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University of Michigan School of Information

Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow/Assistant Professor - Privacy and Technology

Applicants to UMSI must submit their application materials to Interfolio by September 20, 2026 and to the PPFP Office 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 nurturing and productive postdoctoral experience for Presidential Postdoctoral 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 U-M PPFP website. 

About UMSI and the University of Michigan

The mission of the School of Information is to create and share knowledge that empowers people to use information and technology to build a better world.  A successful candidate will be committed to, and actively advance, our goal of being the leading institution for research and education in the understanding and design of information and technology in service of people and society. 

The diverse perspectives the UMSI community brings to our scholarship, teaching, and service make our school stronger and help us fulfill our mission of building a better world through technology and information. The school is home to vibrant research and teaching programs, with 80 full time professors and over 1,800 students. We offer five degrees: a Ph.D., a Master of Science in Information, a Master of Health Informatics, a Bachelor of Science in Information, and an online Master of Applied Data Science. For more information about UMSI, please visit: www.si.umich.edu.

Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan has a long and distinguished history as one of the first public universities in the nation. It is one of only three public institutions in the U.S. News and World Report top 20 national rankings. The University has one of the largest health care complexes in the world and one of the best library systems in the United States. With more than $2.16 billion in research expenditures annually, the University has the second-largest research expenditure among all universities in the nation. The University has an annual general fund budget of more than $3.1 billion and an endowment valued at more than $21.2 billion. 

From great benefits to on-site wellness programs, the University of Michigan provides resources to support faculty, staff, and their family’s health and happiness. For instance, the University of Michigan offers comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, child care centers and a retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions and immediate vesting. Dual career support from the Provost's Office is available to domestic partners of faculty recruits regardless of marital status or sexual orientation. To learn more about the great benefits the University of Michigan provides, please visit https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness.

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.

How to Apply:

Applicants must submit TWO separate applications: 

  1. UMSI application through Interfolio must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM EDT, September 20, 2026
  2. U-M President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP) application (http://presidentspostdoc.umich.edu/ppfp-application.php) no later than 11:59 PM EST, November 1, 2026

Please direct inquiries about this position to [email protected]  

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.