Job Title
Postdoctoral Associate in Social Data Science
Job Description
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 are looking for individuals with a background in social data science to shape the future of digital ethics and policy in a collaborative and multidisciplinary academic environment.
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.
Qualifications
We are seeking candidates who meet the following criteria:
- A PhD or equivalent degree, already obtained, in a related field e.g., philosophy, law, computer science, data science, social sciences, public policy, or a relevant interdisciplinary area.
- 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.
- Proven research experience in digital ethics, technology policy, or the societal implications of digital technologies.
- A strong publication record or evidence of potential for high-quality peer-reviewed publications relevant to digital ethics.
- 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 mentorship and guidance from Prof. Luciano Floridi and other DEC researchers to develop their independent research careers.
- 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).
Additional Information
- The position is for up to four years, renewable annually based on performance.
- Competitive salary and benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, and funding for conference travel, are provided.
- Postdoctoral Associates are expected to work on campus full-time, following Yale University’s postdoctoral policies.
Important Dates and How to Apply
All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through April 30, 2025.
The anticipated start date is in Fall 2025.
Please send your application to dec@yale.edu. Subject line should be “(Position Title) Applicant” (e.g. Postdoctoral Associate Applicant) and include the following documents:
- Cover letter explaining your background and motivation for the position (2 pages maximum)
- Most current CV (maximum 3 pages); and
- A peer-reviewed, published article, and ashort (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 interview, possibly followed by an invitation for a 20-minute presentation, and a request to submit two letters of recommendation. For questions, contact Joanna Carmona, Program Manager at Joanna.carmona@yale.edu