Job DescriptionThe AI Solutions Architect serves as a critical link between the FAS community and the rapidly evolving landscape of AI capabilities. The Architect leads opportunity discovery, problem definition, stakeholder alignment, and overall solution architecture. Working as a paired team, both the Architect and AI Solutions Engineer contribute hands-on from prototype through product delivery. The Architect contributes to implementation, testing, demonstrations, and production transition; the Engineer holds primary responsibility for detailed engineering, deployment, reliability, and operational readiness. The Architect ensures a clear path to secure, sustainable support.
Job-specific Responsibilities: - Engage faculty, researchers, and staff across FAS to identify and frame AI opportunities and define intended outcomes.
- Lead requirements and tool selection, and design solutions per established patterns and University data, security, and privacy policy.
- Scope problem statements and lead rapid prototyping (AI platforms, APIs, low-code/no-code), partnering with the Engineer to put working software in front of stakeholders early.
- Assess sustainability - including cost, security, maintenance, service-owner capacity - and define readiness and acceptance criteria..
- Own the governance relationship (security, privacy, accessibility, data-governance, research computing) and secure the approvals that turn prototypes into supported services.
- Communicate across all levels of technical fluency and lead stakeholder alignment throughout delivery.
- Document architectures, decisions, and trade-offs so others can maintain and extend the work.
- Track the evolving AI landscape and lead evidence-based recommendations on readiness, capability, risk, cost, and fit.
- Contribute hands-on to implementation, testing, demos, and production transition, with the Engineer primary on detailed engineering and operations.
- Partner with HUIT's AI Innovation team to evaluate emerging capabilities and lead user-value prototyping.
QualificationsBasic Qualifications: Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role.- Minimum of seven years' post-secondary education or relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills: The following qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.- 5+ years of experience in software development or solutions architecture
- 2+ years of hands-on experience with AI/ML platforms, LLMs, or applied AI tooling
- Proficiency with AI/ML frameworks and APIs, including LLM integration, retrieval/grounding, prompt design, and evaluation
- Experience rapidly prototyping with low-code/no-code and full-stack tools
- Strong communication across technical and non-technical audiences
- Systems thinking focused on privacy, integration, and maintainability
- Strong analytical reasoning and systems thinking
- Excellent writing and communication skills, including synthesizing complex, technical information for both technical and executive audiences
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
Additional Information- Hybrid: This position operates in a standard hybrid office/remote environment. Occasional on-campus presence may be required to support production systems and collaborate with HUIT and FAS teams.
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
- Other Information:
Please provide a cover letter and resume as one document with your application.
This position has an 180-day orientation and review period.
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Work Format DetailsThis position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. 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.
Salary Grade and RangesThis position is salary grade level 059. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
BenefitsHarvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. 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
- Support for families and caregivers
- 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.