Postdoctoral Researcher in Artificial Intelligence and Religion

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Artificial Intelligence and Religion based at Harvard Divinity School (HDS). This interdisciplinary position explores how contemporary AI systems interact with religious thought, practice, ethics, institutions, and communities. The postdoc will conduct independent and collaborative research at the intersection of AI, theology, religious studies, ethics, and social analysis, contributing to both academic scholarship and broader public conversations; collaborations will take place with faculty, researchers, students and senior administration colleagues.

This position is ideal for a scholar with advanced research interests focused on how AI reshapes concepts such as authority, agency, personhood, moral reasoning, ritual, interpretation, and meaning across religious traditions, as well as how religious worldviews inform the design, governance, and ethical evaluation of AI technologies.

This position is a full-time postdoctoral appointment, one-year term (Academic Year 2026-27) with possibility for renewal.

Key Responsibilities

• 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

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.

Applications should be made online at: academicpositions.harvard.edu. Applicants may contact the Office for Academic Affairs at Harvard Divinity School with any questions regarding the position: academicaffairs@hds.harvard.edu.

Please note, if visa sponsorship is needed, Harvard retains the discretion to determine which visa status is appropriate and whether a visa sponsorship application will ultimately be submitted, including payment of any applicable fees.