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

School: Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area: Kempner Institute at Harvard University

Position Description

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

We seek candidates with strong technical preparation in modern AI/ML, a demonstrated record of scholarly achievement, and an interest in contributing to ambitious research at the frontier of machine learning and science. Areas of particular interest include:

• 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 especially 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.

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

Candidates should be within 2 years of receiving their doctoral degree and will work under the direction of Kempner Institute faculty.

Appointment Terms

• Postdoctoral AI Researchers conduct research under the general supervision of one or more Kempner faculty members
• The appointment is for one year; reappointment may be possible for up to a total of three years, contingent on funding, project needs, satisfactory performance, and mutual interest.
• This is a full-time, benefits-eligible postdoctoral appointment based at the Kempner Institute at Harvard University.
• Due to the importance of in-person mentoring and collaboration, this position is based on campus, full-time, at Harvard University. Remote work for this position is not possible.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in computer science, statistics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, computational biology, or a related quantitative field required by the expected start date.
• Candidates must have received their PhD on or after September 15, 2024, or be on track to complete all PhD requirements by the expected start date of 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.
• Demonstrated experience implementing, training, evaluating, or fine-tuning modern machine learning models.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience building and maintaining research code.
• Demonstrated ability to use modern AI-assisted and agentic coding tools effectively, such as Claude Code, Codex, or similar systems, in research and development workflows.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment and communicate technical work clearly.

Additional Qualifications

• 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

Special Instructions

Please submit the following items in PDF format no later than 11:59pm EST Monday, June 8, 2026:

• CV
• A research statement of no more than 2 pages describing your experience in foundation models, agentic systems, scientific applications of AI/ML, and/or systems-level approaches to modern AI. Please be specific about your individual contributions.
• References - 2-3 required
  • Please give the emails of up to 2 individuals who can describe your previous related work.
  • Referees will be contacted to submit the letters directly to the Kempner Institute.
  • The application will not be considered complete until all letters have been received.

Candidates selected for further consideration will be asked to submit a short video presentation reviewing their past work; additional details will be provided at that stage. Following review of the videos, a subset of candidates will be invited to interview with members of the selection committee via Zoom.

Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis if positions remain available.

We anticipate a start date of October 15, 2026.

Contact Information

Molly Marshall

Contact Email: KempnerInstitute@Harvard.edu

Salary Range

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

Minimum Number of References Required: 2

Maximum Number of References Allowed: 3