Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Research, Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society

at Harvard University

🏢 About Harvard University

The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University is a global leader in interdisciplinary research on the internet, AI, and society. It uniquely bridges law, technology, ethics, and policy, offering a collaborative environment where scholars and practitioners tackle some of the most pressing digital challenges. Working here means shaping the future of AI governance and digital rights with real-world impact.

About This Role

As Director of Research, you will set and drive the center's research agenda on AI governance, model interpretability, agentic systems, and human impact. You'll lead diverse research teams, oversee projects from conception to publication and deployment, and cultivate partnerships across academia, industry, and civil society. This role is pivotal in ensuring research translates into policy and practice, making a tangible difference in the responsible development of AI.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve meeting with research leads to review project progress, discussing grant proposals with potential funders, and representing the center at an external event or meeting with policymakers. You'll also spend time mentoring team members, strategizing new research initiatives, and ensuring that outputs are communicated effectively to diverse audiences.

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🎯 Who Harvard University Is Looking For

  • 10+ years leading complex, interdisciplinary research organizations, preferably in AI, internet governance, or related fields.
  • Proven track record in setting research strategy, managing teams, and overseeing projects from exploration to real-world deployment.
  • Strong experience in grant acquisition, funder relations, and representing an organization to high-level stakeholders.
  • Deep expertise in AI governance, model interpretability, agentic systems, and human impact, with a commitment to bridging research and policy.

📝 Tips for Applying to Harvard University

1

Highlight your experience in leading interdisciplinary research teams and specifically mention AI governance, model interpretability, or agentic systems in your resume and cover letter.

2

Demonstrate your ability to secure grants and manage funder relationships by quantifying past successes (e.g., 'raised $X million from Y foundations').

3

Showcase examples of research that had real-world impact, such as influencing policy, industry standards, or public discourse.

4

Emphasize your network across academia, industry, and civil society, and how you've leveraged it to advance research goals.

5

Tailor your application to reflect the Berkman Klein Center's mission and values, mentioning specific projects or publications that resonate with your experience.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your vision for advancing AI governance and internet society research in an interdisciplinary setting.', 'Concrete examples of leading research from ideation to deployment, including outcomes and impact.', 'Your experience in building and nurturing diverse teams and fostering collaborations across sectors.', "How you would leverage the Berkman Klein Center's unique position to amplify research impact and inform policy."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Berkman Klein Center's recent publications, projects, and research themes to understand their current focus and identify gaps you could fill.
  • → Learn about Harvard Law School's broader AI and internet governance initiatives, including affiliated faculty and centers.
  • → Research key funders and partners of the Berkman Klein Center to understand the funding landscape and potential collaborators.
  • → Stay updated on recent AI policy developments and debates, especially those related to model interpretability and agentic systems, to speak fluently about current challenges.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you set a research agenda that balances emerging AI trends with the center's existing strengths?
2 Describe a time you managed a complex research project from start to finish, including challenges and how you overcame them.
3 How do you ensure research outputs influence policy and practice beyond academia?
4 What strategies have you used to secure funding and maintain relationships with funders?
5 How would you foster collaboration between researchers, industry partners, and civil society organizations?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on academic publications without demonstrating real-world impact or policy influence.
  • Underestimating the importance of grant and funder experience; failing to provide specific examples of secured funding.
  • Showing a lack of familiarity with the Berkman Klein Center's mission, culture, or key research areas.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Harvard University!

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