Description
The School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor position in Global Environmental Policy, with a demonstrated scholarly focus on issues related to the interface of environmental change and policy (e.g., climate change, land transformation, biodiversity maintenance or loss, natural resource degradation, sustainable food systems, transboundary pollution, international resource governance, nature-based solutions, or sustainability transitions). The candidate will support teaching and advising in the Sustainability and Development Specialization at SEAS which has core focuses in the areas of poverty and inequality, governance and institutions, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs, and transformation science. Importantly, we seek candidates who have interest in, and commitment to, using cutting edge analytical approaches to understanding how diverse actors including state (e.g., states, national and sub-national governments) and non-state actors (e.g., NGOs, civil society, private sector, international organizations, transnational networks, indigenous peoples, epistemic communities, and stakeholders) contribute to solving real-world environment and sustainability (i.e. global change) challenges, such as maintenance or restoration of biodiversity, associated ecosystem services including provisioning of clean water, climate mitigation and food, in the face of climate and other global changes. The successful candidate may work in any geographical region and use a variety of methodological approaches in their research and policy engagement. They must have demonstrated evidence of interdisciplinary scholarship and collaboration and connections with boundary organizations, policy actors, ecological and environmental data, and/or civil society groups and organizations. The successful candidate will be a part of and contribute to the vibrant intellectual community at the Institute for Global Change Biology.
At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.
The School offers a Ph.D. as well as both research and professional M.S. degrees in seven specializations: behavior, education and communication; ecosystem science and management; environmental justice; environmental policy and planning; geospatial data science; sustainability and development; and sustainable systems. The School also offers a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.). The student body includes over 500 M.S./M.L.A. and 60 doctoral students. SEAS also co-manages an undergraduate Program in the Environment and participates in dual master's degree programs with the Schools of Architecture and Urban Planning, Business, Engineering, Law, Public Health, and Public Policy. Additional information about the School can be found at www.seas.umich.edu.
The primary goal of the IGCB is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the interactive effects of global change on organisms and ecological systems across temporal and spatial scales relevant to policy and management actions. The IGCB brings together researchers from within
the UM and across an array of universities and disciplines to encompass a broad range of global change topics. Our associated faculty belong to an array of schools within the University of Michigan and across other institutions.
To learn more about SEAS, IGCB and our values, please visit our website at https://seas.umich.edu/about/seas-values.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Requirements
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in political science, public policy, economics, global change science, applied economics, sustainability sciences, geography, or a related field. Candidates must have a strong record of scholarly publication, grant writing success, evidence of teaching potential in a multidisciplinary setting, experience with policy and/or stakeholder engagement, as well as activities demonstrating a potential for and/or trajectory towards national and international recognition.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
1) Develop a widely recognized research program that attracts external funding and contributes to the interdisciplinary mission of SEAS and IGCB;
2) Support SEAS' teaching mission at both graduate and undergraduate levels, including mentoring and supervising doctoral and master’s students and leading master’s case based projects
3) Contribute to the stewardship of SEAS, IGCB, the University, relevant professions, and society through service, collaboration, and engagement.
Application Instructions: To apply, submit application materials in Interfolio, via this link: link: https://apply.interfolio.com/173947.
Applications should include (1) a cover letter (up to 2 pages, single-spaced); (2) CV; (3) a concise personal statement describing your vision and plans for research, teaching, and engagement (up to 3 pages, single-spaced); and (4) a list of three names of academic references with contact information.
Employment will require both a criminal background check and an institutional reference check regarding any misconduct. Candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure form as well as an authorization to release information form.
Review of applications will begin November 1, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. SEAS hopes to appoint a faculty member to this position to begin Fall 2026.
