How to Apply
Applications are welcome and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of background and identity. Applicants must submit their application here by 17:00 ET on December 14, 2025.
All applicants are required to submit the following:
A brief cover letter (max two pages) that includes a summary of the applicant's PhD research and career goals and outlines how an Erb Institute post-doctoral fellowship will advance their sustainability research career. Current doctoral candidates should indicate the anticipated date of completion. A PhD or comparable degree is a prerequisite for this appointment.
A proposal (maximum five pages) outlining the research the applicant wishes to conduct while in residence. The proposal must address challenges or opportunities at the intersection of social/environmental sustainability and business/markets and align with the research interests of one of the Erb Institute's Affiliated Faculty.
An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
A list of courses taken while a graduate student (a transcript is not required).
Two short (manuscript-length) examples of your written work. One of these examples should reflect the applicants' dissertation research; however, applicants are asked not to send a copy of their dissertation.
Separate from these application materials, applicants must arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted. Recommendation letters must be from individuals qualified to write about the applicant's aptitude for the position. Without exceptions, letters of recommendation must also be received by the December 14, 2025 deadline.
Questions about this position should be directed to [email protected]
NB: Incomplete applications, including those with missing recommendation letters, will not be reviewed.
Job Summary
From July 21, 2025 through December 14, 2025 the Erb Institute will be accepting applications from talented early-career scholars who, in addition to conducting high-quality and impactful research, will also participate in other Institute activities such as seeking external funding related to their research, writing jointly-authored and peer-reviewed articles, and contributing content for a broad array of audiences under the Erb Institute's research and engagement banners.
Researchers at the Erb Institute are global in their approach, think in terms of systems, and adopt a broad view of sustainability, which includes the social, environmental and economic impacts of business. We seek scholars whose research and academic interests sit at the nexus of sustainability and business/markets.
Applicants must be at the beginning of their academic careers, having received their Ph.D. or comparable degree between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026. Individuals holding current academic positions at a rank above post-doctoral fellow are not eligible to apply. Fellowships are open to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens providing they are eligible for an academic visa in the United States.
Fellows are appointed for two years in the Erb Institute and are expected to be in residence during the academic years of the fellowship, participate in the intellectual life of the institute, and devote the bulk of their time to their research. In addition, Erb Institute postdocs are expected to contribute to the success of the Institute; this may take the form of guest lecturing, speaking engagements, translational research publications, or other communications support. Decisions regarding individual contributions will consider what is most beneficial to the post-doctoral fellow and the Institute and will be made in collaboration with the Institute Faculty Director and Managing Director. There are no teaching requirements associated with the postdoc, though limited teaching opportunities may be available at additional compensation. Additional details about the expectations and responsibilities of post-doctoral fellows in the Erb Institute may be found here.
Erb Postdoctoral Fellows contribute to our positive and inclusive work community by building trusting partnerships between the institute's two schools and across the University of Michigan. Our postdocs approach this work with a commitment to the University of Michigan's values in mind; treat others with respect, and dignity, and in a manner where individuals feel they belong; listen; value feedback; and learn from the perspectives of others.
The stipend will be $70,000 per year based on an academic calendar year, September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2027, with the second-year extension contingent on successful performance during the first year. A modest discretionary research fund will also be provided each year. Fellows are eligible for University employee benefits programs including health and life insurance options.
Mission Statement
SEAS
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.
To learn more about SEAS and our values, please visit our website at https://seas.umich.edu/about/seas-values.
Erb
To create a sustainable world through the power of business.
Who We Are
The Frederick A. and Barbara M. Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise at the University of Michigan is a joint program between the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the School for Environment and Sustainability. The Erb Institute is focused on addressing the world's sustainability challenges, broadly defined, by challenging and shaping markets, the private sector, and other impact-focused organizations to become sources of positive solutions. The Institute emphasizes scholarly research and externally focused engagement as vehicles for shaping thinking and dialogue about how the private and impact sectors may help to create a more just and sustainable world.
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:
- Generous time off
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.