Tech Ethics & Policy Rising Scholars Program

Applications are closed for the 2026-2027 cohort. 

The Tech Ethics & Policy (TEP) Rising Scholars program aims to bring early-career scholars who have a bachelor’s degree and an interest in issues at the intersection of ethics, policy, society, and technology into full-time research positions at Stanford University. The goal of the program is to serve as a bridge into long-term careers in ethics, technology, and policy. Successful outcomes for participants include going on to competitive graduate programs in related fields or into impactful jobs in government, the private sector, or civil society.

TEP Rising Scholars will be hired as full-time predoctoral researchers who will work to support research, teaching, and administrative activities at the Ethics Center.

This program is made possible by Frank McCourt in association with Stanford’s partnership with the Project Liberty Institute.

Meet the current TEP Rising Scholars

Core Duties

Scholars will oversee and contribute to multiple research initiatives at the intersection of ethics, policy, and technology including:

  1. drafting reports, conducting literature reviews, and leading the preparation of research memos
  2. collecting and analyzing research data
  3. organizing and convening research workshops/symposia with other faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students
  4. leading and organizing public events at which research is discussed and presented

Education and Experience

Successful candidates will have a bachelor's degree in a field or combination of fields such as computer science, philosophy, data science, sociology, science & technology studies, political science, psychology, public policy, history, communication, and other related disciplines. Candidates should also have a passion for investigating issues at the intersection of ethics, technology, society, and policy.

Rising Scholars will begin the program in September 2026 and will be based on the Stanford campus, but can be considered for an option of telecommuting (hybrid of working on-site and off-site), subject to operational need. 

How to Apply

We invite you to apply for this position via the Stanford Careers site.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To be considered, along with your online application, you must submit:

  1. Resume/CV
  2. 2-page cover letter describing how your academic, personal, and/or professional experiences have prepared you for this position and how the TEP Rising Scholars Program will contribute to your career development. Applicants are encouraged to include references to related courses, research, or other experiences that may have prepared them for the program.’

Please email estinitiatives [at] stanford.edu (estinitiatives[at]stanford[dot]edu) with any questions.