Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow/Assistant Professor - Privacy and Technology

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI) invites applicants for the Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP). Candidates must name a UMSI faculty mentor and submit materials via Interfolio by September 20, 2026 and to the PPFP Office by November 1, 2026.

The program aims to recruit fellows into tenure-track following PPFP. UMSI focuses on privacy and technology, including intersections with AI, and seeks candidates across technical, policy, design, ethical, and social

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in any information-related field and demonstrated record of research excellence
• Strong interest in teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels
• Strong commitment to contribute to an interdisciplinary research culture

Skills

Strong interest in teaching

Interdisciplinary research culture

Education

Ph.D. in any information-related field

Job description

Applicants to UMSI must submit their application materials to Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/190194) by September 20, 2026 and to the PPFP Office (https://presidentspostdoc.umich.edu/about.php) by November 1, 2026.

The University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI) invites applicants for the University of Michigan Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP) (http://presidentspostdoc.umich.edu/index.php). Faculty at UMSI have a successful record of providing a nurturingand productive postdoctoral experience for PresidentialPostdoctoral Fellows. In keeping with the PPFP program, UMSI 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. Candidates will be evaluated on fit with current needs and strengths of the institution and future funding possibilities.

UMSI is particularly interested in candidates whose work focuses on aspects of privacy and technology, with a particular interest in how privacy intersects with AI. We define privacy broadly, and welcome applications from researchers approaching privacy through technical, policy, design, ethical, and/or social lenses.

UMSI views these postdoctoral fellowships as providing an exceptional opportunity to recruit new faculty to the University and we expect PPFP positions to lead to a tenure-track faculty appointment.

Candidates are required to name a UMSI faculty mentor in their application. We highly encourage candidates to reach out and confirm potential faculty mentors at UMSI in advance of submitting their applications. A description of the requirements and expectations for mentors can be found on the UM PPFP website.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in any information-related field and demonstrated record of research excellence
• A strong interest in teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels
• A strong commitment to contribute to an interdisciplinary research culture

Application Deadlines

• UMSI application (Interfolio) – September 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT
• U-M President's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP) – November 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

Please direct inquiries about this position to [e-mail]. Consideration of applications will begin immediately.

Materials due from the Candidate

• Cover letter, which should name at least one potential mentor at UMSI
• Thesis abstract – one page
• Postdoctoral Research Proposal – 700-1,000 words (not including references)
• Education and Background Statement – 500-700 words describing your academic background and career
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of current and future research plans
• Statement of teaching activities and experience
• Three (3) writing samples
• Names and email addresses for 3 letters of reference

Materials due from references

• Three letters of reference to be submitted through the Interfolio system before 11:59 PM EDT, September 20, 2026

Eligibility: Successful applicants must present documents demonstrating that they are legally authorized to work in the United States without restrictions or limitations. The University will not sponsor employment visas for this fellowship. Please note that in compliance with federal law, all persons selected will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

Background Screening: Employment will require both a criminal background check and an institutional reference check regarding any misconduct. Candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure form as well as an authorization to release information form. 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 will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO/AA Statement: The University of Michigan is an equal-opportunity employer.