Professor and McDevitt Chair in Digital Ethics (EXPIRED)

The Department of Philosophy at Georgetown University invites applications for an inaugural McDevitt Chair in Digital Ethics. “Digital ethics” is intended broadly, to include any normative intersection with the fields of data science, computer science, or computer engineering, including topics such as artificial intelligence and emerging applications of digital technologies.  

The Philosophy Department at Georgetown University is a large department with a PhD program, an essential role in the undergraduate general education curriculum, and a history of attention to philosophical engagement with practical and emerging ethics. With this Chair, the Department seeks to begin building faculty in the new field of digital ethics. 

In addition to contributing to the Philosophy Department, the new McDevitt Chair in Digital Ethics is envisioned as an active leader in Georgetown’s newly launched Tech & Society Initiative, an interdisciplinary, University-wide effort to build research, education, and policy leadership in data and digital technologies for the common good. The Initiative brings together a wide network of existing programs at Georgetown, as well as fundraising priorities for new centers and faculty positions, at the intersection of technology, law, ethics, and policy. For more information on the Initiative, see https://techandsociety.georgetown.edu/.

Academic Qualifications:  Candidates from academia will have credentials for appointment at the Full Professor level, including a terminal degree and a corresponding record of success in research.  Candidates from outside academia will have deep professional experience, and national and preferably international stature. Degree requirements for such candidates are more flexible.

Candidates are particularly welcome who have a strong interest in and experience with interdisciplinary work in digital ethics; hybrid qualifications in law, policy, data or computer science; and/or who have demonstrated accomplishments in real-world engagement with the topic. Joint appointments with contributing programs are available and encouraged as appropriate. The ideal candidate will be an accomplished scholar with an interest in building interdisciplinary connections and impact beyond the University. 

Appointment:  Primary appointment and tenure home in the Philosophy Department; with secondary appointments as appropriate in digital tech or policy-adjacent departments or programs. Teaching and graduate supervision opportunities and responsibilities are negotiable.

Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or other categories protected by law.