Senior ML Research Engineer (68171BR)

Position Description

Job SummaryThe 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.

Position Description

Summary

• 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.
  
  

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
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• 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
  
  

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting
  
  

Additional Information

We are unable to provide visa sponsorships for these positions.

This position has a 6-month orientation and review period.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. 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.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/benefits-wellbeing ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
  
  

Job Function

Information Technology

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

I0760P Applications Professional VI

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Interfaculty Initiatives

Salary Grade

060

Department

Kempner Institute

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week

Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify this excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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