Title of the Position: Postgraduate Associate in Social Data Science position
Department and School: Digital Ethics Center
Anticipated Appointment Dates: Fall 2025
Email/Website: dec.yale.edu
Introduction of School/Department:
The Digital Ethics Center (DEC) at Yale University investigates and evaluates the Governance, Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (GELSI) of digital technologies and the profound impact of the digital age on human life, society, and the environment, striving to influence the direction of technological development towards a more ethical and sustainable future. The DEC aims to identify and enhance the benefits of digital innovation and technologies while mitigating their risks and shortcomings. As part of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the DEC draws from many disciplines, including fields such as AI, anthropology, biomedical ethics, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, economics, epistemology, ethics, ethnography, information theory, Internet studies, law, mathematical logic, management studies, multimedia studies, philosophy, political science, sociology, and statistics and data science. Through its multidisciplinary approach and translational research, the Digital Ethics Center (DEC) aims to provide actionable recommendations and strategies for stakeholders, policymakers, technology experts, and society at large. In doing so, it strives to ensure that the progress of digital technology promotes fundamental human rights, supports the flourishing of all environments, and aligns with the common good.
Overview of the Position:
Under the direction and supervision of Prof. Luciano Floridi, the Digital Ethics Center (DEC) at Yale University seeks to appoint full-time Postgraduate Associate in Social Data Science to join this multidisciplinary center. Postgraduate Associate positions are intended for recent university/college graduates seeking additional research experience and training about the Governance, Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (GELSI) of digital technologies before applying to graduate or professional school.
Priority will be given to individuals with a strong background in social data science.
§ Education: The ideal candidate should be a recent graduate with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in relevant fields, including, for example (the list is not exhaustive): anthropology, computer science, data science, economics, ethics, jurisprudence, mass media, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology. This opportunity is particularly well-suited for individuals planning to pursue graduate studies, as it offers hands-on experience, interdisciplinary exposure, and critical engagement with real-world applications—helping to sharpen research skills, deepen subject matter expertise, and clarify long-term academic interests.
§ Training: The successful candidates will be trained in GELSI analysis and problem-solving and project management. They will learn about critical issues in digital ethics, main theoretical frameworks, quantitative and qualitative methods, research project management, and collaborative, multidisciplinary procedures to develop research papers and conference presentations. They will have opportunities to collaborate with other members of the DEC, develop their own research projects, give presentations, and prepare for future academic work.
§ Mentoring: The successful candidates will be mentored by the director of the center, Prof. Luciano Floridi, and assigned members of the DEC, to gain experience in the design, analysis, and development of research projects and related papers, meeting presentation, and time management. Location: Where will training take place e.g., location of lab/department?
The postgraduate associate position is one year in duration. A maximum second-year extension is conditional on progress made in the first year This is not a remote opportunity. The position is located at the Digital Ethics Center, on the campus of Yale University in New Haven, CT. More information on salary and benefits can be found here and here, respectively. In accordance with university requirements, postgraduate trainees in this position are expected to be on campus full-time for in-person training.
Process to Apply:
We welcome candidates who add to the diversity of the center. 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, using the subject line “Social Data Science Postgraduate Applicant,” and including the following documents:
1. Cover letter explaining your background and motivation for the position (2 pages maximum), including contact information for 3 references
2. Most current CV (maximum 3 pages); and
3. an academic essay, transcript, or summary of courses and results, relevant to the activities of the DEC.
4. A one-page description of a research project the candidate would like to develop.
Please submit your materials as PDF files and name them LastName-FirstName.coverletter.pdf, LastName-FirstName.CV.pdf, and LastName-FirstName.proposal.pdf
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.