Research Associate, Human Workforce Learning and AI & Learning Initiatives in Cambridge, Massachusetts at Harvard University

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Job Summary:

Two new initiatives at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) jointly seek a full-time Research Associate to support research, partnership development, and programmatic activities across two complementary efforts:

• The AI & Learning Initiative, which advances an agenda around AI and human development, with a focus on the science of learning, development, and human thriving.

• The Workforce Learning and Artificial Intelligence Initiative (WLAI), which focuses on how adults learn and develop skills in and for work.

This role is split across each initiative (70% AI & Learning, 30% WLAI)

Reporting to WLAI Faculty Director Dr. Tessa Forshaw, and working closely with the AI and Learning Initiative team, collaborators across HGSE, and external organizations, the Research Associate will operate at the intersection of learning science, workforce practice, and AI in education.

Job-Specific Responsibilities: AI & Learning Initiative, (70%)

AI-Learning Tool Design, Development, and Iteration (~30%)

• Support the design, development, and testing of AI-learning tools, ensuring they are grounded in the science of learning, development, and human thriving.

• Help translate research and faculty expertise into tool features, content, and user experiences that are practical for educators, parents, policymakers, and technology builders.

• Maintain and update the Labs training corpus and underlying AI models, incorporating new content, research findings, and user feedback

• Coordinate and conduct user research and usability testing with educators, students, and other stakeholders to understand needs, pain points, and opportunities for improvement.

• Collect, analyze, and synthesize user feedback to inform iterative design cycles and revised versions of AI-learning tools.

• Monitor emerging trends, practices, and questions in AI and education to ensure the labs tools remain responsive to the fields evolving needs.

Research and Communications (~20%)

• Conduct and synthesize research on AI in education, developmental considerations, and humanAI interaction in learning contexts.

• Support thought leadership activities (e.g., writing briefs, articles, and presentations) that help shape public and professional conversations about AI and learning.

• Contribute to external-facing content (e.g., website copy, newsletters, slide decks, social media) to share the Labs tools, insights, and events with broader audiences.

Workforce Learning & AI Initiative (30%)

Research (~15%)

• Contribute to a focused research agenda on workplace learning and AI in workforce contexts, including literature reviews, synthesis, and applied writing (e.g., briefs, case studies).

• Support design-based and mixed-methods research including study design, protocol development, data collection, and IRB processes.

• Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data (e.g., qualitative coding, thematic analysis, descriptive statistics, and basic quantitative methods).

Program & Partnership Development (~15%)

• Support WLAIs certificate program including coordinating the teaching team, preparing curriculum materials, and gathering feedback from participants and partners.

• Lead or support partnership development and management with employers, workforce boards, training providers, and other organizational partners, including:

  • Serve as day-to-day point of contact for the UNITAR partnership, coordinating scopes of work, timelines, and deliverables.

  • Identifying and cultivating new applied research and programmatic partners.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum 4 years of relevant experience (such as research, project/program coordination, consulting, learning and development, workforce development, product or tool development, or related work).
• Experience with basic quantitative methods (e.g., descriptive statistics, linear regression) and statistical software such as R or similar tools.
• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder projects or programs in education, workforce, or adjacent fields.
• Occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours may be required to support events, partner meetings, and program activities.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Masters degree in a relevant field such as education, learning sciences, cognitive science, psychology, organizational behavior, public policy, humancomputer interaction, or a related discipline. Equivalent professional experience in L&D, consulting, workforce development, or adjacent fields will also be considered.
• Experience with design-based research, design thinking, or user-centered design approaches, particularly in educational or workforce settings.
• Demonstrated experience in partnership development and management, such as working with employers, workforce boards, education systems, or technology companies.
• Demonstrated interest in workplace learning, workforce development, adult skill acquisition, and/or the application of learning science to professional contexts.
• Demonstrated interest in or experience with AI in education or workforce contexts, including comfort learning and using AI tools across research, productivity, and/or educational applications.
• Initiative, adaptability, and comfort working in new and evolving initiatives where the work spans research, programming, partnerships, and communications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor communication to academic, professional, technical, and practitioner audiences.
• Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Experience maintaining datasets/corpora or fine-tuning AI models is a plus

• Appointment End Date: One year from date of hire.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $90,000 - $95,000 commensurate with experience
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

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 Universitys 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.

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. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting 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 or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.