About the job
The Computational Policy Lab at the Shorenstein Center at Harvard Kennedy School is on the lookout for a Senior Software Engineer with deep expertise in software development, generative AI, and data science. This role is embedded within the Shorenstein Center, which focuses on critical areas of inquiry at the intersection of media, politics, and public policy. As part of our team, you will play a vital role in advancing teaching and research initiatives that strive to make a meaningful impact.
Application Requirements
- To be considered, applications must include:
- A detailed resume
- A cover letter that includes:
- A link to a code sample on GitHub that showcases your technical abilities, ideally a project you would enjoy discussing in an interview
- A brief description of the linked project
- Verification of your legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship for a minimum of two years
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Your main duties will include:
- Independently managing complex applications/web development for large-scale projects
- Designing and implementing sophisticated software systems geared towards large-scale research projects, focusing on educational technology and generative AI tools.
- Utilizing recent advancements in machine learning and natural language processing to create, test, and deploy cutting-edge algorithmic tools that support empirical research.
- Leading and collaborating on projects that involve AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and extensive experimentation.
- Contributing to the design and implementation of randomized controlled trials and other empirical methodologies to assess the effectiveness of AI-driven interventions.
- Working closely with researchers to convert theoretical models into high-performance, production-ready systems.
- Co-authoring or contributing to academic papers and reports for peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and broader audiences.
- Keeping up with emerging technologies and research in AI, computational social science, and causal inference.
- Adhering to Harvard University’s IT technical standards and Code of Conduct.
Projects you may be involved in include, but are not limited to:
AI in Education: We are developing AI-powered technologies that exceed standard tools by providing customized support for student learning. Our flagship tool, PingPong, is currently being evaluated through a large-scale randomized experiment.

