From July 29, 2026 through December 13, 2026 the Erb Institute will accept applications. 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 13, 2026.
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 is required either at the time of appointment or must be obtained within four months of the start date.
- 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.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters must be from individuals qualified to write about the applicant's aptitude for the position.
Incomplete applications, including those with missing recommendation letters, will not be reviewed. Questions about this position should be directed to [email protected]
You will conduct high-quality, impactful research and participate in other Institute activities, which may include seeking external funding related to your research, co-authoring peer-reviewed articles, and contributing content for a broad range of audiences under the Erb Institute's research and engagement banners.
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 $75,000 per 12 months, September 1, 2027 - August 31, 2028.The second-year extension contingent on successful performance during the first year. A modest discretionary research fund will also be provided each year.
- A PhD is required either at the time of appointment or must be obtained within four months of the start date.
- Must be at the beginning of their academic careers. Individuals holding current academic positions at a rank above post-doctoral fellows 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.
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.
