Postdoctoral Fellowship & Assistant Professor at UM-SSW

Contexte

The University of Michigan School of Social Work (UM-SSW) is inviting applications for its President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP)/Assistant Professor opportunity. The fellowship is designed to support promising scholars whose research, teaching and service can contribute to the University of Michigan’s academic mission, core values and commitment to equal opportunity in higher education.

The opportunity is particularly relevant to emerging scholars who bring perspectives shaped by non-traditional educational backgrounds or by experiences of groups historically underrepresented in higher education. Successful fellows may have the opportunity to transition into tenure-track faculty appointments at the School of Social Work.

Programme Focus

The University of Michigan School of Social Work seeks scholars capable of contributing to scholarship, education and service that promote socially just communities in Michigan, the United States and globally.

The School places particular value on research and teaching that address major social challenges in an increasingly politicised and technologically driven world. Priority areas include advancing equity in education, health and social services, as well as supporting the growth, development and adaptation of individuals and families.

Faculty scholarship at the School of Social Work combines scientific theory with practical and translational approaches to understanding and addressing complex social challenges.

Profil recherché

Applicants must hold a PhD in social work or a related discipline. The doctorate must be conferred by the beginning of the appointment.

Candidates must also demonstrate:

• Experience teaching at undergraduate and/or graduate level
• A clear commitment to interdisciplinary research
• Research and teaching interests relevant to the School of Social Work

Preference will be given to applicants who hold an MSW degree and whose research or teaching interests align with one or more of the School’s priority areas.

Preferred Research and Teaching Areas

The School of Social Work is particularly interested in candidates whose expertise relates to:

• Interpersonal and/or interprofessional practice
• School social work
• Substance abuse treatment and/or prevention
• Health practice and policy
• Aging in practice and/or policy

Applicants whose scholarship intersects with these areas may be especially well positioned to demonstrate institutional fit.

Missions et responsabilités

A key requirement of the application process is that candidates identify a University of Michigan School of Social Work faculty member willing to serve as their mentor.

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential faculty mentors before submitting their applications. The mentor plays an important role in supporting the fellow’s research, teaching and integration into the academic community.

The Faculty Mentor Letter should discuss the applicant’s proposed research, expected coursework where applicable, participation in departmental and campus activities, research meetings, available facilities and resources, and the mentor’s experience supporting scholars from diverse backgrounds.

Conditions et avantages

The fellowship provides an opportunity for emerging scholars to develop their academic careers within a leading school of social work while contributing to interdisciplinary research, teaching and service.

The programme’s structure is also intended to create a pathway toward long-term faculty recruitment. The School of Social Work views postdoctoral fellowships as an opportunity to identify and support scholars who could eventually join the institution as tenure-track faculty members.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate not only strong academic preparation but also clear potential for research funding, effective teaching, interdisciplinary collaboration and meaningful contributions to the School’s mission.

Dossier de candidature

The application involves two separate submission processes. Required materials for the internal School of Social Work application include:

• Abstract
• Research Proposal
• Education & Background Statement
• Curriculum Vitae
• Writing Sample
• Faculty Mentor Letter

Applicants should ensure that submitted files follow the specified naming convention and clearly include their first and last names. Faculty mentors and reference letter writers must also submit their materials by the specified deadlines.

Comment postuler

Interested scholars should first identify a suitable UM-SSW faculty mentor and obtain agreement to serve as their mentor. They should then prepare the required School of Social Work materials and submit them to [email protected] by midnight on September 24, 2026.

Applicants must subsequently complete a separate application through the University of Michigan’s central PPFP online application portal by November 1, 2026, at midnight. Completing the central application does not replace the School of Social Work’s internal application.

Important Dates:

• August–September 2026: Applicants identify and confirm faculty mentors
• September 24, 2026: School of Social Work application deadline
• November 1, 2026: University PPFP application deadline
• November 8, 2026: Mentor and reference letter deadline through the university portal
• December 1, 2026: Dean’s letter of support due for selected candidates
• March 31, 2027: Fellowship decisions announced
• July/August 2027: Fellowship appointments begin

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