Postdoctoral Research Associate in Center for Community-Driven Assistive Technologies (CDAT)

Job no: 503844

Work type: Exempt Staff Full-time

Location: Bethlehem

Categories: Postdoc

The Center for Community-Driven Assistive Technologies (CDAT) at Lehigh University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to interdisciplinary research on AI-enabled assistive technologies. This position focuses on understanding user needs, fostering trust, and advancing the adoption of AI-enabled Assistive Technologies designed to support individuals with disabilities and/or older adults.

The successful candidate will work at the intersection of human-centered design, artificial intelligence, and social science methods.

Position Number: RC1590

Anticipated Salary: $65,000 - $68,000 - Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, including benefits.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support needs finding and user discovery efforts across diverse stakeholder groups
• Design and conduct mixed-methods research (qualitative, quantitative, and computational) to evaluate AI-enabled assistive technologies
• Investigate trust, transparency, and human-AI interaction, including factors influencing user acceptance and sustained adoption
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across engineering, computer science, education, social sciences, and health-related fields
• Publish research in high-impact venues and present findings at academic and industry conferences
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in research projects
• Assist in developing grant proposals and research initiatives aligned with CDAT priorities
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction, Information Science, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Design, Sociology, Psychology, Education, or a related field
• Demonstrated expertise in mixed-methods research, including qualitative (e.g., interviews, ethnography) and quantitative approaches as applied to persons with disabilities and/or older adults.
• Research experience related to AI systems, assistive technologies, or human-AI interaction
• Strong publication record or evidence of scholarly potential
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in accessibility, special education, disability studies, or inclusive design
• Experience with participatory design or community-engaged research
• Technical skills in prototyping, data analysis, or machine learning are a plus
• Experience with human-centered design and/or needs assessment methodologies
  
  

CDAT is an interdisciplinary university research center with the goal of transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities and older adults by bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world application. By fostering a collaboration between researchers and the community, we co-create, evaluate, and scale innovative solutions that dismantle barriers to independence and well-being. The postdoctoral researcher will have opportunities to collaborate with faculty across multiple colleges and engage with external partners in industry, healthcare, and community organizations.

Terms Of Appointment

This is a part-time, one-year position with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. The position will start on a mutually agreed-upon date.

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, including benefits. Please visit the Postdoctoral Affairs Office website for the compensation policy at Lehigh University.

Application Process

Applicants should submit:

• A cover letter detailing research experience, career goals, and how they align with the department’s research areas.
• A curriculum vitae (CV).
• A research statement (1-2 pages)
• Contact information for three references.
  
  

Lehigh University offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment that fosters professional growth, personal development, and a strong sense of community. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we value the unique perspectives and experiences of our employees. Competitive benefits, including comprehensive healthcare plans, tuition remission, and retirement savings opportunities, ensure your well-being and long-term success. Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.

• The duties of the position do not allow for a remote work option; the employee in this position will be required to work on campus where they can be fully accessible to the Lehigh community
• This position works with minors
  
  

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.

Advertised: April 17, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Open until filled