Job Description
Join the Digital Ethics Center (DEC) at Yale University and contribute to advance and innovative research on the human, societal, and environmental implications of digital technologies. We are looking for individuals with a background in cyber security, or cyber conflicts, or digital economy 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 develop 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., computer science, international relations, political science, philosophy, law,social sciences, public policy, or a relevant interdisciplinary area with demonstrated expertise in cyber security, or cyber conflicts, or digital economy.
- Technical understanding of cyber security, cyber conflicts, or digital economy topic,s methodologies, technologies and regulations, combined with interest in their broader implications and impact.
- Interest in addressing the governance, ethical, legal, and societal implications (GELSI) posed by digital technologies, including 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.
To Apply
A relevant doctoral degree and research experience with a strong publication record are required. We welcome candidates who add to the diversity of the center.
Applications are due by November 30, 2025, with an anticipated start date in Spring 2026.
Please send your application to dec@yale.edu, using the subject line “Cyber Security, Cyber Conflicts, or Digital Economics Postdoc Applicant,” and including the following documents:
- Cover letter explaining your background and motivation for the position (2 pages maximum), including contact information for 3 references.
- Most current CV (maximum 3 pages);
- A peer-reviewed, published article; and
- 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.
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.
ABOUT THE DIGITAL ETHICS CENTER AT YALE
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.
Yale University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Yale values diversity among its students, staff, and faculty and strongly welcomes applications from women, persons with disabilities, protected veterans, and underrepresented minorities.