Postdoctoral Researcher in Artificial Intelligence and Religion

Job Details

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.

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.

The postdoc will participate in seminars, workshops, and collaborative initiatives at Harvard Divinity School and will be encouraged to cultivate research relationships across the University. This environment is committed to intellectual rigor, inclusivity, and public engagement, and offers a unique opportunity to shape an emerging field at the intersection of AI and religion.

Applicants should demonstrate the following qualifications:

• 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:

• 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.

Please also submit the following materials with your application:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Application letter
• Writing sample
• Candidates should provide the names and email addresses of three professional references who are prepared to submit letters of recommendations. The School may contact those persons directly at a later stage in the process.

Review of applications will begin on June 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Applicants may contact the Office for Academic Affairs (academicaffairs@hds.harvard.edu) at Harvard Divinity School with any questions regarding the position.

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.