Postdoctoral Researcher in Artificial Intelligence and Religion

• Conduct and publish original research at the intersection of AI and religion.
• Be an active member of the scholarly community at Harvard Divinity School, including contributing to relevant conferences, seminars, workshops, and lectures. Work with existing HDS committees related to AI.
• Lead AI workshop(s) for HDS faculty and/or students
• Develop collaborative relationships with faculty and researchers across Harvard schools and engage substantively with research communities at the Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural and Artificial Intelligence and the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society.
• Mentor graduate students when appropriate.
• Contribute to public-facing outputs (policy briefs, essays, blog posts, media engagement, or public lectures),
• Complete a semesterly report to the Dean about activities

Research Areas of Interest (Illustrative, Not Exhaustive)

• Ethical, theological, philosophical or social scientific analyses of AI systems
• Religious interpretations of intelligence, consciousness, agency, or creativity
• AI and religious authority, leadership, or governance
• Algorithmic bias, justice, and religious communities
• AI in ritual, worship, education, or pastoral contexts
• Comparative or cross-traditional perspectives on technology and religion
• Historical religious responses to emerging technologies and their relevance to AI
• AI, spirituality, meaning-making, and human identity

The postdoctoral researcher will be based at Harvard Divinity School and includes regular interaction with scholars in theology, religious studies, computer science, philosophy, ethics, law, social science, and public policy.

This role is offered as a hybrid (some combination of onsite and remote), full-time position, where you are required to be onsite at our Cambridge, MA based campus. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

• PhD in Religious Studies, Theology, Philosophy, Ethics, Sociology, Anthropology, Science and Technology Studies, Computer Science (with relevant humanities focus), or a closely related field, completed by the start date.
• Demonstrated research interest in AI and religion or closely related topics.
• Strong publication record or clear potential for high-quality scholarly output.
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Qualifications Applicants should also demonstrate the following qualifications:

• Experience collaborating across technical and humanities disciplines.
• Familiarity with contemporary AI systems (e.g., machine learning, generative models) at a conceptual or applied level.
• Experience with qualitative or mixed research methods (e.g., ethnography, interviews, discourse analysis).
• Interest in public scholarship, policy engagement, or industry dialogue.
• Teaching experience in relevant subject areas.

This position is a full-time postdoctoral appointment, one-year term (Academic Year 2026-27) with possibility for renewal., Contact Information Applicants may contact the Office for Academic Affairs at Harvard Divinity School with any questions regarding the position. Contact Email academicaffairs@hds.harvard.edu Salary Range $70,000-$80,000 Minimum Number of References Required 3 Maximum Number of References Allowed Keywords EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Writing Sample 1
4. List of References

Optional Documents

1. Publication
2. Publication 2
3. Publication 3
4. Course Evaluation
5. Sample Syllabus
6. Publication 4
7. Publication 5
8. Publication 6
9. Proposed Course Description

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.