Harvard University

Harvard University

Senior Software Engineer, Computational Policy Lab

Cambridge, MA, United States · Senior

No sponsorshipDetected 4 days ago
TypeScriptPythonReactSvelteFull-Stack DevelopmentGitMachine LearningData ScienceNLPLLMsResearchLeadershipCollaboration

Stay score

odds of building a lasting career here

88Lottery-free
Cap-exempt (no lottery)100
Sponsors year-round90
Entry-level history60
PERM / green-card track50
Fits your clock70

Files H-1B any time — no cap, no lottery. The 2026 weighted-selection rule doesn't touch it, which makes this the strongest structural path for entry-level talent. Pay is often lower, but your odds of staying are dramatically higher.

Lottery odds assume a STEM candidate.

Personalize to your clock →

Employer immigration record

from this employer's Department of Labor filings

States it is exempt from the H-1B cap

In 9 Department of Labor filings, this employer states it is an institution of higher education — one of the statutory grounds for exemption from the H-1B cap. Cap-exempt employers can file year-round without entering the lottery.Employer's own attestation on a Department of Labor wage determination, not a USCIS determination — exemption is decided per petition.

Files H-1B transfers

11 transfer filings in the last year, covering 11 workers. Median labor-condition decision: 7 days. An employer that already files transfers is one that can take over an existing H-1B.

Sourced from Department of Labor LCA, PERM and prevailing-wage disclosure data. Employer matching is by name, so figures may be split across an employer's legal entities. Absence of a filing means none appears in our copy of the data, not that none exists.

Community outcomes

No reports yet — be the first to help the next applicant.

About the role

  • The Computational Policy Lab at the Shorenstein Center at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is seeking a Senior Software Engineer with specialized expertise in software development, generative AI, and data science.
  • This position is housed within the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy.
  • Through teaching and research at the Harvard Kennedy School and its program of visiting fellows, conferences and initiatives, the Center is at the forefront of its area of inquiry.

Responsibilities

  • Independently perform complex applications/web development for projects of large to very large size and complexity
  • Contribute to the design and execution of randomized controlled trials and other empirical methods used to evaluate the impact of AI-driven interventions.
  • Collaborate closely with other researchers to translate theoretical models and experimental designs into high-performance, production-ready systems.
  • Support for families and caregivers

Nice to have

  • Demonstrated team performance skills, service mindset approach, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor.
  • A link to a piece of code on GitHub that you wrote, ideally something that demonstrates your technical skills and you'd enjoy walking us through if you were selected for an interview
  • A short description of the project you linked to
  • Confirmation that you are legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for at least two years

Skills

  • Experience working with generative AI pipelines.
  • Experience deploying software in a cloud environment.
  • Full stack development experience with Python / TypeScript and familiarity with Svelte / React preferred.
  • Additional Information
  • Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment, ending one year from date of hire, with the possibility of renewal
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
  • Other Information: This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA, and required to work on campus 3 days/week.
  • Applications must include the following, or they will be considered incomplete:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter including:

Benefits

  • 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
  • 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.

Company info

  • We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
  • In addition, we are piloting innovations such as virtual lectures, personalized student diagnostics, and teacher co-pilot tools.
  • AI in Public Policy: We are engineering AI systems that improve public service delivery and decision-making.
  • Our flagship tool, PingPong, is currently being evaluated through a large-scale randomized experiment across universities and community colleges nationwide.
  • We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives.

Equal opportunity

  • EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
  • equal opportunity and non-discrimination.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Confirmation that you are legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for at least two years
  • Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location.
Apply directly at Harvard University →Create a free account for alerts like thisView Harvard University immigration profile

This listing is sourced directly from Harvard University's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.