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.

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:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Twonewinitiativesatthe Harvard Graduate Schoolof Education (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.

• The Workforce Learning and Artificial Intelligence Initiative (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 Learning Initiative team,collaboratorsacrossHGSE,andexternalorganizations,the Research Associate will operate at the intersection of learning science, workforce practice, and AI in education.

AI&Learning Initiative,(70%)

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

• Supportthedesign,development,andtestingofAI-learning tools,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,and technology builders.

• Maintainandupdatethe Lab’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.

Research and Communications(~20%)

• ConductandsynthesizeresearchonAIineducation,developmental considerations,and human–AI interaction in learning contexts.

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

• Contributetoexternal-facing content(e.g.,website copy,newsletters,slide decks,social media) to share the Lab’s tools, insights, and events with broader audiences.

• Contribute to a focused research agenda on workplace learning and AI in workforce contexts,includingliteraturereviews,synthesis,andappliedwriting(e.g.,briefs,case studies).

• Support design-basedandmixed-methodsresearchincludingstudydesign,protocol development, data collection, and IRB processes.

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

• 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.

  • I…