Grand Challenges Initiative Postdoctoral Teaching and Research Fellows, August 2026

Description

The Schmid College of Science and Technology and Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler School of Engineering at Chapman University invite applications for the 10th cohort of their postdoctoral teaching and research fellows' program, starting August 2026.

Chapman University, located in the heart of Orange County, California, offers traditional undergraduate programs in the arts and sciences and select pre-professional and graduate programs. The university is a nationally ranked R2 research institution with a commitment to excellence through world-class research and innovative teaching. Science and engineering programs at Chapman are growing rapidly and are housed in the new Keck Center for Science and Engineering. More information is available here:

Appointments will begin in late summer 2026 for one year with up to two years of extension contingent on performance. Fellows are outstanding early-career scientists and engineers who provide innovative teaching and mentorship to undergraduate students in our Grand Challenges Initiative ( as well as advance independent research in collaboration with a member of the faculty. The GCI fellows' program comprises a unique community of ~10 postdoctoral fellows who actively collaborate in teaching and research. Fellows joining our community are offered a competitive annual salary ($70,304), benefits, annual research support ($5,000), and personalized professional development in teaching and research.

Responsibilities

Fellows are responsible for teaching foundational coursework on critical thinking, problem solving, communication and teamwork in science and engineering, particularly with respect to mentoring first and second-year student teams applying critical thinking to solving problems of global importance. These problems range from removing plastics from the ocean to designing low-cost and open-source hardware capable of predicting critical medical conditions. The Grand Challenges Initiative has dedicated lab and makerspace access to help students turn their ideas into reality.

In parallel, fellows develop their own independent research in collaboration with a faculty mentor. Fellows have full access to our new research facilities and receive significant support in growing their teaching, research, communication, project management, and grant writing skills.

Approximately 70% of time is dedicated to research and 30% to teaching.

Qualifications

Postdoctoral Fellows must have a conferred a Ph.D. or DSc. degree by the beginning of employment at Chapman University. The doctorate or equivalent must have been awarded within the last five years and candidate must not have exceeded five years of prior postdoctoral experience.

Applicants must identify and name a prospective faculty mentor who holds a primary appointment in Schmid College or the Fowler School of Engineering and briefly describe the first research project you would undertake in collaboration with that mentor.

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit the following via Interfolio:

• Cover letter - the applicant should discuss their personal motivations and goals as they pertain to serving as a teacher and mentor in the Grand Challenges Initiative. The applicant must identify and name a prospective faculty mentor who holds a primary appointment in Schmid College or the Fowler School of Engineering and briefly describe the first research project you would undertake in collaboration with that mentor.
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching statement (including knowledge and experience creating an equitable and inclusive learning environment for all students)
• Research statement
• Letter of commitment from the proposed faculty mentor who must hold a primary appointment in Schmid College or Fowler School of Engineering. NOTE: This is not a letter of recommendation. Letters must:
• Detail the mentor's commitment to collaborating with you
• State that they support the proposed research statement to be submitted in the application
• Identify specific professional development opportunities they will offer
• Names and contact information for three references (letters are requested only from short-listed candidates)

File review will commence on January 21, 2026 and will continue until the positions are filled. Questions can be addressed to the program director, Dr. Javier Espeleta: [email protected]. Salary for this position is $70,304. Successful completion of a background check is required for the final candidate. This position is subject to final budget approval.