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:

1. Cover letter describing your research experience and interest in the position
2. A copy of your CV
3. Sample of writing (i.e., relevant publication)
4. Contact information for three references

The University of Michigan's Soil and Agroecosystems Laboratory in the School for Environment and Sustainability is searching for a candidate for a three year postdoctoral research position. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Jennifer Blesh and a team of  interdisciplinary researchers in agroecology, biogeochemistry, microbiology, geography and remote sensing to assess relationships between agricultural management systems, soil health indicators, nutrient use efficiency, and water quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin. This position requires travel to field sites and engagement with farmers and the broader agricultural community in Michigan. 

The initial appointment is for one year beginning as early as May 1, 2025, based in Ann Arbor, MI, with possibility of extension for two more years based on performance. The start date is negotiable.

Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

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.

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

• Collect and analyze soil samples from working farms in southeastern Michigan for a comprehensive suite of biological, chemical, and physical properties.
• Use interview data to quantify nitrogen and phosphorus mass balances.
• 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.

• Ph.D. in ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, soil and crop sciences, agroecology or a related field.
• Experience in field and laboratory techniques to analyze carbon, nitrogen, and/or phosphorus pools in plants and soils. 
• Proficiency with data analysis and coding in R or another statistical program.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

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.

Salary will be determined based on experience.

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.
 

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