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Job Description
The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University (BKC) seeks a Chief AI Scientist to lead its emerging AI Workstream suite of research programs, with particular focus on the Benchmarking Beyond Intelligence and Agentic AI Workstreams. The Chief AI Scientist will work closely with program leadership across the Berkman Klein Center and its Applied Social Media Lab to build those Workstreams, assist with designing the research agenda and methods for investigating concepts of machine learning and cognition, scope technical research projects related to priority issue areas in the fields of computer science, public policy, and philosophy, and advise on the development of similar workstreams. By pairing iterative benchmarking processes with interdisciplinary collaboration to surface both disagreement and consensus in the field, the Benchmarking Workstream aims to provide policymakers and the general public with empirical evidence to make informed decisions and better position themselves in this new era of AI.
In addition to their leadership role in the AI Workstreams, the Chief AI Scientist will contribute to related Center-wide priorities including the development and launch and public translation of forthcoming Applied Social Media Lab (ASML) tools and products with AI components as well as potential adaptation of those technologies for workstream initiatives. They will write, speak, and engage with numerous stakeholders on topics relevant to BKC work and contribute to the Center’s dynamic intellectual community which includes a wide range scholars, practitioners, innovators, and others committed to understanding and advancing the public interest. As a leading member of this community, the Chief AI Scientist will represent BKC to various audiences at conferences, workshops, and meetings within and beyond the Center and have frequent opportunities to expand their knowledge of technology, law, and policy. To learn more about Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, visit us at cyber.harvard.edu/about.
As Chief AI Scientist, you will:
- Co-design with faculty leadership the Workstreams’ research agenda, define priorities, and build the team while providing scholarly vision and advising leadership on technical details of current and projected AI systems as they collectively design the contours of the workstream model; contribute to the design and creation of additional workstreams as needed.
- Conduct innovative research and scholarship on AI methods, technical and public policy, philosophy and other scientific and humanistic topics related to debates around the development and recognition of machine sentience.
- Produce written outputs such as academic papers, public media, and reports for publication and internal use; may oversee the production of technical outputs including AI tools, creation and maintenance of datasets and machine learning models and related technology to support Workstream objectives.
- Cultivate and support relationships among scholars, professional fellows, and faculty within and beyond the Institute and experts in related fields, and engage with a range of stakeholders in academia, policy, and industry circles to advance Workstream goals.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on the Workstream goals and its intellectual underpinnings by presenting information in internal and public settings.
- Provide substantive and professional leadership to the Benchmarking Consciousness Workstream and related initiatives of BKC and ASML; May manage staff and fellows as the Workstream develops.
Based on the changing needs of the Center, the Chief AI Scientist may be called upon for other tasks at short notice.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
Advanced degree in technical field and 8 or more years of directly related and progressively responsible experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
We are looking for people who are/have:
- Effective communication and collaboration skills with a wide range of audiences and internal and external constituencies. Ability to work not just with academics or engineers, but across many functions and teams with their own agendas, to bring all voices into the conversation and lead people toward agreement on the path forward.
- Exceptional ethical standards and judgment; must be proactive and accountable, and be equipped to effectively manage multiple commitments, competing deadlines, and shifting priorities individually and in a team environment.
- Openness and flexibility. We don't know the answers to the questions the workstreams are asking. A successful candidate will be open to learning from experiments, hearing new ideas no matter where they come from, and changing course quickly.
- Global perspective. The emergence of AI is a global phenomenon. A successful candidate will ensure we bring many perspectives to our work and find solutions that are appropriate to different cultures, languages, and approaches to governance.
- Mission-driven and resilient. Building a better social media will involve confronting difficult questions and content. We are here because we care about the mission, first and foremost.
Additional Information
Appointment End Date: As with all Berkman Klein Center positions, this is a term appointment currently expected to extend to June 30, 2026 with potential for renewal, subject to departmental funding and need.
Standard Hours/Schedule: Full-Time. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, though not with regularity.
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education.
Other Information:
All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.
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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 059. 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.