To apply for this position, please email your application to Dr. Sita Syal at syalsm@umich.edu and put the title of this position Postdoctoral Researcher in Community-Engaged Energy Systems in the subject line. The application must include:

1. A cover letter outlining your research experience, qualifications, and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae (CV) including a list of publications
3. Contact information for three references

Review of applications will begin on May 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date for this position is August 1, 2025. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience.

Questions may be directed to Dr.. Sita Syal - syalsm@umich.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and only applications that follow the submission guidelines will be considered.

The University of Michigan Department of Mechanical Engineering's EMBERlab is seeking a highly motivated and talented individual for a postdoctoral researcher position in sociotechnical energy systems and energy justice. The primary focus of this position will be studying bioenergy systems and community integration. The candidate will be expected to work with a broader team of mechanical engineers, environmental engineers, social scientists, and community partners on the project to develop real time decision making frameworks for the community partner's bioenergy operations. This research will include both quantitative and qualitative work. A knowledge of bioenergy systems is desirable, but not required if a candidate has a foundation in sociotechnical systems (which may include working with communities and a background in sustainable energy) and strong motivation to learn. Additionally, as part of being in the EMBERlab community, work may also include taking a sociotechnical systems lens to other applications in design and sustainable energy to contribute to ongoing projects. The position is based in Ann Arbor, MI with some travel associated with research projects and will be offered on a one year contract basis, with additional years possible pending funding availability and satisfactory performance. Start date can be negotiable, targeting a date between August and October 2025.

About Us:

Led by Prof. Sita Syal, EMBERlab (https://www.emberlab.engin.umich.edu/) seeks to fundamentally transform the way engineers design, develop, evaluate, and implement sustainable energy and transportation systems to better serve the human population. We are an interdisciplinary group, working at the intersection of energy and transportation justice, human-centered design, and systems modeling, and our core research themes of Clean Mobility, Sustainable Energy Transition, and Design for All guide our portfolio of projects and expertise across the team. 

The University of Michigan Mechanical Engineering department provides scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world. We seek to improve the quality of life by developing intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, creating collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promoting an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good. Our vision, mission and values guide us as we work hard to lead change. 

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

• Lead the research direction and delivery of sociotechnical bioenergy system analysis in collaboration with the broader research team and our community partners. A sample of some of the key research expectations and deliverables are as follows:
• Analyze sociotechnical systems to procure and transport input feedstock for on site anaerobic digester operations
• Analyze sociotechnical system to produce and in the future, distribute output digestate and renewable natural gas for anaerobic digester operations
• Develop environmental, economic, and social key performance indicators for community partner's processes and quantitative optimization framework for ongoing evaluation and decision making
• Identify major decision points and market opportunities for community partner to grow
• Conduct robust data collection from project engagement and produce at least two academic journal articles related to the sociotechnical system analysis and community integration impact.
• Guide and mentor junior lab members working on similar research objectives
• Support grant writing on behalf of the EMBERlab future research directives as well as lend expertise to other applicable areas of ongoing research outside of the main project focus.

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following:

• Hold a PhD in Engineering, Energy Systems, or related domain
• Published papers in sociotechnical systems
• Demonstrated research interest in sustainability and community-engaged work relevant coursework and/or research experience
• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with communities

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.