In keeping with the PPFP program, UM-SSW 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. The PPFP program is particularly interested in scholars with the potential to bring to their research and teaching the critical perspective that comes from their non-traditional educational background or understanding of the experiences of groups historically underrepresented in higher education. Candidates will be evaluated on fit with current needs and strengths of the institution and future funding possibilities.
UM-SSW views these postdoctoral fellowships as providing an exceptional opportunity to recruit potential new faculty to the University, and we expect PPFP positions to lead to tenure-track faculty appointments.
In addition to the materials required by the University of Michigan PPFP, applicants to UM-SSW must submit the materials listed below by midnight on Thursday, September 24. Please note that some of these materials duplicate those to be submitted to the University of Michigan application system.
Candidates are required to name a UM-SSW faculty mentor in their application. We therefore encourage candidates to reach out and confirm potential faculty mentors at UM-SSW before submitting their applications. A description of the requirements and expectations for mentors can be found here.
About UM-SSW
The faculty of the University of Michigan School of Social Work strives to be leaders in scholarship, education and service for socially just communities in Michigan, the United States, and the world. We value work that promotes:
- solving social challenges in this highly politicized and technologized world by supporting scholarly and academic excellence
- advancing equity in education, health and social services
- opportunities for the growth, development, and adaptation of individuals and families
Our contributions to social work scholarship build on values that emphasize the strengths and the interaction between the individual and the larger social and physical environment. Our faculty members draw on scientific theories that support the understanding of social challenges and then work to develop translational solutions to these challenges.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Specific Guidelines for School of Social Work Applicants
Minimum qualifications include a PhD in social work or a related discipline (must be conferred by the start of the appointment), experience in teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels, and a demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary research. Preference will be given to candidates holding the MSW degree and whose research and/or teaching interests fall into one or more of the following areas:
- Interpersonal and/or interprofessional practice
- School social work
- Substance abuse treatment and/or prevention
- Health practice and policy
- Aging in practice and/or policy
Instructions for Applicants
Because the SSW coordinates its review process with the University's PPFP Central Planning Committee, applicants must complete two separate application processes:
School of Social Work Deadline: Thursday, September 24 at midnight
To ensure the Faculty Search Committee has sufficient time to review and consider each application, all materials for the School of Social Work's internal review must be submitted to [email protected] by midnight on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
- The applicant must submit required materials (listed below) to [email protected].
- U-M SSW faculty mentors and reference letter writers should submit their letters to [email protected], including the applicant’s first and last name in the filename.
University of Michigan’s Central PPFP Committee Deadline: November 1, 2026 at midnight
Applicants must separately submit all required materials through the University of Michigan’s PPFP online application portal by November 1, 2026. The portal also includes information about program eligibility. Submission to the U-M portal does not replace the School of Social Work's internal application.
Key Dates
Please see U-M’s FAQ for Applicants for the most up-to-date information.
- September 24: Deadline for applicants, faculty mentors, and reference letter writers to submit materials to the School of Social Work ([email protected])
- November 1: Deadline for applicants to submit materials via the U-M PPFP online portal.
- November 7: Deadline for faculty mentors and reference letter writers to submit letters via the U-M PPFP online portal.
- Note: This date has been changed from November 8 to November 7, 2026.
- March 31, 2027: Fellowship decisions are announced
- July/August 2027: Fellowship appointments begin
Application Process: Detailed Information
Step 1: Applicant Identifies a Faculty Mentor (August/September)
Prospective applicants must identify and secure a School of Social Work faculty member who agrees to serve as their mentor. Once a mentor agrees to sponsor an applicant, the faculty mentor should notify the Faculty Search Committee by emailing [email protected].
Step 2: Submit School of Social Work Application (Due September 24)
By midnight on Thursday, September 24:
- The applicant must submit their required materials (indicated below) to [email protected]
- U-M SSW faculty mentors and reference letter writers should submit their letters to [email protected], including the applicant’s first and last name in the filename.
Required materials include:
- (Thesis) Abstract (one page)
- Research Proposal (700-1,000 words, not including references and citations)
- Education & Background Statement (500-700 words describing your academic background and career)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Writing Sample (Please limit to 35 pages, not including citations and references)
- Faculty Mentor Letter (submitted separately by up to two faculty mentors)
- Reference Letter (submitted separately by up to two additional references)
Please use the following file naming convention:
- First Name Last Name – Abstract
- First Name Last Name – Research Proposal
- First Name Last Name – Education & Background
- First Name Last Name – CV
- First Name Last Name – Writing Sample
Step 3: Applicants Submit University PPFP Application (Due November 1)
Applicants must separately submit all required materials through the University of Michigan’s PPFP online application portal by November 1, 2026. Submission to the U-M portal does not replace the School of Social Work's internal application.
Step 4: Mentors and References Submit Letters of Recommendation (Due November 8)
Letters of recommendation must be submitted separately from:
- Up to two University of Michigan tenured or tenure-track faculty mentors; and
- Up to two additional references
- Faculty Mentor Letter Requirements: Please see the Expectations for Faculty Mentors page for updated and detailed information about the information faculty mentors will be requested to provide.