Postdoctoral Fellow - Tech for All Lab at the Digital, Data, and Design Institute
Harvard University
Details
Title Postdoctoral Fellow - Tech for All Lab at the Digital, Data, and Design Institute
School Harvard Business School
Department/Area
Position Description
The Digital Data Design (D^3) Institute at Harvard produces cutting-edge research into the changes in the business landscape as a result of digital and AI transformations. The Tech for All lab aims to broaden the benefits of digital innovation and entrepreneurship to include more people in developing economies, women, people of color, and those in economically disadvantaged circumstances or regions. The lab’s team of collaborators generates data-driven evidence, disseminated through academic papers and practitioner-focused articles, regarding the constituencies for which we fail to invent. Research is equally focused on identifying the frictions that drive such inequities and exploring how firms can use design, data, and new digital technologies to better invent for everyone.
Our current projects include developing and evaluating a Generative AI assistant for millions of small businesses in Southeast Asia, studying how gender gaps in Generative AI usage affect tool development and benefits worldwide through large-scale surveys and experiments, exploring how AI can improve labor markets for underserved workers in emerging economies, and investigating how first-generation, low-income college students across the globe can leverage Generative AI for career growth and entrepreneurial success.
The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented researcher capable of managing multiple large-scale projects simultaneously. You will take ownership of data collection, analysis, and experimental design across several concurrent studies, including randomized control trials, large-scale surveys, and field experiments.
A typical project involves:
+ Designing and implementing experiments and surveys
+ Managing and analyzing large datasets
+ Developing and testing AI agents and prompts
+ Coordinating with international partners and research teams
+ Writing research papers for peer-reviewed social science journals
Required Technical Skills:
+ Strong background in causal analysis and experimental design: difference-in-differences, fixed effects models, instrumental variables, treatment selection, power analysis
+ Proficiency in R, Python, or Stata for statistical analysis
+ Experience with SQL and data management
+ Familiarity with Generative AI tools and LLMs
+ Programming skills for processing raw data (including text manipulation)
Basic Qualifications
+ Ph.D. in economics, business, or related field (all degree requirements must be completed before start date)
+ Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
+ Strong team player with excellent communication skills
+ Experience working with international partners preferred
+ Interest in AI, entrepreneurship, and economic development
PLEASE NOTE : If you have obtained your Ph.D. in the past 12 months you must be able to provide a certificate of completion from the degree-granting institution OR a letter from the institution’s Registrar stating all requirements for the degree have been successfully completed and should verify the date the degree has been conferred. No exceptions.
Additional Qualifications
Special Instructions
Application Details:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please apply via the ARIeS system. Please do not contact lab faculty; if you have any questions, please contact d3@harvard.edu.
All applications should include the following:
+ Curriculum vitae
+ Copy of academic records (unofficial records are acceptable)
+ 2-page research statement
+ Two research papers
+ Contact details of at least two references
Candidates may be asked to do an interview and present their research as part of the search process.
Additional Information:
This is a term position starting July 2025 and ending on June 30, 2026 with potential for re-appointment for a second year based on performance and funding. Relocation funding not provided.
The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID -19 and remain up to date with COVID -19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.
This role is offered as a hybrid (some combination of onsite and remote) where you are required to be onsite at our Boston, MA based campus. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and the lab PIs.
While we continue to monitor the evolving COVID -19 guidelines and restrictions, we appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process. Please note that we will be conducting interviews virtually (phone and/or Zoom) for selected candidates until further notice.
Culture of Inclusion: The work and well-being of HBS is profoundly strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and life experiences. Explore HBS work culture at https://www.hbs.edu/employment/.
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.
Contact Information
Kate de Stadler
Recruiting Manager, Research Staff Services
HARVARD | BUSINESS | SCHOOL
Contact Email kdestadler@hbs.edu
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
Minimum Number of References Required 2
Maximum Number of References Allowed 4
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