Postdoctoral Research Applying AI in Environment and Sustainability

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How to Apply

Please include the materials listed below in a single PDF with your application:

(1) Cover letter describing the candidate's qualifications and interest in the position. In particular the candidate's interest in applying their computational training and skills to problems and issues in the environment and sustainability domain (2 pages or less)

(2) Detailed CV

(3) Graduate transcripts

(5) Names and contact information for three (3) professional references

We welcome applicants with disabilities and support individuals in requesting accommodations.

Who We Are

Mission Statement

At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.

To learn more about SEAS and our values, please visit our website at https://seas.umich.edu/about/seas-values.

School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)

The School for Environment and Sustainability (https://seas.umich.edu/) is at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education, and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come. 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.

Job Summary

SEAS seeks applications for a postdoctoral position to apply artificial intelligence (AI) approaches to problems and issues in the domain of Environment and Sustainability. The candidate will be advised and mentored by Bill Currie, a Professor in SEAS. Research topics could cover a range of potential application areas including water quality, ecosystem function, landscape ecology, or decision-making for complex environmental issues and case studies. The research will have a strong focus on applying AI approaches in a potential range of computational directions or modeling that could include dynamic systems modeling, spatial environmental modeling, knowledge models and knowledge representation, or a focus on alignment or AI safety related to the use of AI in the environment and sustainability domain. The candidate will have opportunities for significant training and skills development at Michigan including those available through MIDAS (Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society). The candidate will be part of a vibrant postdoctoral community both in MIDAS and in SEAS.

This postdoctoral position will be initially hired for a 12-month period. The start date is anticipated to be sometime in fall 2026. Compensation includes the standard benefits package for postdoctoral researchers at U-M.

Responsibilities*

• Developing and conducting individual research projects in applying AI approaches to selected topics in the environment and sustainability domain, developed in agreement with the postdoctoral supervisor, Dr. Bill Currie.
• Preparing and communicating research results through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Required Qualifications*

• The PhD is required either at the time of appointment or must be obtained within four months of the start date.
• PhD in data science, computer science, AI, or environment and sustainability with a strong focus on the use of AI approaches.
• Experience using computational data science or AI approaches.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Experience in preparing research findings for conference presentations and refereed journal articles.
• Experience leading the development of manuscripts publication and must show evidence of success in publishing refereed journal articles.
• An interest in applying AI methods and approaches in the environment and sustainability domain.

Modes of Work

Location: Onsite in the Dana building on central campus, Ann Arbor

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.

Application Deadline

Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled. 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.

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.