Postdoctoral Research Associate (Digital Cultural Heritage Data Ethics & Software Ecosystems)

The University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to focus on Digital Cultural Heritage Data Ethics. The role involves designing ethical research guidelines, evaluating compliance in AI-driven processes, and developing validation requirements for software ecosystems. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess expertise in data ethics. This position offers a competitive salary and is part of an exciting European project.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday entitlement

Comprehensive pension schemes

Staff discounts

Family-friendly initiatives

Qualifications

• PhD in digital humanities, digital ethics, or related field required.
• Expertise in data and AI ethics within digital cultural heritage contexts.
• Experience evaluating and implementing digital tools.

Responsibilities

• Design research on ethical guidelines for DCHOs.
• Evaluate open-source tools for compliance in AI-driven processes.
• Lead development of a Rulebook for developers.

Skills

Data and AI ethics

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Experience with digital tools

Education

PhD in digital humanities, digital ethics, or a related field

Job description

Overview

Grade UE07: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum

CAHSS / Edinburgh College of Art / Institute for Design Informatics

Full Time: 35 hours per week

Fixed Term: 1st January 2026 – 30th June 2029 (42 months)

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Digital Cultural Heritage Data Ethics & Software Ecosystems to join the Institute for Design Informatics, Edinburgh College of Art.

The Opportunity:

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a major European Commission-funded project focused on data ethics and software design within digital cultural heritage. You will collaborate with leading European partners, contributing to innovative solutions that influence the future of digital cultural heritage. The position involves designing research on ethical guidelines and evaluating open-source tools to ensure legal and ethical compliance in AI-driven processes for Digital Cultural Heritage Objects (DCHOs). You will play a lead role in creating a Rulebook for developers and establishing validation requirements for ethical and legally sound software ecosystems.

This post is funded by the European Union’s Horizon scheme and is part of a pan-European research project. Regular European travel will be expected as part of this role.

Salary: Starting salary for this role will be up to a maximum of £46,049 per annum.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include designing research on ethical guidelines for DCHOs, evaluating open-source tools for legal and ethical compliance in AI-driven processes, and leading the development of a Rulebook for developers and validation requirements for software ecosystems.

Qualifications

• A PhD in digital humanities, digital ethics, or a related field such as digital sociology, law, or information sciences.
• Demonstrated expertise in data and AI ethics, particularly in digital cultural heritage contexts.
• Experience in evaluating and implementing digital tools with a focus on usability and documentation.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of translating complex concepts for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary and international teams.

This post is associated with the Institute for Design Informatics (IDI, the University of Edinburgh), a joint research initiative between the Schools of Design and Informatics. The successful candidate will join IDI’s team of 50+ academics, researchers, software research engineers and professional services staff, contributing to the Institute’s diverse research and entrepreneurship activities. IDI is a positive, creative and rewarding place to work, with support for talent and success.

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Benefits

• A competitive salary
• An exciting, positive, creative, fast-paced and rewarding place to work
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check the staff benefits page for more details.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award and is a member of the Race Equality Charter; we are Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencement you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. The university’s right to work information is available on our pages.

On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will be able to take up this role only if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 24th October 2025. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If applying outside the UK, the closing time on our adverts adjusts to your browser’s local time zone.

Interviews will be held on Friday 28th November 2025.