"Scientist in Ethics, Policy & Responsible Innovation"

Position Summary:

The UM6P Vanguard Center & UM6P’s School of Applied Sciences & Engineering are seeking a Scientist in Ethics, Policy & Responsible Innovation to strengthen the normative, ethical, and governance dimensions of the Wicked Problems (WiP) program. This role empowers students to critically engage with the social, political, and ethical implications of the technologies, models, and systems they explore ensuring that solutions are not only technically sound but also socially just, inclusive, and aligned with long-term societal goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guide student projects by embedding ethical reflection, policy implications, and stakeholder perspectives into their analyses.
• Develop and facilitate teaching modules on responsible research and innovation (RRI), technology governance, and ethics of AI, biotechnology, and sustainability.
• Help students map values, anticipate unintended consequences, and navigate ethical dilemmas in real-world applications.
• Support integration of participatory methods, policy brief writing, and impact assessments into the WiP framework.
• Collaborate with faculty and practitioners to bring diverse viewpoints and case studies into the classroom.
• Co-author publications on ethical frameworks, regulatory foresight, and inclusive innovation.
• Publish research and co-author student-led publications resulting from WiP investigations.
• Contribute to applied research motivated by the WiP investigations.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Philosophy, Public Policy, Science & Technology Studies (STS), Ethics of Technology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in applied ethics, policy analysis, or governance of emerging technologies.
• Familiarity with responsible innovation frameworks (e.g., RRI, anticipatory governance, value-sensitive design).
• Experience facilitating reflection and debate on technology, values, and societal outcomes.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Background in AI ethics, bioethics, environmental ethics, or development ethics.
• Experience working on interdisciplinary teams, with a focus on real-world case studies.
• Interest in civic engagement, deliberative democracy, or policy simulation games.
• Ability to support students in communicating complex ethical ideas to diverse audiences.