How to Apply
Applications must include: (1) detailed CV; (2) brief statement describing interest in the position (1 page); (3) research statement including plans for proposed research at the University of Michigan (3 pages maximum), (4) brief statement describing interest in, experience with, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness (1 page); (5) undergraduate and graduate transcripts; (6) names and contact information for three references. Communication with potential faculty collaborators at the University of Michigan is recommended but not required. Combine all parts of the application into a single document before applying to this posting.
Application review will begin November 1, 2021 and continue in a rolling fashion, as we anticipate hiring a number of postdocs over the course of a year or more.
Questions about this search should be directed to Peter Reich, Director of the IGCB (preich@umich.edu); however, technical questions about application processes should be directed to D’Shaundra Payne (dshaunwo@umich.edu) for the Institute of Global Change Biology.
Summary
The Institute of Global Change Biology (IGCB) at the University of Michigan seeks exceptional applicants to nominate for the IGCB Michigan Postdoctoral Fellows Program. The main responsibilities of the Fellows will be to advance research in global change biology. Broadly, the Institute seeks applicants whose research, teaching, and service will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education. The program is additionally interested in scholars with demonstrated interests in bringing into their teaching, mentoring, service, engagement, and/or research the critical perspectives that come from underrepresented educational backgrounds and pathways or scholarly understanding of the experiences historically marginalized groups in higher education. In special cases, a tenure track faculty appointment may be considered. Successful candidates will participate in a program that includes career mentoring, professional development, and academic networking opportunities.
Mission Statement
The IGCB goal is to develop a comprehensive holistic understanding of the effects and consequences of global change on organisms, ecological systems, biosphere-atmosphere interactions, and coupled natural-human systems across temporal and spatial scales. The Institute’s focus on global change is broad, ranging from natural systems to public health. Both foundational science and work relevant to policy, management, and economics will be encouraged.
Responsibilities*
We are interested in applicants working in any area of global change biology. Each of these positions will be joint with at least one and hopefully two other units at the U. of Michigan (e.g., Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Medical School, School for Environment and Sustainability, School of Public Health) or at partner Universities and institutes elsewhere in the U.S. or internationally. Joint positions will include a joint mentorship agreement between faculty of different units, universities, or institutions. Successful candidates will be part of the initial cohort of scholars at the Institute, along with new faculty hires and IGCB affiliates (faculty, postdocs, students, staff) already part of the University community. As a cohort they will be expected to engage in opportunities offered to network and bridge across different topics, disciplines, issues, and questions. The ambit of the IGCB will be wide, with a broad view of global change biology, including aspects of natural systems, human systems, and their interactions as they play out on land, in the ocean, in our cities, and in our atmosphere.
Successful IGCB Michigan Fellows will be offered a 1-year appointment (renewable up to 3-4 years) based on their performance, proposed research, experience and prior accomplishments, and will be given the opportunity to develop collaborations (with faculty, postdocs, others) across and beyond campus, and to co-advise grad students if appropriate to the project. All areas within global change biology are open. Most of these appointments will be 100% research. There might also be opportunities to engage in teaching and curriculum development, requiring a secondary appointment under the University of Michigan Lecturers’ Employee Organization. Additionally, candidates can apply for a 50% research postdoc and a 50% IGCB coordinator position. If interested in this position, please indicate this on your application.
Required Qualifications*
A PhD and prior research that is relatable to the goals of the IGCB. Expertise in an area of global change biology and a proven track record of research accomplishments in that area.
Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work both as part of a team and independently, as well as lead the development of manuscripts for refereed journal publication.
Desired Qualifications*
Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated writing and quantitative capabilities, a record of leadership, expertise, and interest both within a narrow focal area and in the integration of knowledge across fields, and interest in being part of and helping to build a collaborative scientific community.
Additional Information
Note, other IGCB postdoctoral opportunities will develop in the near future. These positions will be advertised by faculty teams that have developed IGCB-supported working groups; each team will recruit postdoctoral candidates that fit within their research team focus.
IGCB is committed to fostering diversity throughout and beyond the institute and university, including with respect to race, ethnicity, gender, and disability status of faculty members. Women and members of other groups underrepresented in science are particularly encouraged to apply. The university supports the needs of dual career couples.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.