Postdoc in the Ethics of AI and Emerging Technologies

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ethics of 

AI and Emerging Technologies

The Center for Practical Ethics at the University of Mississippi

Location: On-campus, University of Mississippi
Salary: $50,000 - $70,000/year commensurate with demonstrated expertise and fit with center research needs*

Benefits: full benefits + $3,000 annual travel support
Term: 2 years (subject to satisfactory performance and funding)

Important Dates

Application Open: January 15, 2026

Application Deadline: February 15, 2026

Start Date: August 2026 

End Date: August 2028 (subject to performance and funding)

About the Center

The Center for Practical Ethics (TCPE) is a non-partisan center committed to fostering civil discourse and ethical reflection on real-world challenges. We create events and research projects that help people disagree better, find common ground, and engage in respectful dialogue across differences. Staff and affiliates are expected to model civility, collaboration, and intellectual rigor.

Position Overview

The Center invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in the ethics of AI and emerging technologies. This role will support both independent and collaborative research with particular attention to issues related to:

• AI ethics education (in collaboration with Prof. Deborah Mower)
• Psychological and social impacts of AI
• Resource needs, labor impacts, and ethical implications in the context of AI
• The economic, legal, and social dimensions of emerging technologies

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with center leadership and research fellows on grants, publications, and conference presentations.

• Help design and implement our signature Policy Talks events 
• Conduct and publish independent research aligned with the center’s mission.
• Engage actively in the intellectual life of the center and university (attending events, talks, panels, and conferences)
• Teach one course per year (online or in-person)

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in philosophy, ethics, public policy, or a related field awarded on or after May 2023. Candidates who will complete their Ph.D. by August 1, 2026 may apply (evidence of all requirements and successful dissertation defense required)
• Specialization in ethics and emerging technologies (particularly AI)
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality research and writing

Application Requirements

Please submit:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Proposal (1,000–1,500 words) detailing intended project(s) during the fellowship
• Writing Sample (up to 8,000 words, excluding bibliography) 
• Contact info for three references who can speak to your qualifications and proposed research

If you would like to receive an email reminder when the job posting is live, you can add your email address to our list via Google Forms at https://forms.gle/hkyqJSK4syM3gktS8.

*Additional funding possible for exceptional candidates.