How to Apply
Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of background and identity. To apply, please complete the application on the U-M Careers site. A one page cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline experience that is directly related to this position.
Applicants should submit the following items in a single PDF:
- Cover letter describing your research experience and interest in the position
- A copy of your CV
- Sample of writing (i.e., relevant publication)
- Contact information for three references
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.
Job Summary
The University of Michigan's Soil and Agroecosystems Laboratory in the School for Environment and Sustainability invites applications to fill a two year postdoctoral research position focused on circular nutrient economies. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Jennifer Blesh and a team of interdisciplinary researchers in agroecology, biogeochemistry, soil ecology, regional planning, and engineering to identify how recycling human waste as urine-derived fertilizer impacts multiple ecosystem services related to soil nitrogen (N) cycling and retention, and soil carbon (C) accrual. The postdoc will help lead a new field experiment nested within the Long-Term Agroecosystems Research site at Kellogg Biological Station (KBS).
The initial appointment is for one year beginning as early as March 3, 2025, with possibility of extension for two more years based on performance. The start date is negotiable and the position is based in Ann Arbor, MI, with travel to the KBS site in western MI.
Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.
Mission Statement
The School for Environment and Sustainability (https://seas.umich.edu/) is a collaborative and interdisciplinary school. Our mission includes contributing to the protection of environmental resources and the achievement of a sustainable society. We accomplish this by generating and sharing knowledge, contributing to policy and engaging managers and stakeholders. The University of Michigan is a top-ranked public university with excellence in research and teaching. Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, is a town known for arts, culture, parks and restaurants.
SEAS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable environment that respects diverse experiences, promotes generous listening and communications, and discourages and restoratively responds to acts of discrimination, harassment, or injustice. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is deeply rooted in our values for a sustainable and just society.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Responsibilities*
- Collect soil, plant, and trace gas samples from the field experiment at the KBS LTAR site
- Lead laboratory analysis of multiple agroecosystem C and N pools and cycling processes for the field experiment
- Analyze data, help mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and contribute to writing of journal articles.
- Engage with farmers and other agricultural stakeholders through participation in field days and roundtable discussions.
Required Qualifications*
- Ph.D. in ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, soil and crop sciences, agroecology, or a related field.
- Experience in field and laboratory techniques to analyze carbon and nitrogen pools in plants and soils.
- Proficiency with data analysis and coding in R or another statistical program.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
Modes of Work
This position is fully onsite.
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.
Additional Information
Salary will be determined based on experience.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
