Assistant Professor in Global Environmental Policy

Job Summary

The School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor position in Global Environmental Policy, with a demonstrated scholarly focus on issues related to the interface of environmental change and policy (e.g., climate change, land transformation, biodiversity maintenance or loss, natural resource degradation, sustainable food systems, transboundary pollution, international resource governance, nature-based solutions, or sustainability transitions).

The candidate will support teaching and advising in the Sustainability and Development Specialization at SEAS which has core focuses in the areas of poverty and inequality, governance and institutions, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs, and transformation science. Importantly, we seek candidates who have interest in, and commitment to, using cutting edge analytical approaches to understanding how diverse actors including state (e.g., states, national and sub-national governments) and non-state actors (e.g., NGOs, civil society, private sector, international organizations, transnational networks, indigenous peoples, epistemic communities, and stakeholders) contribute to solving real-world environment and sustainability (i.e. global change) challenges, such as maintenance or restoration of biodiversity, associated ecosystem services including provisioning of clean water, climate mitigation and food, in the face of climate and other global changes.

The successful candidate may work in any geographical region and use a variety of methodological approaches in their research and policy engagement. They must have demonstrated evidence of interdisciplinary scholarship and collaboration and connections with boundary organizations, policy actors, ecological and environmental data, and/or civil society groups and organizations. The successful candidate will be a part of and contribute to the vibrant intellectual community at the Institute for Global Change Biology.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in political science, public policy, economics, global change science, applied economics, sustainability sciences, geography, or a related field. Candidates must have a strong record of scholarly publication, grant writing success, evidence of teaching potential in a multidisciplinary setting, experience with policy and/or stakeholder engagement, as well as activities demonstrating a potential for and/or trajectory towards national and international recognition.

The successful candidate will be expected to:
1) Develop a widely recognized research program that attracts external funding and contributes to the interdisciplinary mission of SEAS and IGCB;
2) Support SEAS' teaching mission at both graduate and undergraduate levels, including mentoring and supervising doctoral and master's students and leading master's case based projects
3) Contribute to the stewardship of SEAS, IGCB, the University, relevant professions, and society through service, collaboration, and engagement.

Application Instructions:
To apply, submit application materials in Interfolio, via this link:  Applications should include (1) a cover letter (up to 2 pages, single-spaced); (2) CV; (3) a concise personal statement describing your vision and plans for research, teaching, and engagement (up to 3 pages, single-spaced); and (4) a list of three names of academic references with contact information. Employment will require both a criminal background check and an institutional reference check regarding any misconduct.

Candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure form as well as an authorization to release information form. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. SEAS hopes to appoint a faculty member to this position to begin Fall 2026.

About SEAS and the IGCB:
At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and…