What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Scholar, Engineering for Positive Social, Environmental, and Animal Futures position at Arizona State University?
Location
Open Date
Description
Job Description: re-Engineered is focused on creating an engineering profession that promotes positive futures for the thriving of all living beings and the environment.
Questions that the postdoctoral fellow could help address include:
- What would it look like to strategically coordinate nationwide engineering efforts across the peace, humanitarian, human rights, social justice, and environmental protection spaces? What could it look like across engineering education, executive and professional development, employment, research, policy, and beyond?
- How can engineering and design be done in ways that promote the thriving of non-human animals? What could collaborating with non-human animals on engineering design look like? How might this be different than bio-inspired design or other approaches that mimic natural solutions?
The position is for one year, contingent on funding, with an anticipated state date in January 2026. The appointment is a full-time, fiscal year (12-month), non-tenure-track, benefits-eligible position. Renewal may be possible based upon performance, the needs of the principal investigator, and the availability of funding.
As one of the newest element of ASU’s approach to building a “New American University” (http://newamericanuniversity.asu.edu/), the School for the Future of Innovation in Society (sfis.asu.edu) provides robust opportunities for intellectual fusion, use-inspired research, and global engagement via ongoing projects and centers.
The Polytechnic School of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering (http://poly.engineering.asu.edu/) embraces a broad range of degree programs, perspectives, and research activities all of which are in support of achieving the design aspirations of the New American University. We value a full range of knowledge and ways of knowing and respect the multiple disciplinary viewpoints that are necessary to develop meaningful solutions to complex technical challenges.
Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural, and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines
General Information
re-Engineered is an interdisciplinary laboratory run by principal investigator Darshan M.A. Karwat, Associate Professor (School for the Future of Innovation in Society The Polytechnic School in the Fulton Schools of Engineering). The work will be based in Tempe, AZ, and Mesa, AZ. Salary will be a maximum of $63,000 plus benefits, contingent on funding.
Essential Functions/Job Duties
Activities the postdoctoral fellow could engage in include, but are not limited to
- Setting research agendas
- Grant writing
- Contributing to academic publications and products (literature reviews, writing journal and white papers, etc.)
- Facilitating collaborations
- Project management
Collaboration and Work Expectations:
The PI is committed to your success and will mentor you toward achieving your professional goals. You will work on building a strategic plan for your time here at ASU aimed at setting you up for success as you move into your next position. The expectation will be that a majority of your time will be spent working on campus. Previous post-doctoral fellows in re-Engineered have moved on to tenure-track faculty positions, academic administration, federal and state government positions, and the non-profit sector.
Qualifications
Required qualifications and experience:
- PhD in engineering, biology, ecology, animal behavior, science and technology policy, social sciences, sustainability, and/or related disciplines, with the degree completed by the start date
- Applicants must be within five years of the doctoral degree award
- Fluency in written and spoken English
Desired qualifications: In addition to the above,
- Research experience at the nexus of engineering and one or more of the following: human rights, humanitarian assistance, social justice, animal behavior, environmental protection, policy, or other related areas
- Experience publishing journal articles, white papers and reports, and/or policy-focused pieces
- Experience in public speaking
- Experience working on interdisciplinary teams
- Experience working with a broad range of stakeholder groups
- Experience in project and/or program design and management
Application Instructions
Only electronic applications submitted via Interfolio will be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants must submit:
- a two-page cover letter (which includes your motivations, passions, and thoughts on what you’re hoping to accomplish with regards to the job description, along with descriptions related to the required and desired qualifications) [please do not use any AI to write this; the PI wants to hear your own voice]
- your academic CV
- a writing sample
- unofficial transcripts
- contact information for three references
Application deadline is December 5, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed every Friday thereafter until the search is closed. Official transcripts are required for employment.
Application Process
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
A background check is required for employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.
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