Postdoctoral Associate

About the Position

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 early-stage career individuals for Postdoctoral positions to shape the future of digital ethics and policy in a collaborative and multidisciplinary academic environment. The Postdoctoral Associate position is expected to last up to four years, renewable on a yearly basis, subject to performance. Compensation is determined by experience.

Responsibilities

Under the direction and supervision of Prof. Luciano Floridi, the Postdoctoral Associates are encouraged and supported to:

• Conduct independent research aligned with the Center’s focus on digital ethics, societal implications of digital technologies, and policy guidance.
• Publish high-quality, peer-reviewed articles in leading academic journals.
• Develop and refine innovative research questions for future exploration.
• 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.

Requirements

We are seeking candidates who meet the following criteria:

• A PhD or equivalent degree, already obtained, in a related field including computer science, law, philosophy, public policy, social sciences, or a relevant interdisciplinary area.
• A strong publication record or evidence of 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.
• A demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary academic environment.

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).

Important Dates and How to Apply

Application deadline is on October 1, 2026. Please note that our review process may take several weeks. Applicants will be contacted directly should there be next steps.

Please send your application to [email protected]. Subject line should be “Postdoctoral Associate Applicant” and include the following documents:

1. Cover letter explaining your background and motivation for the position (2 pages maximum)
2. Most current CV (maximum 3 pages); and
3. A peer-reviewed, published article, and a short (ca. 2,000 words long) proposal about a GELSI research project you would like to develop at the DEC, indicating the problem to be addressed, the working hypothesis about the solution, and the methodology that may be used.

Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an online interview, possibly followed by an invitation for an on-campus visit to present their work to the DEC community, and a request to submit two letters of recommendation.

Yale University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its students, staff, and faculty and strongly welcomes applications from women, persons with disabilities, protected veterans, and underrepresented minorities.