NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

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 loss, natural resource degradation, transboundary pollution, international resource governance, or sustainability transitions). The candidate will primarily 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. 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, environmental data, and/or civil society groups and organizations.

About SEAS: 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 reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education, and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.

The School offers a PhD as well as both research and professional MS degrees in seven specializations: behavior, education, and communication; ecosystem science and management; environmental justice; environmental policy and planning; geospatial data science; sustainability and development; and sustainable systems. The School also offers a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture (MLA). The student body includes over 500 MS/MLA and 60 doctoral students. SEAS also co-manages an undergraduate Program in the Environment and participates in dual master’s degree programs with the Schools of Architecture and Urban Planning, Business, Engineering, Law, Public Health, and Public Policy. Additional information about the School can be found at www.seas.umich.edu.

To learn more about SEAS and our values, please visit our website at https://seas.umich.edu/about/seas-values.

Why Work at Michigan?

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

●      A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting

●      Comprehensive health insurance

●      Life insurance

●      Long-term disability coverage

●      Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in political science, public policy, economics, applied economics, global change science, sustainability science, geography, or a related field. Candidates must have a strong record of scholarly publications, grant writing success, and 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 the school;

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; and

3) Contribute to the stewardship of SEAS, the University, relevant professions, and societies through service, collaboration, and engagement.

To apply, submit application materials in Interfolio, via this

link:https://apply.interfolio.com/173947.

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 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.