Research Associate, Human Workforce Learning and AI & Learning Initiatives

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 the Harvard Graduate School of Education? The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education. Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: Job Summary: TwonewinitiativesattheHarvardGraduateSchoolofEducation(HGSE)jointlyseekafull-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,withafocusonthescienceoflearning,development,andhumanthriving. TheWorkforceLearningandArtificialIntelligenceInitiative(WLAI),whichfocuseson how adults learn and develop skills in and for work. Thisroleissplitacrosseachinitiative(70%AI&Learning,30% WLAI) Reporting to WLAI Faculty Director Dr. Tessa Forshaw, and working closely with the AI and LearningInitiativeteam,collaboratorsacrossHGSE,andexternalorganizations,theResearch Associate will operate at the intersection of learning science, workforce practice, and AI in education. Job-Specific Responsibilities: AI&LearningInitiative,(70%) AI-LearningToolDesign,Development,andIteration(~30%) Supportthedesign,development,andtestingofAI-learningtools,ensuringtheyare grounded in the science of learning, development, and human thriving. Help translate research and faculty expertise into tool features, content, and user experiencesthatarepracticalforeducators,parents,policymakers,andtechnology builders. MaintainandupdatetheLab’strainingcorpusandunderlyingAImodels,incorporating new content, research findings, and user feedback Coordinateandconductuserresearchandusabilitytestingwitheducators,students, and other stakeholders to understand needs, pain points, and opportunities for improvement. Collect,analyze,andsynthesizeuserfeedbacktoinformiterativedesigncyclesand revised versions of AI-learning tools. Monitoremergingtrends,practices,andquestionsinAIandeducationtoensurethe lab’s tools remain responsive to the field’s evolving needs. ResearchandCommunications(~20%) ConductandsynthesizeresearchonAIineducation,developmentalconsiderations,and human–AI interaction in learning contexts. Supportthoughtleadershipactivities(e.g.,writingbriefs,articles,andpresentations) that help shape public and professional conversations about AI and learning. Contributetoexternal-facingcontent(e.g.,websitecopy,newsletters,slidedecks,social media) to share the Lab’s tools, insights, and events with broader audiences. WorkforceLearning&AIInitiative(30%) Research(~15%) Contribute to a focused research agenda on workplace learning and AI in workforce contexts,includingliteraturereviews,synthesis,andappliedwriting(e.g.,briefs,case studies). Supportdesign-basedandmixed-methodsresearchincludingstudydesign,protocol development, data collection, and IRB processes. Collectandanalyzequalitativeandquantitativedata(e.g.,qualitativecoding,thematic analysis, descriptive statistics, and basic quantitative methods). Program&PartnershipDevelopment(~15%) SupportWLAI’scertificateprogramincludingcoordinatingtheteachingteam,preparing curriculum materials, and gathering feedback from participants and partners. Leadorsupportpartnershipdevelopmentandmanagementwithemployers,workforce boards, training providers, and other organizational partners, including: Serveasday-to-daypointofcontactfortheUNITARpartnership,coordinating scopes of work, timelines, and deliverables. Identifyingandcultivatingnewappliedresearchandprogrammaticpartners. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor'sdegree required Minimum 4years of relevant experience (such as research, project/program coordination,consulting,learninganddevelopment,workforcedevelopment,productor tool development, or related work). Experiencewithbasicquantitativemethods(e.g.,descriptivestatistics,linear regression) and statistical software such as R or similar tools. Experiencecoordinatingmulti-stakeholderprojectsorprogramsineducation,workforce, or adjacent fields. Occasionalearlymorning,evening,orweekendhoursmayberequiredtosupport events, partner meetings, and program activities. Additional Qualifications and Skills: Master’s degree in a relevant field such as education, learning sciences, cognitive science, psychology, organizational behavior, public policy, human–computer interaction,or a related discipline. Equivalent professional experience in L&D, consulting, workforce development, or adjacent fields will also be considered. Experiencewithdesign-basedresearch,designthinking,oruser-centereddesign approaches, particularly in educational or workforce settings. Demonstratedexperienceinpartnershipdevelopmentandmanagement,suchas working with employers, workforce boards, education systems, or technology companies. Demonstratedinterestinworkplacelearning,workforcedevelopment,adultskill acquisition, and/or the application of learning science to professional contexts. DemonstratedinterestinorexperiencewithAIineducationorworkforcecontexts, including comfort learning and using AI tools across research, productivity, and/or educational applications. Initiative,adaptability,andcomfortworkinginnewandevolvinginitiativeswherethe work spans research, programming, partnerships, and communications. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor communicationtoacademic,professional,technical,andpractitioneraudiences. Strongabilitytoworkbothindependentlyandcollaborativelyinafast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. Experiencemaintainingdatasets/corporaorfine-tuningAImodelsisaplus 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 - $95,000commensurate with experience Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position Pre-Employment Screening: Identity andEducation Work Format Details #J-18808-Ljbffr Harvard University