites. Networking and Referrals : Many academic and research roles are filled through professional networks or direct outreach to departments. X Platform : Searching for “Harvard University jobs” on X can reveal real-time discussions, job postings, or employee experiences, though these should be verified through official channels. Additional Notes Qualifications : Requirements vary widely. Faculty roles typically need advanced degrees, while support roles may prioritize experience or specific skills. Work Environment : Harvard emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. Application Process : Most positions require an online application through Harvard’s careers portal, including a resume, cover letter, and sometimes additional materials like teaching statements or research portfolios.

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