University Academic Fellow in the Ethics of Data Analytics (“Big Data”) (EXPIRED)

Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied - A Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (IDEA CETL)

Career Pathway: Successful completion of a 5 year probationary period leading to appointment to grade 9 Associate Professor.

You will make an outstanding contribution, leading exciting and important research on the distinctive ethical issues raised by the use of big data across a range of disciplines, and within both public sector and commercial life: issues such as privacy, confidentiality and trust; benefit and the public interest; consent and abuse; security and surveillance. Through developing inter-disciplinary work with top academics in the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA), and in other relevant disciplines at Leeds, you will be expected to enhance the reputation of the University of Leeds as a major world centre for the study of data analytics.

Leading work with colleagues in the LIDA/IDEA CETL steering group on the ethics and governance of big data work, and taking advantage of existing links -- including household name retailers, and public organisations such as the police and health care providers --you will develop a new impact case study. You will bring the benefits of well-grounded philosophical analysis to this major area of public interest and potential public concern, and thereby add still further to the breadth and depth of the IDEA CETL’s research activity in applied ethics.

You will work to strengthen existing internal and external collaborations with colleagues in Computer Science and Engineering, the Social Sciences, the Business School and Medicine and Dentistry. You will contribute to our MA programmes in Biomedical Ethics and in Applied and Professional Ethics and help the development of the IDEA CETL’s external work in professional ethics.

You will be exceptionally well placed to make a significant contribution to knowledge, secure funding, and attract students, not least since the existing links between the IDEA CETL and LIDA (and with Faculties of Medicine, Engineering and Business) are already strong. You will have demonstrated research excellence, and teaching ability, in the broadly-defined field of ethics or practical philosophy, have a commitment to leading inter-disciplinary work, and a skill-set for inquiry into the specific ethical  issues raised in the field of ‘big data’. You will also show an awareness of, and aptitude for, maximising the advantages offered by the funding landscape. Some prior relevant experience of professional life, and past involvement with ‘impact’ work would be desirable.