How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- Cover letter addressing relevant experience and interest in the project
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact information for three professional references
- Sample publication or writing sample related to disability research or inclusion initiatives (if available)
In order for the Career Portal system to accept a cover letter, Contact Information for 3 professional references and sample publications/writing sample, please include these as pages of your CV document.
For questions about the position or application process, please contact:
Dr. Connie Sung
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (734) 647-3961
Job Summary
Appointment Term: 12 months (with potential for extension based on funding and project needs). Potential Start Date: May 1, 2026
The University of Michigan's School of Social Work invites applications for a motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead a research initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility, inclusion, and success for faculty and staff with disabilities across the university community. This position offers a unique opportunity to drive institutional change by leading a comprehensive, multi-phase project designed to deepen understanding of disability-related experiences, strengthen existing support programs, and pilot cutting-edge models that promote equitable workplace environments.
The Postdoctoral Fellow will be based within the Supporting Transition and Employment Pathways Research Lab (STEP; https://step-lab.ssw.umich.edu/), an interdisciplinary research group dedicated to advancing disability inclusion by ensuring individuals with disabilities have opportunities to fully participate in every aspect of their lives. The STEP Lab brings together talented members from diverse academic and clinical backgrounds, fostering a rich interdisciplinary research environment. It provides a collaborative environment where scholars engage in innovative research addressing critical social challenges, including disability inclusion and workplace equity.
The Postdoctoral Fellow will play a pivotal role in shaping disability inclusion efforts through rigorous research, strategic stakeholder engagement, and collaborative project leadership. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to institutional change by generating actionable insights and evidence-based recommendations that influence policy and practice at one of the nation's leading research universities.
Responsibilities*
Research Leadership & Project Management
- Lead day-to-day research activities aligned with the two-phase project, including designing and implementing surveys, focus groups, organizational audits, and stakeholder convenings.
- Coordinate data collection, management, analysis, and interpretation to inform program development and institutional recommendations.
- Manage project timelines, deliverables, and communication with project partners including the Provost's Office, Director of Disability Equity, ADA Coordinator, and advisory board members.
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
- Facilitate co-design processes engaging with employees with disabilities, disability navigators, unit administrators, and other key stakeholders to ensure inclusive participation and relevance of findings.
- Organize and moderate workshops and advisory meetings to co-interpret data and co-prioritize strategies that meet community needs.
Pilot Implementation & Evaluation
- Collaborate with navigator units to co-develop professional development modules focused on inclusive leadership, digital accessibility, disclosure practices, and accommodation navigation.
- Conduct rigorous pre/post evaluations assessing feasibility, acceptability, impact on awareness, sense of belonging, accommodation utilization, and overall satisfaction.
Reporting & Dissemination
- Prepare comprehensive reports, evaluation summaries, and contribute to academic publications and institutional presentations.
- Support grant proposal development to secure funding for scaling and sustaining successful initiatives.
Required Qualifications*
- PhD in Social Work, Disability Studies, Rehabilitation, Public Health, Sociology, Education, Psychology, or related social science field completed within the last 5 years or anticipated completion prior to start date.
- Demonstrated expertise in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods including survey design, focus groups/facilitated discussions, and organizational assessments.
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience working on disability inclusion, accessibility, workplace equity, or related topics.
- Excellent project management skills with ability to coordinate multiple activities and collaborators effectively.
- Strong skills in stakeholder engagement, community-based participatory research or co-design methods.
- Proficiency with data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, SPSS/STATA/R).
- Familiarity with accessibility standards/ADA regulations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills tailored to academic audiences as well as institutional stakeholders.
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.
Additional Information
This position offers rich opportunities for professional growth including:
- Collaborative Network Building: Engage with a diverse community of scholars, practitioners, and disability advocates across academic disciplines.
- Skill Enhancement: Gain advanced expertise in mixed-methods research, community-based participatory approaches, program evaluation, and organizational change strategies.
- Scholarly Advancement: Receive support for publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at national conferences.
- Grant Writing Experience: Participate in developing competitive grant proposals aimed at sustaining and expanding disability inclusion initiatives.
Application Deadline
- Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States, as we are currently unable to sponsor visas for this job opening.
- Review of applications will begin on February 15, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.