Discover an exceptional opportunity at the University of Michigan’s SEAS through the 2024 Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, aimed at fostering future faculty leaders in agroecology and biodiversity.
The University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) is seeking candidates for the U-M Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, aimed at recruiting potential new faculty. The program offers the possibility of a postdoc alone or a combined postdoc with consideration for a tenure-track faculty appointment at the end of the postdoc appointment.
OPPORTUNITY AT A GLANCE:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | University of Michigan Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPDF) |
| Institution | University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) |
| Objective | Recruit potential new faculty through postdoc opportunities and potential tenure-track faculty appointments |
| Eligibility | – 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 |
| Research Focus | Intersection of agroecology and biodiversity |
| Potential Topics | – Agroecosystems and ecological restoration – Biodiversity-ecosystem functioning – Loss of global crop diversity – Management of the agroecological matrix for biodiversity conservation – Environmental justice issues related to food systems or biodiversity conservation |
| Affiliation | Sustainable Food Systems Initiative, SEAS |
| Application Components | – Cover letter (including potential SEAS mentor) – Dissertation abstract (one page) – Post-doctoral research proposal (700-1,000 words) – Education and background statement (500-700 words) – Curriculum vitae – Teaching statement – Three writing samples – Three letters of reference |
| Application Platform | Interfolio |
| Application Deadline | August 30th, 2024 |
Facts About University of Michigan
- Origins in 1817: The University of Michigan was originally established as the Catholepistemiad, or University of Michigania, on August 26, 1817. The name is a unique blend of Greek and Latin roots meaning “School of Universal Knowledge.”
- Pioneering Educational Model: Inspired by the Imperial University of France established by Napoleon I, the Catholepistemiad was not a single institution but a network of schools, libraries, and cultural institutions governed by a centralized administrative body.
- Thirteen Professorships: The university’s initial structure included thirteen distinct professorships, known as didaxiim, based on a classification system of universal science.
- Influential Founders: The territorial act founding the university was signed by prominent figures: acting governor William Woodbridge, chief justice Augustus B. Woodward, and judge John Griffin. Notably, Woodward was a close confidant of Thomas Jefferson and discussed educational reforms with him.
- Masonic Funding: Woodward, a Freemason, secured substantial financial support from Zion Masonic Lodge. In 1817, Zion Lodge pledged $250 annually to the university, with total subscriptions reaching $5,000, two-thirds of which came from Masonic sources.
- Early Expansion: Shortly after its founding, the university established primary and classical schools in Detroit, Monroe, and Mackinaw. These schools were operational within a year, demonstrating a rapid expansion and commitment to education.
- First President and Vice-President: Father Gabriel Richard, a prominent Catholic priest, was granted six professorships and the vice-presidency. Rev. John Monteith, a recent Princeton Theological Seminary graduate, was granted seven professorships and became the first president.
- Strategic Location: The cornerstone of the first schoolhouse was laid near the intersection of Bates Street and Congress Street in Detroit, marking the beginning of the university’s physical presence in Michigan.
- Historical Resilience: Despite numerous challenges and modifications to its charter, the University of Michigan’s corporate existence has persisted since its inception, reflecting its resilience and enduring commitment to higher education.
- Jeffersonian Influence: The university’s founder, Augustus Woodward, drew inspiration from his mentor Thomas Jefferson, aiming to categorize all human knowledge, a vision that shaped the university’s foundational structure.
Eligibility For 2024 Presidential Fellowship Program (PPDF), University of Michigan
- 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
Description For 2024 Presidential Fellowship Program (PPDF), University of Michigan
SEAS is seeking candidates whose research focuses on the intersection of agroecology and biodiversity. The successful applicant could focus on a broad range of topics including agroecosystems’ intersection with ecological restoration, biodiversity-ecosystem functioning, loss of global crop diversity, management of the agroecological matrix for biodiversity conservation, and more. The postdoc will be housed at SEAS but would be part of the Sustainable Food Systems Initiative, with opportunities for cross-disciplinary interactions with faculty from several academic units. The position could encompass environmental justice issues associated with either food systems or biodiversity conservation.
How to Apply For 2024 Presidential Fellowship Program (PPDF), University of Michigan
Applicants must first apply for the program through the Interfolio posting. Applications should include:
- Cover letter, naming 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 personal background and contributions to diversity and equal opportunity through academic career)
- Curriculum vitae
- Teaching statement
- Three (3) writing samples
- Three letters of reference
Last Date for Apply: August 30th, 2024
Source: https://apply.interfolio.com/
