Postdoctoral Research Scholar, Social and Political Aspects of Water Supply Innovation
Company: Arizona State University
Location: Tempe
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
Overview of Project: The School for the Future of Innovation in
Society (SFIS) at Arizona State University seeks applications for a
Postdoctoral Research Scholar trained in anthropology, STS, or
adjacent fields to investigate how membrane filtration technologies
are being used as a “device” for facilitating innovation and
maintenance under changing political and environmental situations.
The fellow will work directly with Dr. Christy Spackman, Associate
Professor in SFIS and the School of Arts, Media and Engineering.
This work is funded by the National Science Foundation Grant
2341871 “Collaborative Research: Retooling at the Hydro-Frontier:
Devices for Resource Extraction in the 20th Century.” The fellow
will join a dynamic, multi-sited team of scholars based at ASU and
University of Southern California. In addition to research
activities, the fellow will provide mentorship to undergraduate
and/or graduate student members of the team. This is an in-person
position, housed at ASU’s Tempe campus. The full-time, fiscal year
(12-month), non-tenure-track, benefits-eligible position is for one
year. The anticipated start date is September 2026 but can be
negotiated. SFIS is located within the ASU Rob Walton College of
Global Futures https://collegeofglobalfutures.asu.edu/ , an
integral unit within the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures
Laboratory (GFL). GFL is an innovative enterprise designed to
radically enhance the university’s impact in creating a thriving
future for humanity and planet Earth. As defined in its design
aspirations, ASU has a deep commitment to use-inspired,
public-serving work in both the local and global contexts. This
commitment is further articulated in ASU’s Charter, declaring the
university’s enduring commitment to the communities in which it is
embedded. Job Description: The successful candidate will play a key
role in examining the role of Membrane Filtration Technologies
(MFT) as devices in water reuse policies and practices in Arizona,
focusing on their integration into wastewater treatment and
stakeholder approaches to water reuse. The project’s central
theoretical focus is on retooling—a sociotechnical practice that
combines innovation and maintenance to adapt to changing political
and environmental needs. Retooling is key to enabling new forms of
water resource extraction and shaping hydrological frontiers. By
studying these changes, we aim to understand how technoscientific
shifts make new forms of water extraction plausible and desirable.
The project includes research, policy analysis, stakeholder
interviews, and public engagement, with the postdoctoral fellow
contributing to publications, policy recommendations, and
development of an interactive exhibit to engage multiple audiences
in considering MFTs as devices. Essential Duties: Conducting
semi-structured interviews with city and state policymakers,
industry professionals, and academics involved in water reuse.
Participating in and analyzing public rule-making meetings as
Arizona advances direct potable reuse of wastewater. Conducting
archival research on the historical integration of MFTs in
wastewater treatment plants, industrial applications, and home use.
Engaging in participant observation at national and regional water
industry conferences, e.g. American Water Works Association (AWWA)
and WateReuse events from 2026–2027. Assisting in the design and
facilitation of interactive workshops that bring together
policymakers, water users, and experts to explore MFT applications
in Arizona’s water future. Developing an interactive exhibit on
MFTs and water reuse, presented at county fairs in Arizona
(Coconino, Maricopa, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Yuma counties) and at
professional water industry conferences in 2026–2027. Co-authoring
public-facing articles and op-eds to highlight key themes emerging
from the research. Mentorship and Professional Development: The
selected fellow will receive mentorship to support their
professional goals, whether in academia, policy, or industry. The
PI is committed to fostering a collaborative research environment
and will work with the fellow to develop a strategic career plan.
Minimum Qualifications Ph.D. in a relevant field such as
Environmental or Cultural Anthropology, Science and Technology
Studies, Sustainability, History of Science, or a related
discipline, completed by the start date. (Postdoctoral scholars
must be within five years from receipt of the doctoral degree.)
Research experience related to water policy, environmental
technology, and/or public engagement with science and policy.
Demonstrated expertise in interdisciplinary, mixed-methods research
including semi-structured interviews and participant observation.
Strong qualitative research skills, including interviewing and
ethnographic methods. Fluency in written and spoken English.
Desired Qualifications: Demonstrated experience translating
academic research into accessible formats for decision-makers and
the general public. Demonstrated experience working with multiple
stakeholders, including policymakers, community organizations, and
industry professionals. Demonstrated experience in public
engagement, exhibit design, or participatory research
methodologies. Demonstrated experience working on projects related
to water management, environmental policy, or sustainability.
Fluency in written and spoken Spanish.
Keywords: Arizona State University, Catalina Foothills , Postdoctoral Research Scholar, Social and Political Aspects of Water Supply Innovation, Science, Research & Development , Tempe, Arizona
