Interested applicants should submit all materials listed below through https://apply.interfolio.com/172676; any questions or inquiries can be sent to Kate Cagney (ISRDirector@umich.edu):

1. A thesis abstract (up to 1 page);
2. A brief cover letter addressing the job requirements (up to 2 pages);
3. A key research output (if available);
4. A research proposal (up to 2 pages);
5. A brief Curriculum Vitae (up to 2 pages);
6. Letters of support from the mentors (one from each of Foss and ISR) 
7. Names and contact details of three references, including one from their Ph.D. supervisor/advisor.

Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until September 30, 2025 or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier. Successful applicants will need to obtain a visa or entry permit granting the legal right to work and reside in Hong Kong and the United States for the duration of the post-doctoral researcher period. Enquiries should be sent to ISRDirector@umich.edu. 

We invite applications for a joint Post-doctoral Researcher 2025-2027 position between University of Michigan-Institute for Social Research (ISR) and The University of Hong Kong, Faculty of Social Sciences.

The Institute of Social Research (ISR, University of Michigan) and The Faculty of Social Sciences (FoSS, of The University of Hong Kong) are collaborating to foster cutting-edge areas in social science research. This joint post-doctoral researcher aims to support the next generation of leading social science researchers, by enabling them to develop a range of research skills in different contexts, working with mentors with different disciplinary and substantive expertise in the social sciences. 

Successful applicants will have the chance to work with leading researchers (mentors) in both FoSS (HKU) and ISR (Michigan) to develop their research ideas and skills for a future career in academia or another research setting. The successful candidate will spend one year at each university (HKU-Michigan and Michigan-HKU).

This is a one-year fellowship at the Institute for Social Research with the potential for a second year at Hong Kong University (HKU). A review will be conducted in the last quarter of the first year to initiate the hiring process for the second-year dependent upon the candidate's job performance, continued availability of funding and ability to obtain the appropriate visa. During the second year of employment the candidate will become an employee of Hong Kong University and will need to complete HKU's hiring process. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, with specific terms of appointment varying by host institution, including free access to on-campus fitness centers and libraries. Information regarding postdoctoral time off and medical benefits at the University of Michigan can be found here. 

• Produce high quality research on the research priorities and clusters of both FoSS (HKU) and ISR (Michigan)
• Support FoSS and ISR colleagues in research dissemination events.
• Assist FoSS and ISR colleagues in the preparation of research reports.
• Perform other research related duties for FoSS and ISR

Applicants should have:

• a Ph.D. degree in a social sciences disciplinefrom a recognized university, awarded within the past three calendar years, or expected to obtain a Ph.D. degree within six months of the application deadline. Documentary proof of qualification may be required.
• an outstanding record of research performance, with a research area that aligns with the focus of FoSS (HKU) and ISR (Michigan). 
• good interpersonal, communication, organizational and problem-solving skills
• the ability to work under tight schedule to meet project deadlines
• the capability to work both independently and as part of a team
• experience with advanced social science research methods
• Applicants should contact and secure mentors, one from each of FoSS (HKU) and ISR (Michigan) to get their interest and support in mentoring before making application

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.

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning. 

Benefits

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, U-M offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include generous time off; retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions after the first year; many choices for comprehensive health insurance; life insurance; long-term disability coverage; and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses. Learn more about U-M benefits.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. 

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.