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Job description
Description
The School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan is seeking applicants for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty member to advance computational methods applied to complex sustainability challenges. These challenges include the growing demand for electricity to power data centers that support AI. The position may be filled at the Assistant or Associate level.This position is part of a two-position cluster hire in Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability, with a second position in Biodiversity and Society:
We seek individuals who are using novel, data-driven approaches to sustainability challenges, including but not limited to, big data analytics, quantum computing, digital twins, network science, high-performance and cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) methods such as machine learning and neural networks, computer vision, natural language processing, large language models, or other generative AI. We are looking for research applications relevant to the Sustainable Systems specialization at SEAS. Topics of interest include industrial ecology, life cycle assessment, circular economy, energy systems and the clean energy transition, the environmental and ethical issues of AI, corporate social responsibility, techno-economic analysis, sustainable finance, food/water/energy nexus, green buildings, urban sustainability, resilient and sustainable infrastructure, risk assessment, sustainable mobility, and sustainable supply chains.
Qualifications
A Ph.D. is required in engineering, physical, data or computer sciences, or another field that uses computationally-driven quantitative methods and analytical approaches to address sustainability challenges. Candidates must have a strong record of scholarly publication, evidence of teaching potential in a multidisciplinary setting, as well as activities demonstrating a potential for and/or trajectory towards national and international recognition. Importantly, we are seeking candidates who have an interest in using their research to help solve real-world sustainability challenges.
SEAS's mission is to contribute to the protection of the Earth's resources and the achievement of a sustainable and just society. The School contributes new scientific knowledge, visionary leadership, and trained professionals toward that end. The faculty of the School is diverse, with natural scientists, social scientists, engineers, and designers working collaboratively in an integrative setting. A professional school set within a major research university, SEAS provides a model of interdisciplinary and applied research and a focal point of research, teaching and societal engagement on sustainability. The School focuses on key cross-cutting sustainability themes, including climate and energy; water; food, land use, and agriculture; conservation and restoration; and cities, the built environment, and mobility. There are many opportunities for research collaborations through institutes such as the Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society (MIDAS), Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, and the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute. Successful applicants will become a core faculty member at the Center for Sustainable Systems.
The School offers a Ph.D. as well as both research and professional M.S. degrees in seven specializations: ecosystem science and management; geospatial data science; sustainable systems; environmental policy and planning; behavior, education and communication; environmental justice; and sustainable development. The School also offers a Master's degree in Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.). The student body includes over 500 M.S./M.L.A. and 60 doctoral students. SEAS also co-manages an undergraduate Program in the Environment and participates in dual master degree programs with the Schools of Architecture and Urban Planning, Business, Engineering, Law, Public Health, and Public Policy. Additional information about the School can be found at
Priority will be given to applicants whose research programs complement or align with one or more current research strengths and have the interest and ability to collaborate. We will give preference to candidates with a demonstrated commitment to improving the diversity of our profession and centering justice and equity through the substance of their research and teaching.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
Develop a widely recognized research program that attracts external funding and contributes to the interdisciplinary mission of the School;
Support SEAS's teaching mission at both graduate and undergraduate levels, including mentoring and supervising doctoral and master's students;
Contribute to the stewardship of SEAS, the University, relevant professions and society through service, collaboration and engagement.
The position will be filled at the assistant professor (tenure-track) or associate professor (tenured) level, beginning Fall 2025.
Application Instructions
Applications should include (1) a cover letter; (2) CV; (3) a concise personal statement describing your vision and plans for research and teaching; (4) a one-page statement that showcases a demonstrated commitment on how the candidate contributes to diversity efforts, and (5) a list of three names of academic references with contact information.
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.
To apply, submit application materials in Interfolio, via this link:
Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.
At SEAS we are 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.
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Worksite address
ann arbor, MI, 48113, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.