Senior Software Engineer, Computational Policy Lab

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Computational Policy Lab at the Shorenstein Center at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is seeking a Senior 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 Harvard Kennedy School and its program of visiting fellows, conferences and initiatives, the Center is at the forefront of its area of inquiry.

Requirements

• Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience
• 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.
• 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, the delivery of public benefits, 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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior