Join the Digital Ethics Center (DEC) at Yale University and contribute to advanced and innovative research on the human, societal, and environmental implications of digital technologies. We seek highly motivated Postdoctoral Associates to shape the future of digital ethics and policy in a collaborative and multidisciplinary academic environment.
We are looking for early-career scholars with original ideas, intellectual curiosity, an interdisciplinary approach, and a real interest in growing as researchers. Postdoctoral Associates work closely with Professor Luciano Floridi and a multidisciplinary team, and are expected to learn across fields, not just within their own. This position is expected to last up to four years, renewable on a yearly basis, subject to performance. Compensation is determined by experience.
Responsibilities
Working closely with Professor Luciano Floridi, who provides regular mentorship and feedback, the Postdoctoral Associates are encouraged and supported to:
- Contribute their independent research projects that expand the Center’s focus on digital ethics, societal implications of digital technologies, and policy guidance.
- Develop and pursue original research questions in digital ethics, the societal implications of digital technologies, and policy, with guidance and regular feedback from Professor Floridi and DEC colleagues.
- Publish high-quality, peer-reviewed articles in leading academic journals.
- Develop and refine innovative research questions for future exploration.
- Contribute to ongoing Center projects, which may involve methods, literatures, or topics outside their doctoral training.
- Collaborate with DEC and Yale faculty and researchers on ongoing multidisciplinary projects.
- Contribute to the formulation of policy and legal debates on digital ethics issues at national and international levels.
- Present at academic workshops and conferences to disseminate research findings.
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, if applicable, fostering a vibrant intellectual environment.
Postdoctoral Associates are expected to cultivate their own line of research while benefiting from Yale’s and the DEC’s collaborative and supportive academic community.
Postdoctoral Associates are expected to work on campus full-time, following Yale University’s postdoctoral policies.
Qualifications
We are seeking candidates who meet the following criteria:
- A PhD or equivalent degree, in a related field including computer science, law, philosophy, public policy, social sciences, or a relevant interdisciplinary area. Candidates who who are nearing completion of their degree are welcome to apply. Please note that the appointment cannot begin until the degree has been conferred.
- Potential for high-quality peer-reviewed publications relevant to digital ethics.
- Research interest in digital ethics, technology policy, or the societal implications of digital technologies.
- Interest in addressing the governance, ethical, legal, and societal implications (GELSI) posed by digital technologies such as AI, robotics, social media, and the Web.
- Interest in informing and steering policy and legal debates, nationally and internationally, on digital ethics broadly understood.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to disseminate research findings effectively.
- Openness to feedback and to learning new methods, literatures, or disciplinary approaches.
- A demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary academic environment, and to adapt to shifting project priorities while keeping their own research moving.
Professional Development Opportunities
Postdoctoral Associates will:
- Receive a competitive salary and benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, funding for conference travel, and much more.
- Access Yale University’s extensive academic resources, including libraries, research tools, and interdisciplinary collaborations across departments.
- Present their work at national and international conferences, with travel support provided by the Center.
- Engage with policymakers, industry leaders, and academic peers to translate research into actionable insights and impact.
- Build a robust academic and professional network, preparing for leadership roles in academia, policy, or industry.
- Receive the IT support required by their research (e.g. specialized software or computation time).
Postdoctoral Associates are also encourage to:
- Gain teaching and outreach experience, such as guest lecturing, leading workshops or reading groups, or sharing research with public and policy audiences.
- Apply for research funding of any size, with support from the Center.