Postdoctoral AI Researcher in AI​/ML Foundation Models, Scientific , and AI Systems

Overview

The Kempner Institute at Harvard University seeks early-career researchers to shape the future of AI as Postdoctoral AI Researchers. Candidates should have deep expertise in modern machine learning and a strong record of research accomplishment, and be excited to advance foundation models, agentic systems, and new AI approaches for high-impact scientific applications.

• foundation model training, evaluation, scaling, and adaptation
• agentic workflows, tool-augmented models, and AI systems
• bespoke scientific applications of AI/ML, including the life sciences
• alternative architectures and systems-level approaches to modern AI

Postdoctoral AI Researchers will work closely with Kempner faculty, researchers, and students on foundational machine learning and domain-informed scientific applications. These positions are well suited to candidates prepared to contribute to advanced research programs in modern AI while continuing to grow as scholars within a collaborative academic environment.

• Conduct research under the general supervision of one or more Kempner faculty members.
• One-year appointment; reappointment may be possible for up to a total of three years, contingent on funding, project needs, satisfactory performance, and mutual interest.
• Full-time, benefits-eligible postdoctoral appointment based at the Kempner Institute at Harvard University.
• Position is based on campus; remote work not possible.

• PhD in computer science, statistics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, computational biology, or a related quantitative field required by the expected start date.
• PhD awarded on or after September 15, 2024, or on-track to complete all PhD requirements by October 15, 2026.
• Demonstrated expertise in modern AI/ML, including deep learning and hands-on experience with frameworks such as PyTorch or JAX.
• Strong publication record in leading venues such as ICML, ICLR, NeurIPS, or comparable conferences and journals.
• Experience implementing, training, evaluating, or fine-tuning modern machine learning models.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience building and maintaining research code.
• Experience using AI-assisted and agentic coding tools such as Claude Code, Codex, or similar systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment and communicate technical work clearly.

• Experience with foundation model training, post-training, adaptation, or evaluation.
• Experience with agentic workflows, tool use, retrieval systems, or related AI systems.
• Experience with large-scale datasets, distributed training, or high-performance computing environments.
• Interest in scientific applications of AI/ML, including the life sciences.
• Interest in alternative architectures and systems-level approaches to AI.

Molly Marshall

Contact Email:
Kempner Institute

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.

Expected salary is $100,000
, subject to compliance with the applicable salary requirements for the appointment. This is a benefits-eligible position.