Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, Spring 2026 presso Chapman University

The rapidly growing Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler School of Engineering at Chapman University invites applications for a post-doctoral fellow position in the area of Computer Science or Electrical Engineering in Spring 2026.

Chapman University is a nationally ranked, R2 Carnegie Classified, private institution offering traditional undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Orange County, one of Southern California’s most diverse and vibrant regions. Chapman’s campuses are home to nearly 10,000 students representing 50 states, three territories, and 87 countries. The 11 schools and colleges of Chapman, including Fowler School of Engineering, offer 65 bachelors, 53 master, and six doctoral programs, along with 60 minors and 17 integrated and bridge programs. Classes are taught by more than 1,100 dedicated faculty members who are leaders in their fields, including Nobel Prize recipients, MacArthur Fellows, National Medal of Science honorees, former U.S. Supreme Court clerks, and Emmy, Grammy, and Academy Award winners.

Opened in the fall of 2019, the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler School of Engineering offers undergraduate degree programs in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, and Software Engineering, and a graduate program in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The School also offers several interdisciplinary minors and themed inquiry programs which allow students from across other Chapman programs to explore engineering. Fowler Engineering is committed to contributing solutions to global challenges and a key component of that mission is the recruitment and support of faculty, staff, and students from the broadest possible set of backgrounds and experiences. The Swenson Family Hall of Engineering, which opened in 2021, provides state-of-the-art facilities for teaching and research that allow for experiences that are truly without boundaries.

A postdoctoral position is available immediately for highly motivated individuals to join Dr. Etezad and Dr. Cibrian's research group. Dr. Etezad’s research focuses on assistive technology and education,  through the design of tactile and Braille-based interfaces, interactive STEM learning tools, and accessible educational technologies for individuals with visual impairments. Dr. Cibrian works at the intersection of HCI, assistive technology, ubiquitous computing, and AI using user-centered methods (contextual studies, co-design, prototyping, user evaluations). Together, they aim to design, develop and evaluate STEM games paired with an affordable refreshable Braille display for elementary students with blindness and visual impairment. Candidates with a background in one or more of the relevant research areas are encouraged to apply.  Successful candidates will engage in day-to-day research activities aligned with their expertise, contributing to projects within these areas. The position also offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with scholars and researchers across related fields. 

Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will conduct independent research and/or collaborate on multiple research projects; provide guidance and support to undergraduate/graduate students associated with the related projects; document research activities and publish key findings in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals.

Required Qualifications
·  A doctoral or equivalent degree in engineering, computer science, statistics, or related fields is required at the time of employment and awarded within the last five years.
·  Excellent verbal and written skills and strong programming skills.
·  Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Desired Qualifications
·  Knowledge in assistive technology, user studies, statistical data analysis, electronics, are strongly encouraged to apply.
·  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Interested applicants should submit the following documents:
1) Detailed curriculum vitae
2) Cover letter
3) Research statement indicating research interests, summary of previous research portfolio, and future goals
4) Contact information of three references (reference letters are encouraged but are not required at the time of application)

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  Please address any questions to Dr. Etezad: [email protected] or Dr. Cibrian: [email protected]

The start date of the position is flexible but is anticipated to begin in January 2026. The salary range for this Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is $70,304 - $75,000 and is contingent on final budget approval. Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. Successful completion of a background check is required for the final candidate.

Chapman University is committed to providing a comprehensive employee benefits program. More information on Chapman’s benefits program may be found on the Office of Human Resources website.