Post-doctoral Fellow - Indoor Environment, Psychology/Human Factors

The value of incorporating user feedback in the design of technological objects or systems is widely acknowledged. This feedback is typically gathered in situations designed by an engineer or other technologist. These situations may contain subtle cues about preferred choices or socially acceptable desires. Power differentials between the situation designer and the user may also lead to subconscious filtering.

The Mechanical Engineering Department at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to explore how personal awareness, development of self-efficacy, and discussion of societal networks might lessen some of these limitations, lead to richer user feedback early in the technological or programmatic design phase, and potentially alter the ultimate outcome of technological adoption. The fellow or scholar should have experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as a keen awareness of ethical behavior in the context of physical and social interventions.

Activities will include, but are not limited to, observation and evaluation of interventions related to household energy; review and amalgamation of qualitative survey instruments; and interpretation of physical or quantitative measurements regarding change. The scholar would join a multidisciplinary team (mechanical engineering, public health, psychology) and work with both academic researchers and non-governmental organizations. The scholar would contribute to academic literature and develop a framework and best practices for integrating development in both resource and personal spheres.

Backgrounds that are potentially relevant include scholarship in psychology, anthropology, or human factors within engineering, although demonstrated versatility in methods is more important than the individual’s stated degree. Ability to investigate and assimilate literature in unfamiliar disciplines is essential. Applicants should have excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to work both independently and within a fast-paced multidisciplinary research environment, and comfort with conversing with academicians, community members, workforce, and policy makers. This is a one-year appointment with the option to continue for a total of three years based on performance and funding.

Required Job Qualifications: Doctoral degree in psychology, anthropology, human factors within engineering, or another relevant field; Experience conducting social science research, with reference to specific methods and tools used; Strong interest in environmental health, public health, or public policy; Excellent written and oral communication skills; Ability to work independently and with a team and balance competing demands; Prior publication record (e.g., peer-reviewed literature, book chapters). 

Preferred Job Qualifications: Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team; Ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders; Experience designing and conducting stakeholder inquiries such as focus groups; and Experience using feedback from stakeholders to inform design of interventions.

The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by the start date. The employer will not provide visa sponsorship for this position. 

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. 

This position will remain open until closed; however, for full consideration, applications should be received by November 14, 2022.