Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship/Assistant Professor

Applicants must complete two separate application processes: one for the School of Social Work and one for the University's PPFP Central Planning Committee.

Key Dates

• September 24, 2026: Deadline to submit materials to the School of Social Work
• November 1, 2026: Deadline for applicants to submit materials via the U-M PPFP online portal
• November 8, 2026: All reference letters (including the Faculty Mentor letter) are due
• December 1, 2026: Dean's letter of support due (for selected candidates only)
• March 31, 2027: Fellowship decisions are announced
• July/August 2027: Fellowship appointments begin

Application Process

Step 1: Applicant Identifies a Faculty Mentor (August/September)

Prospective applicants must identify and secure a School of Social Work faculty member who agrees to serve as their mentor. Once a mentor agrees to sponsor an applicant, the faculty mentor should notify the Faculty Search Committee by emailing ssw-postdoc-search@umich.edu.

Step 2: Submit School of Social Work Application (Due September 24)

By midnight on Thursday, September 24, the applicant or faculty mentor must submit the complete application package to ssw-postdoc-search@umich.edu. Required materials include:

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

Use the following file naming convention:

• First Name Last Name - Abstract
• First Name Last Name - Research Proposal
• First Name Last Name - Education & Background
• First Name Last Name - CV
• First Name Last Name - Writing Sample
• First Name Last Name - Mentor Letter

Step 3: Submit University PPFP Application (Due November 1)

Applicants must separately submit all required materials through the University of Michigan PPFP online application portal by November 1, 2026. Submission to the U-M portal does not replace the School of Social Work's internal application.

Step 4: Submit Letters of Recommendation (Due November 8)

After applicants submit their materials via the U-M online portal, the application system automatically requests letters of recommendation. Applicants may include letters from:

• Up to two University of Michigan tenured or tenure-track faculty mentors
• Up to two additional references

Faculty Mentor Letter Requirements

The Faculty Mentor Letter should address:

• Applicant's planned research
• Expected coursework, if applicable
• Anticipated extent of participation in departmental/campus activities
• Anticipated participation in research meetings
• Facilities and resources available
• The mentor's experience supporting scholars from diverse backgrounds

About the Role

The University of Michigan School of Social Work (UM-SSW) invites applicants for the University of Michigan Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP). UM-SSW faculty have a successful record of providing a nurturing and productive postdoctoral experience for Presidential Postdoctoral Fellows. The program seeks applicants whose research, teaching, and service will contribute to the core values of the University of Michigan, including equal opportunity in higher education. The program is particularly interested in scholars with the potential to bring critical perspectives from non-traditional educational backgrounds or understanding of the experiences of groups historically underrepresented in higher education.

Candidates will be evaluated on fit with current needs and strengths of the institution and future funding possibilities. UM-SSW views these postdoctoral fellowships as an opportunity to recruit potential new faculty, offering either a postdoc alone or a combined postdoc and transition to a tenure-track faculty appointment.

About UM-SSW

The faculty of the University of Michigan School of Social Work strives to be leaders in scholarship, education, and service for socially just communities in Michigan, the United States, and the world. Core values include:

• Solving social challenges through scholarly and academic excellence
• Advancing equity in education, health, and social services
• Supporting the growth, development, and adaptation of individuals and families

Faculty contributions build on values emphasizing the strengths and interaction between individuals and their larger social and physical environment, using scientific theories to understand and address social challenges.

Qualifications

For 2026-27, the School of Social Work is recruiting candidates who will transition into tenure-track faculty positions following the postdoctoral period. Minimum qualifications include:

• PhD in social work or a related discipline
• Strong interest in teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels
• Strong commitment to interdisciplinary research

Preference will be given to candidates holding the MSW degree and whose research and/or teaching interests fall into one or more of the following areas:

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

Modes of Work

Positions eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time.