The Digital Life Initiative (DLI) is excited to invite applications for its 2025 postdoctoral research fellowships supporting research in ethics, politics, and quality of life in digital societies, on topical issues such as privacy, bias and unfair discrimination, AI and ethics and governance. We welcome applicants from wide-ranging disciplines -- computer and information sciences, law, philosophy, data science, media studies, public policy, and social sciences. For one of the positions, demonstrated interest in contextual integrity is a plus. 

 

Fellows join a dynamic research community from the US and around the globe, and are encouraged to collaborate with DLI affiliated faculty: Helen Nissenbaum (Faculty Director), Deborah Estrin, James Grimmelmann, Karen Levy, Vitaly Shmatikov, and others, as well as other Cornell Tech faculty. Beyond Cornell Tech, New York City offers unprecedented opportunity to engage with like-minded colleagues and institutions.

Who Should Apply?
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Eligible candidates will have received their PhD within the past four years. JDs, JSDs, LLMs, and MDs are also eligible. The initial appointment is for one year, renewable depending on fit and available funding.
 
Fellows are expected to reside in the New York City area and participate actively in the intellectual life of Cornell Tech and the Digital Life Initiative. In addition to pursuing research, Fellows play a crucial role in enriching the DLI with workshops, conferences, and seminars; contributing to the DLI Critical Reflections publication, and presenting their work at the DLI Seminar and other public and internal forums. There may also be teaching opportunities. Particulars will be determined by mutual agreement. 

Application Instructions
 

Positions are set to begin on Monday, August 25, 2025. Applications will be evaluated starting Monday, December 16, 2024, and reviewed until positions are filled. To apply, please submit your information via our online form, including the following materials.

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1. A cover letter explaining your research interests and how your work connects to the Digital Life Initiative.

2. A current curriculum vitae.

3. Two publications or substantial drafts of journal articles, essays, or equivalent. (Ideally, applicants will include one sole-authored, or first authored writing sample.)

4. Names and contact information for three recommenders.

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Applicants who have not yet received their terminal degree should request a letter from their dissertation chairs confirming that the degree will be in hand before the beginning of the Fellowship term.

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Form link: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bHESTIsphccAftQ

 

​​About the Digital Life Initiative 

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Embedded within the progressive teaching mission of Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island in New York City, the Digital Life Initiative was launched in 2017 to analyze the societal tensions arising from existing and emergent digital technologies. Inspired by the core values of justice, democracy, privacy, responsibility, security, and freedom, we support collaborative research projects that explore ethics, policy, politics and quality of life within prevailing socio-technical systems. 

Cornell Tech and the Digital Life Initiative offer a unique opportunity for individuals who flourish in an environment that fosters close interdisciplinary collaboration. Our robust connections between computer scientists, engineers, information scientists, legal scholars, and others, along with our close proximity to the thriving industry and academic communities of New York City allows Initiative members to create new research connections.

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About Cornell Tech

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At Cornell Tech, we are building a home for digital pioneers—those of the conviction that pragmatic, purpose-driven research spurs relevant and valuable progress. Cornell Tech focuses on creating pioneering leaders and technologies for the digital age, through research, technology commercialization, and graduate-level education at the professional masters, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels. To learn more, visit http://tech.cornell.edu/

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Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage.  We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.