Applicants must submit TWO separate applications:
- PPFP candidates applying to Ford School must submit the following materials electronically through Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/189148. (Consideration of applications will begin immediately. Applications must be submitted by September 13, 2026, as the job posting will close for review on that date.)
- Cover letter, which should name at least one potential mentor at Ford School of Public Policy
- Postdoctoral Research Proposal - 700-1,000 words (not including references)
- Education and Background Statement - 500-700 words describing your academic background and career
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of current and future research plans
- Statement of teaching activities and experience
- Three (3) writing samples
- Three letters of reference (submitted separately by referees)
- Applicants must also apply directly through the University of Michigan President's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP) site (http://presidentspostdoc.umich.edu/ppfp-application.php) by November 1, 2026 (note, this application will open September 1, 2026)
Please direct inquiries about this position to [email protected].
The University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy invites applicants for the University of Michigan Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP) (http://presidentspostdoc.umich.edu/index.php). In keeping with the PPFP program, the Ford School seeks applicants whose research, teaching, and service will, as determined by the University of Michigan and in accordance with law, contribute to the core values of the University of Michigan, and to equal opportunity in higher education. The program is particularly interested in scholars with the potential to bring to their research and teaching the critical perspective that comes from their non-traditional educational background or understanding of the experiences of groups historically underrepresented in higher education. Candidates will be evaluated on fit with current needs and strengths of the institution and future funding possibilities.
The Ford School views this postdoctoral fellowship as an exceptional opportunity to attract outstanding scholars with the potential to successfully transition from a postdoctoral fellowship to a tenure-track faculty position. Accordingly, we seek applicants whose research, teaching, and scholarly trajectory demonstrate strong promise for long-term success as members of our faculty.
In addition to the materials required by the University of Michigan PPFP, applicants to Ford School of Public Policy must submit the following materials to Interfolio by September 13th. Please note that some of these materials duplicate those to be submitted to the University of Michigan application system.
Candidates must identify at least 1 potential faculty mentor at the Ford School ( in the cover letter. A description of the requirements and expectations for mentors can be found here: https://presidentspostdoc.umich.edu/mentors.php. We ask that applicants refrain from contacting potential mentors regarding the search process: successful applicants will be contacted by Ford School representatives and their identified mentors to provide the necessary letters of support for consideration at the University level.
- Ph.D. in an area such as Political Science, Public Policy, Economics, or Sociology with a focus on policy-relevant research on international politics
- A strong interest in teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels
- A strong commitment to interdisciplinary research
Focus on International Policy:
The focus of this postdoctoral fellowship will be on International Policy. Examples of topical focus include (but are not limited to) sustainability and climate change, global migration, war, conflict, state-building and the political economy of development, great power competition, global governance and international organizations, human rights, technology and digital policy, area studies and foreign policy. Successful candidates must demonstrate a record of research impact; ability and willingness to teach core and elective courses in public policy; interest in public and policy engagement; and a keen interest in interacting with students, faculty, staff, and policy practitioners in an interdisciplinary professional school environment. Candidates should combine relevant substantive expertise with strong interests in public policy.
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 will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
