Senior ML Research Engineer - job 1 of 2

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Direct advanced applications development for major and highly complex projects; typically work as part of a team to implement complex business solutions. Manage a number of projects simultaneously.  Define problem(s), design and gain resources to carry our solution(s). Set the strategic direction for the applications development group. Design, plan, and implement software and data services that support and enrich research productivity and reliability.  Develop software and data services with researchers to ensure that modern standards of reproducible research are kept.

The Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural and Artificial Intelligence at Harvard University is a dynamic and diverse community of students, scientists, and engineers dedicated to unraveling the basis of intelligence in both natural and artificial contexts and leveraging these findings to develop groundbreaking technologies. To support this growing community of scientists and students, the Kempner Institute has established one of the largest academic AI supercomputers in the world. Additionally, the institute is hiring senior engineers with deep experience in machine learning and AI to facilitate cutting-edge research.

We are hiring a Senior ML Research Engineer with a proven record of technical leadership and solid engineering skills to enhance our Research & Engineering team at the Kempner Institute. The Senior ML Research Engineer will play a critical role in building robust machine-learning codebase, distributing AI/ML models on the AI cluster, and utilizing their expertise to tackle complex challenges in large AI/ML applications.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for pushing the boundaries of AI/ML technologies and an enthusiasm to contribute to a collaborative and innovative environment. Harvard University encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives to join the Kempner Institute.
 

Core Duties:

• Advise researchers in the design, planning, and implementation of software or data analysis that enriches research productivity and reliability
• Build deep understanding of specific research activities through regular engagements
• Develop a scope of work and timely project plan with regular milestones
• Build and maintain software code and custom data processing pipelines for complex environments
• Apply firm understanding of numerical methods or data analysis to develop custom solutions to meet researchers’ needs
• Work in a team of developers and researchers in collaboration with systems professionals
• Provide regular communications to stakeholders with project updates
• Build internal code design and development guides for future contributors
• Build advanced curriculum and teach workshops for researchers on sustainable software and data management practices that preserve the reproducibility of their research domain
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT technical standards, policies and Code of Conduct

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

• Minimum of seven years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Expertise in implementing software engineering best practices such as code reviews, version control, documentation, and agile methodologies.
• Strong experience in machine learning/AI research and technical support.
• Deep understanding of modern machine learning architectures and optimization techniques.
• Proficiency in deep learning frameworks (PyTorch).
• Experience with Nvidia GPU stack and HPC technologies.
• Detail-oriented expertise, with strong problem-solving skills to support research.
• Excellent communication skills, able to simplify complex tech concepts.
• Strong team player with a service mindset, able to guide researchers.
• Proven track record of success in working in a cross-functional team in an agile environment.        

Certificates and Licenses:

• Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity. Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
• This position has a 6-month orientation and review period. 

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Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). 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 060. 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, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, 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.