University of Michigan Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Environmental Justice
The University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) is offering a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship for 2026. This fellowship aims to support scholarly leadership at the intersection of humanities research, education, and environmental justice. The successful candidate will become part of the new Environmental Justice + Humanities Hub at the university. This role involves contributing to a community of scholars focused on place-based environmental justice education, developing a new environmental justice minor, and creating new courses and research with a humanities focus.
This fellowship is a valuable opportunity for early-career researchers looking to deepen their work in environmental justice through a humanities lens. The position offers a salary of up to $65,000 and is designed to foster intellectual leadership within a growing academic community.
Fellowship Overview
The University of Michigan Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is designed to advance scholarly work in environmental justice, specifically through the application of humanities research and educational approaches. The fellow will be mentored by Dr. Kyle Whyte from SEAS and will receive guidance from an advisory team including Sara Soderstrom, Sarah Nahar, and Eric Hemenway. This collaborative environment is intended to support the development of innovative curricula and research projects.
The fellowship is a key component of the Environmental Justice + Humanities Hub, a new initiative at the university. This hub is dedicated to exploring the complex relationships between human culture, history, and environmental issues. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to play a significant role in shaping the intellectual direction of this hub and contributing to its community of students, staff, and scholars.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the University of Michigan Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, candidates must meet specific academic and research criteria. A Ph.D. in any academic field is required, and it must be completed within four months of the fellowship’s start date. While the Ph.D. field itself is open, the applicant’s dissertation and primary research areas must have a significant humanities focus.
Furthermore, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a clear contribution to the humanities research of environmental justice. A proven commitment to humanities education in relation to environmental justice is also a key requirement. This means applicants should be able to articulate how their work bridges academic disciplines and contributes to broader educational goals within the environmental justice field.
Application Process
Prospective candidates must submit a comprehensive application package to be considered for the fellowship. The application requires a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a writing sample, and the contact information for three references. The cover letter is a critical component, serving as the first page of the resume. It should clearly outline the applicant’s specific interest in the fellowship and detail their skills and experiences that directly align with the position’s requirements.
The curriculum vitae should provide a detailed overview of the applicant’s academic background, publications, and professional experience. The writing sample can be either a published or unpublished article-length piece, or an artistic production, showcasing the applicant’s scholarly or creative work. The names and contact details of three references are needed for the later stages of the selection process, typically after an initial interview. All application materials should be submitted as a single PDF file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the University of Michigan Postdoctoral Research Fellowship?
The fellowship aims to support scholarly leadership at the intersection of humanities research, education, and environmental justice, contributing to the new Environmental Justice + Humanities Hub.
Who will mentor the postdoctoral fellow?
The fellow will be mentored by Dr. Kyle Whyte from SEAS and will receive guidance from an advisory team including Sara Soderstrom, Sarah Nahar, and Eric Hemenway.
What are the basic eligibility requirements for this fellowship?
Candidates must have a Ph.D. completed within four months of the fellowship start date, with their dissertation and research areas having a significant humanities focus.
What documents are needed for the fellowship application?
The application requires a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a writing sample, and the contact information for three references, all submitted as a single PDF file.
