SEAS is seeking candidates whose research focuses on the intersection of agroecology and
biodiversity. Agroecology involves the application of ecological principles and knowledge to
agricultural ecosystems. Agriculture affects and is affected by biodiversity. We are seeking
candidates with a strong natural science background who are doing research at this
intersection, including identifying how agrobiodiversity across scales can support wild species or
how to manage biodiversity within agroecosystems to increase their social and ecological
sustainability. Candidates who conduct field research are especially encouraged to apply.
Because agroecology is a transdisciplinary field, we encourage candidates with a
multidisciplinary background grounded in the natural sciences to apply. Promoting sustainability
and social equity are core principles of agroecology -- a sustainable food system must address
ecosystem health and social well-being in order to persist. Biodiversity in this context includes
the agrobiodiversity of food systems per se - including the remarkable, global diversity of
indigenous food varieties that continue to be lost each year - as well as the broader ecosystem
context in which food production takes place, including both rural and urban settings. The
successful applicant could focus on a broad range of topics including, but not limited to, ways
that agroecosystems intersect with ecological restoration, biodiversity-ecosystem functioning,
loss of global crop diversity, management of the agroecological matrix for biodiversity
conservation, pollination, ecological pest management, intercropping/agroforestry, and climate
change impacts on biodiversity. More broadly, the position could encompass environmental
justice issues associated with either food systems or biodiversity conservation.
The postdoc will be housed at SEAS but would be part of the Sustainable Food Systems
Initiative, a university-wide initiative of faculty, students, and staff working toward a sustainable
and just food system, locally and globally. The postdoc would have opportunities for cross-
disciplinary interactions with faculty from several academic units, including the School of Public
Health, Taubman School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and the School of Literature,
Science, and Art.
Faculty at SEAS have a successful record of providing a nurturing and productive postdoctoral
experience. In keeping with the PPDF program, we are interested in future colleagues who
engage in research in the broad fields of environment and sustainability and whose research
addresses the perspectives and/or needs of groups that have been historically underserved by
academic research.
The University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability views these postdoctoral
fellowships as an exceptional opportunity to recruit potential new faculty. The fellowships offer
the possibility of either a postdoc alone or a combined postdoc, with consideration for a tenure-
track faculty appointment at the end of the postdoc appointment.
Please direct inquiries about this position to Ivette Perfecto (perfecto@umich.edu).
About SEAS and UM
The University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) is at the
forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of
higher education and reimagining the future. By advancing climate and sustainability action
through innovation, research, education, and engagement in society, SEAS develops leaders
who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for
generations to come.
The School is home to vibrant research and teaching programs, with over 50 professors and
over 12,600 alumni, the largest network of any U.S. environmental degree program. We offer
four degrees: A Ph.D., a Master of Science in 8 different specializations, a Master of Landscape
Architecture, and a Bachelor of Science in Environment.
Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan has a long and distinguished history as one of the
first public universities in the nation. It is one of only two public institutions consistently ranked
among the nation's top ten universities. The University has one of the largest health care
complexes in the world and one of the best library systems in the United States. With more than
$1.86 billion in research expenditures annually, the University has the second largest research
expenditure among all universities in the nation. The University has an annual general fund
budget of more than $3.1 billion and an endowment valued at more than $17.9 billion. For more
information about SEAS, please visit: seas.umich.edu.
SEAS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable environment that respects diverse experiences, promotes generous listening and communications, and discourages and restoratively responds to acts of discrimination, harassment, or injustice. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is deeply rooted in our values for a sustainable and just society.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a
competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself
and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
● Generous time off
● A retirement plan
● Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
● Life insurance
● Long-term disability coverage
● Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from
posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the
position is filled. Application deadline is August 30th, 2024.
Background Screening
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.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Required Qualifications
● PhD in Natural Science or related field
● Strong written and oral communication skills
● Candidates must not have previously held a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow position
The University of Michigan, School for Environment and Sustainability invites applicants for the
U-M Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPDF)
https://presidentspostdoc.umich.edu/index.php#. Applicants must first apply for the program
through this posting on Interfolio as directed below. A select applicant will later be asked to
apply directly to the UM Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship application portal.
Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of
background and identity. Applications should include:
● Cover letter, which should name at least one potential mentor at SEAS
● Dissertation abstract - one page
● Post-doctoral research proposal - 700-1,000 words (not including references)
● Education and background statement - 500-700 words describing your personal
background and contributions to diversity and equal opportunity through your academic
career
● Curriculum vitae
● Teaching statement
● Three (3) writing samples
● Three letters of reference
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
