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Senior Data Scientist, Digital Data Design Institute

Senior Data Scientist, Digital Data Design Institute

locationBoston, MA, USA
remoteHybrid
PublishedPublished: 3/14/2026
Full Time
Company Description

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 Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard (D^3) is a global research center that provides research-driven insights, accessible to anyone in the world, on using AI and digital technologies to advance business and society.

Founded on the premise that AI technology is only half the answer and that businesses must also revamp their processes to harness AI’s potential, the Institute is made up of an unbiased, multidisciplinary team of researchers and scientists, business leaders, and entrepreneurs.


Job Description

Job Summary:

As a Senior Data Scientist, you will be a key member of the D^3 Data Science Team, working closely with Harvard Business School (HBS) faculty and researchers on research projects in the social sciences related to business and management, digital transformation, data science and artificial intelligence. Specifically, you will be working with HBS faculty to leverage AI and investigate its implications for business and society through experimental research. You will also play a role in developing and disseminating ML and AI-based tools for the research community.

Because you will act as an expert guide and resource for researchers with a wide range of abilities and knowledge relating to data methodologies and emerging technologies, a substantial component of the role is effective communication about technologies. Additionally, the ability to learn new skills on the fly, to keep up with emerging technologies, and to transition comfortably among multiple ongoing projects of varying size and complexity, are all crucial.


Job-Specific Responsibilities:

  • Extract, clean, explore, and analyze data collected from various sources, including organizational data, public data, and experimental data
  • Participate in the intake and assignment of projects in the D^3 Data Science Team
  • Design and execute data science and AI experiments with partner organizations.
  • Create and implement a variety of models and analyses and be able to extract insights and inform strategy from them.
  • Create and maintain clear documentation of data files, modeling choices, rationale, results, and annotated code and readme files.
  • Present and explain data science methods and findings to faculty, managers and other non-technical stakeholders at D^3.
  • Provide training and mentorship of other data scientists, research scientists, post-doctoral fellows, research assistants, and PhD students.
  • Troubleshoot complex problems and device a strategy of seeking solutions in collaboration with other data scientists.
  • Document and disseminate findings.
  • Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
  • Responsible for other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • Minimum of seven years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience
  • Master’s or PhD in one of the following disciplines: Computational Sciences in either Physics, Biology, Neuroscience, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or another quantitative field
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in data science or related quantitative role.
  • Experience with R, Python, SQL, and related languages.
  • Experience with AWS (RDS, EC2, S3, etc.) preferred or with Azure or Google Cloud.
  • Experience with supervised and unsupervised ML methods.
  • Advanced Statistical Expertise: Extensive experience with statistical modeling and regression analysis, including hypothesis testing and causal analysis.
  • Familiarity with LLM API use for research purposes.


Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Ability to handle multiple projects, stakeholders and demands
  • Strong team player with excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience with data visualization tools
  • Experience prototyping products for research purposes

Additional Information
  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
  • Other Information:
    • This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
    • As part of our evaluation, candidates are required to complete a take-home assignment/assessment after clearing the technical screen.
    • We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, 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.