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Harvard Kennedy School · 2 weeks ago

Software Engineer, Computational Policy Lab

Cambridge, MA

Full-time

Hybrid

Entry, Mid Level

2+ years exp

Harvard Kennedy School is committed to improving public policy and leadership. They are seeking a Software Engineer for the Computational Policy Lab to develop complex software systems and AI technologies for large-scale research projects, focusing on education technology and public policy applications.

Education

Comp. & Benefits

No H1B

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 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

Qualification

Software developmentGenerative AIMachine learningData scienceCloud deploymentPythonTypeScriptTeam performanceService mindsetTrusted advisorSvelteReact

Required

Minimum of two 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

Preferred

Experience with Python / TypeScript and familiarity with Svelte / React

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

Company

Harvard Kennedy School

Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is a public policy and public administration school. It is a sub-organization of Harvard University.

Founded in 1936

Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

201-500 employees