Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship/Assistant Professor

How to Apply

Instructions for Applicants:  

Because the SSW coordinates its review process with the University's PPFP Central Planning Committee, applicants must complete two separate application processes:

1. School of Social Work Deadline: To ensure the Faculty Search Committee has sufficient time to review each application, all materials for the School of Social Work's internal review must be submitted to [email protected] by midnight on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
    
2. Central PPFP Committee Deadline: Applicants must also submit all required materials through the PPFP Central Planning Committee's online application portal by midnight on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Information about program eligibility can also be found here. 

Key Dates: 

• September 24: Deadline to submit materials to the School of Social Work 
• November 1: Deadline for applicants to submit materials via the U-M PPFP online portal.
• November 8: All reference letters (including the Faculty Mentor letter) are due 
• December 1: 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: Detailed Information

 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

Required materials include:

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

Please 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; and
  • 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

Job Summary

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. In keeping with the PPFP program, UM-SSW seeks applicants whose research, teaching, and service will, as determined by the University of Michigan and in accordance with law, contribute to the core values of the University of Michigan, and to equal opportunity in higher education. The program is particularly interested in scholars with the potential to bring to their research and undergraduate teaching the critical perspective that comes from their non-traditional educational background 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 providing an exceptional opportunity to recruit potential new faculty to the University by offering the possibility of either a postdoc alone or a combined postdoc and transition to a tenure-track faculty appointment.

In addition to the materials required by the University of Michigan PPFP, applicants to UM-SSW must submit the materials listed below by midnight on Thursday, September 24. Please note that some of these materials duplicate those to be submitted to the University of Michigan application system.

Candidates are encouraged to contact potential faculty mentors at UM-SSW before submitting their applications. A description of the requirements and expectations for mentors can be found here: https://presidentspostdoc.umich.edu/mentors.php
 

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. We value work that promotes:

• solving social challenges in this highly politicized and technologized world by supporting scholarly and academic excellence
• advancing equity in education, health and social services
• opportunities for the growth, development, and adaptation of individuals and families

Our contributions to social work scholarship build on values that emphasize the strengths and the interaction between the individual and the larger social and physical environment. Our faculty members draw on scientific theories that support the understanding of social challenges and then work to develop translational solutions to these challenges.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Specific Guidelines for School of Social Work Applicants
For 2026-27, the School of Social Work is recruiting for candidates who will transition into tenure-track faculty positions following the postdoctoral period. Minimum qualifications include a PhD in social work or a related discipline, a strong interest in teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels, and a 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 that are 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, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.