University of Michigan Postdoctoral Fellowship in Environmental Justice and Humanities

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 work at the intersection of humanities research, education, and environmental justice. It provides an opportunity for early-career scholars to contribute to a growing academic community focused on these critical areas.

The fellowship is designed for individuals who have recently completed or are nearing completion of their Ph.D. The successful candidate will become part of the new Environmental Justice + Humanities Hub at the University of Michigan. This hub is dedicated to advancing place-based education in environmental justice, developing a new environmental justice minor, and creating new courses and research initiatives with a strong humanities focus. This is a chance to be an intellectual leader within a dynamic and engaged community.

Fellowship Overview and Goals

The University of Michigan Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is a unique opportunity for scholars interested in environmental justice and its connections to the humanities. The fellowship’s primary goal is to foster scholarly leadership and contribute to the development of educational programs and research that highlight the importance of humanities perspectives in understanding and addressing environmental issues. The fellow will play a key role in shaping new initiatives within the Environmental Justice + Humanities Hub.

This position offers direct mentorship from Dr. Kyle Whyte, a respected scholar in the field. Additionally, the fellow will benefit from an advisory team including Sara Soderstrom, Sarah Nahar, and Eric Hemenway, all from the School for Environment and Sustainability. This collaborative environment is designed to support the fellow’s research and professional development. The fellowship emphasizes the creation of new courses and curricula, encouraging innovative approaches to environmental justice education.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To be considered for the University of Michigan Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in any academic field, with the degree expected to be completed within four months of the fellowship’s start date. While the Ph.D. field is open, a significant portion of the candidate’s dissertation and primary research must be humanities-focused. A clear commitment to both humanities research in environmental justice and humanities education related to environmental justice is essential.

The application process requires several documents to be submitted as a single PDF. This includes a cover letter that details the applicant’s specific interest in the position and outlines their relevant skills and experience. A curriculum vitae (CV) is also necessary, along with a writing sample of article length, which can be either published or unpublished, or an artistic production. Finally, applicants must provide the names and contact information for three references who may be contacted after an initial interview. The deadline for applications is May 30, 2026.

Benefits and Compensation

The University of Michigan Postdoctoral Research Fellowship offers a competitive salary package. The successful candidate will receive a salary of up to $65,000. This compensation is intended to support the fellow during their tenure, allowing them to focus on their research and contributions to the Environmental Justice + Humanities Hub. Beyond the financial benefits, the fellowship provides invaluable academic and professional development opportunities.

The fellowship offers a chance to work within a vibrant academic community, gain experience in curriculum development, and contribute to new research initiatives. The mentorship from experienced faculty and the opportunity to lead within a growing hub are significant advantages for any early-career scholar. This position is an excellent stepping stone for those looking to build a career in environmental studies, humanities, and interdisciplinary research.

Conclusion

The University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability Postdoctoral Research Fellowship presents a compelling opportunity for scholars passionate about environmental justice and the humanities. With a focus on scholarly leadership, educational innovation, and interdisciplinary research, this fellowship is designed to support impactful contributions to the field. The generous compensation and the chance to work within a supportive and dynamic academic environment make it an attractive prospect for qualified candidates.