Research Associate, Human Workforce Learning and AI & Learning Initiatives

Research Associate, Human Workforce Learning and AI & Learning Initiatives Full-time Work Format: Hybrid Harvard Job Function: Research Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Salary Grade: 057 FLSA Status: Exempt 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. Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Education? 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: www.gse.harvard.edu . Job Description Job Summary: Two new initiatives at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) jointly seek a full-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, with a focus on the science of learning, development, and human thriving. The Workforce Learning and Artificial Intelligence Initiative (WLAI), which focuses on how adults learn and develop skills in and for work. This role is split across each initiative (70% AI & Learning, 30% WLAI) Reporting to WLAI Faculty Director Dr. Tessa Forshaw, and working closely with the AI and Learning Initiative team, collaborators across HGSE, and external organizations, the Research Associate will operate at the intersection of learning science, workforce practice, and AI in education. Job-Specific Responsibilities: AI & Learning Initiative, (70%) AI-Learning Tool Design, Development, and Iteration (~30%) Support the design, development, and testing of AI-learning tools, ensuring they are grounded in the science of learning, development, and human thriving. Help translate research and faculty expertise into tool features, content, and user experiences that are practical for educators, parents, policymakers, and technology builders. Maintain and update the Lab’s training corpus and underlying AI models, incorporating new content, research findings, and user feedback Coordinate and conduct user research and usability testing with educators, students, and other stakeholders to understand needs, pain points, and opportunities for improvement. Collect, analyze, and synthesize user feedback to inform iterative design cycles and revised versions of AI-learning tools. Monitor emerging trends, practices, and questions in AI and education to ensure the lab’s tools remain responsive to the field’s evolving needs. Research and Communications (~20%) Conduct and synthesize research on AI in education, developmental considerations, and human–AI interaction in learning contexts. Support thought leadership activities (e.g., writing briefs, articles, and presentations) that help shape public and professional conversations about AI and learning. Contribute to external-facing content (e.g., website copy, newsletters, slide decks, social media) to share the Lab’s tools, insights, and events with broader audiences. Workforce Learning & AI Initiative (30%) Research (~15%) Contribute to a focused research agenda on workplace learning and AI in workforce contexts, including literature reviews, synthesis, and applied writing (e.g., briefs, case studies). Support design-based and mixed-methods research including study design, protocol development, data