ML Research Scientist

27-Feb-2024

University Administration

65172BR

Job Summary

The Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural and Artificial Intelligence at Harvard University is a new non-profit research institute focused on unraveling the basis of intelligence. We are building one the largest academic computing clusters in the world to support research in machine learning, artificial intelligence, cognition, and computational neuroscience.  

We are deeply committed to open-source ML research and are looking for innovative research engineers to join us to build new, open-source models. Ideal candidates will have experience in training large language, generative, or protein folding models in an open-source or research setting.  

Research engineers will join a vibrant and inclusive community of Harvard students, faculty, researchers and software engineers who are studying intelligence from biological, cognitive, engineering, and computational perspectives.

Summary

Develop ambitious new and innovative machine learning algorithms and share them via open source platforms.

Position Description

Core Duties:

• Research and develop machine learning or other computational models
• Design methods, tools and infrastructure to analyze and leverage rich multimodal data sets.
• Package and share your code via open-source platforms
• Publish or present research in top tier conferences or journals
• Remain current in the field and leverage new research findings to advance projects
• Adapt and develop standard machine learning methods to exploit modern parallel environments (e.g. distributed clusters, multicore SMP, and GPU).
• Collaborate with other research scientists, students, faculty and software engineers to develop innovative deep learning models

Basic Qualifications

• 4 years of post-secondary experience (can be a combination of education and work experience)
• Experience training large, multi-node generative models
• Strong software development skills
• Strong prototyping skills to implement preliminary research ideas
• Strong experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Tensorflow, etc.)
• Strong collaboration skills

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Publications or presentations in peer-reviewed AI journals or conferences
• Prior history of contributing to or developing open-source projects helpful. 

Additional Information

• This is a full-time position based in MA, with a hybrid schedule (combination of in-person/remote). Harvard University supports a hybrid workplace model which will actively support some remote work. Specific days and schedules for on-site work and remote work will be discussed during the interview process. Please note hybrid workers must reside in a state where Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA).  
• Work is performed in an office setting primarily in Allston, MA.
• We are unable to provide visa sponsorships for these positions.
• This position has a 180-day orientation and review period.
• During the interview process, candidates will be notified of any additional exercises or presentations that may be required for this position. 

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Allston, Massachusetts. 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.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Allston

Job Code

360090 Admin Offcr/SrIndiv Contrib

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Interfaculty Initiatives

Department

Kempner Institute

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week. 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-EP1