U-M Presidential Post-Doctoral Fellowship- Agroecology and Biodiversity

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How to Apply

The University of Michigan, School for Environment and Sustainability invites applicants for the U-M Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPDF) https://presidentspostdoc.umich.edu/index.php# . Applicants must first apply for the program through this posting on Interfolio as directed below. A select applicant will later be asked to apply directly to the UM Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship application portal.

Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of background and identity. Applications should include:

• Cover letter, which should name at least one potential mentor at SEAS

• Dissertation abstract - one page

• Post-doctoral research proposal - 700-1,000 words (not including references)

• Education and background statement - 500-700 words describing your personal background and contributions to diversity and equal opportunity through your academic career

• Curriculum vitae

• Teaching statement

• Three (3) writing samples

• Three letters of reference

To apply, submit these application materials in Interfolio, via this link https://apply.interfolio.com/149411

Job Summary

SEAS is seeking candidates whose research focuses on the intersection of agroecology and biodiversity. Agroecology involves the application of ecological principles and knowledge to agricultural ecosystems. Agriculture affects and is affected by biodiversity. We are seeking candidates with a strong natural science background who are doing research at this intersection, including identifying how agrobiodiversity across scales can support wild species or how to manage biodiversity within agroecosystems to increase their social and ecological sustainability. Candidates who conduct field research are especially encouraged to apply.

Because agroecology is a transdisciplinary field, we encourage candidates with a multidisciplinary background grounded in the natural sciences to apply. Promoting sustainability and social equity are core principles of agroecology -- a sustainable food system must address ecosystem health and social well-being in order to persist. Biodiversity in this context includes the agrobiodiversity of food systems per se - including the remarkable, global diversity of indigenous food varieties that continue to be lost each year - as well as the broader ecosystem context in which food production takes place, including both rural and urban settings. The successful applicant could focus on a broad range of topics including, but not limited to, ways that agroecosystems intersect with ecological restoration, biodiversity-ecosystem functioning, loss of global crop diversity, management of the agroecological matrix for biodiversity conservation, pollination, ecological pest management, intercropping/agroforestry, and climate change impacts on biodiversity. More broadly, the position could encompass environmental justice issues associated with either food systems or biodiversity conservation.

The postdoc will be housed at SEAS but would be part of theSustainable Food Systems Initiative (https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/sustainablefoodsystems/) , a university-wide initiative of faculty, students, and staff working toward a sustainable and just food system, locally and globally. The postdoc would have opportunities for cross-disciplinary interactions with faculty from several academic units, including the School of Public Health, Taubman School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and the School of Literature, Science, and Art.

Faculty at SEAS have a successful record of providing a nurturing and productive postdoctoral experience. In keeping with the PPDF program, we are interested in future colleagues who engage in research in the broad fields of environment and sustainability and whose research addresses the perspectives and/or needs of groups that have been historically underserved by academic research.

The University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability views these postdoctoral fellowships as an exceptional opportunity to recruit potential new faculty. The fellowships offer the possibility of either a postdoc alone or a combined postdoc, with consideration for a tenure-track faculty appointment at the end of the postdoc appointment.

Please direct inquiries about this position to Ivette Perfecto ( [email protected] ).

Mission Statement

The University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) is at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. By advancing climate and sustainability action through innovation, research, education, and engagement in society, SEAS develops leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.

The School is home to vibrant research and teaching programs, with over 50 professors and over 12,600 alumni, the largest network of any U.S. environmental degree program. We offer four degrees: A Ph.D., a Master of Science in 8 different specializations, a Master of Landscape Architecture, and a Bachelor of Science in Environment.

Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan has a long and distinguished history as one of the first public universities in the nation. It is one of only two public institutions consistently ranked among the nation's top ten universities. The University has one of the largest health care complexes in the world and one of the best library systems in the United States. With more than $1.86 billion in research expenditures annually, the University has the second largest research expenditure among all universities in the nation. The University has an annual general fund budget of more than $3.1 billion and an endowment valued at more than $17.9 billion. For more information about SEAS, please visit: seas.umich.edu .

SEAS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable environment that respects diverse experiences, promotes generous listening and communications, and discourages and restoratively responds to acts of discrimination, harassment, or injustice. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is deeply rooted in our values for a sustainable and just society.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off

• A retirement plan

• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance

• Life insurance

• Long-term disability coverage

• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Required Qualifications*

• PhD in Natural Science or related field

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Candidates must not have previously held a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow position

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

Application deadline is August 30th, 2024.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

251538

Working Title

U-M Presidential Post-Doctoral Fellowship- Agroecology and Biodiversity

Job Title

ASST PROF/POST DOC/PRESIDE FEL

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

School Nat Res Envir

Department

Sch for Environ and Sustain

Posting Begin/End Date

7/11/2024 - 8/30/2024

Career Interest

Research

Research Fellows

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