The Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering
Software Engineer, Computational Policy Lab
The Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering, Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140
Software Engineer, Computational Policy Lab
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 and focuses on building high‑performance, production‑ready systems for large‑scale research projects in education technology and public policy.
Job Details School/Unit:
Harvard Kennedy School
Department:
Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy
Job Function:
Information Technology
Location:
Cambridge, MA (hybrid work possible)
Job Type:
Full‑time
Salary Grade:
057
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Union:
Non‑Union, Exempt or Temporary
Term Appointment:
Yes, fully benefits‑eligible, ending one year from hire with possible renewal
Application Requirements
Resume
Cover Letter including:
A link to a piece of code on GitHub that you wrote, preferably something that demonstrates your technical skills and you'd enjoy walking us through in 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
Independently perform complex web application development for projects of large to very large size and complexity.
Design and develop complex software systems for large‑scale research projects, focusing 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.
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 researchers to translate theoretical models and experimental designs into high‑performance, production‑ready systems.
Co‑author or contribute to academic publications and technical reports for peer‑reviewed journals, conferences, and lay audiences.
Stay abreast of emerging technologies and research developments related to AI, computational social science, and causal inference.
Abide by and follow Harvard University IT technical standards, policies, and Code of Conduct.
Projects You Will Work On
AI in Education:
Design, implement, and scale AI‑powered technologies tailored for student learning. Current flagship tool,
PingPong , is evaluated through a large‑scale randomized experiment across universities and community colleges nationwide. Additional innovations include virtual lectures, personalized student diagnostics, and teacher co‑pilot tools.
AI in Public Policy:
Build robust, production‑quality systems that improve public service delivery and decision‑making. Examples include tools that assist county prosecutors in unbiased charging decisions, help public defender clients avoid jail time due to missed court dates, and support adjudicators processing unemployment insurance claims.
Qualifications Basic Qualifications:
Minimum of two years of 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 or TypeScript and familiarity with Svelte or React preferred.
Additional Information
Appointment End Date:
Fully benefits‑eligible term appointment ending one year from hire, with possibility of renewal.
Visa Sponsorship Information:
Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Pre‑Employment Screening:
Identity, Education.
Work Format Details This position can be performed at a non‑Harvard location based on operational needs. Employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard‑registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Specific details will be discussed during the interview process, and visa or funding restrictions 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
Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
Retirement plans with university contributions.
Well‑being and mental health resources.
Support for families and caregivers.
Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.
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. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy prohibits 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. Our commitment extends to all community members participating in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.
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Job Details School/Unit:
Harvard Kennedy School
Department:
Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy
Job Function:
Information Technology
Location:
Cambridge, MA (hybrid work possible)
Job Type:
Full‑time
Salary Grade:
057
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Union:
Non‑Union, Exempt or Temporary
Term Appointment:
Yes, fully benefits‑eligible, ending one year from hire with possible renewal
Application Requirements
Resume
Cover Letter including:
A link to a piece of code on GitHub that you wrote, preferably something that demonstrates your technical skills and you'd enjoy walking us through in 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
Independently perform complex web application development for projects of large to very large size and complexity.
Design and develop complex software systems for large‑scale research projects, focusing 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.
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 researchers to translate theoretical models and experimental designs into high‑performance, production‑ready systems.
Co‑author or contribute to academic publications and technical reports for peer‑reviewed journals, conferences, and lay audiences.
Stay abreast of emerging technologies and research developments related to AI, computational social science, and causal inference.
Abide by and follow Harvard University IT technical standards, policies, and Code of Conduct.
Projects You Will Work On
AI in Education:
Design, implement, and scale AI‑powered technologies tailored for student learning. Current flagship tool,
PingPong , is evaluated through a large‑scale randomized experiment across universities and community colleges nationwide. Additional innovations include virtual lectures, personalized student diagnostics, and teacher co‑pilot tools.
AI in Public Policy:
Build robust, production‑quality systems that improve public service delivery and decision‑making. Examples include tools that assist county prosecutors in unbiased charging decisions, help public defender clients avoid jail time due to missed court dates, and support adjudicators processing unemployment insurance claims.
Qualifications Basic Qualifications:
Minimum of two years of 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 or TypeScript and familiarity with Svelte or React preferred.
Additional Information
Appointment End Date:
Fully benefits‑eligible term appointment ending one year from hire, with possibility of renewal.
Visa Sponsorship Information:
Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Pre‑Employment Screening:
Identity, Education.
Work Format Details This position can be performed at a non‑Harvard location based on operational needs. Employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard‑registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Specific details will be discussed during the interview process, and visa or funding restrictions 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
Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
Retirement plans with university contributions.
Well‑being and mental health resources.
Support for families and caregivers.
Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.
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. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy prohibits 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. Our commitment extends to all community members participating in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.
#J-18808-Ljbffr