Select Page

Research University Alliance

University of Michigan faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows are invited to get involved with the Research University Alliance (RUA). The goal of RUA is to increase the advancement of diverse Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows from participating institutions into the most competitive research and teaching careers. Through RUA, advanced Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented minorities in mathematics, physical sciences, computer science, engineering (MPCSE), and related disciplines have an opportunity to engage in scientific collaboration, receive mentorship, and benefit from career and professional development and guidance. Departments and faculty can recruit postdoctoral fellows from a pool of highly qualified scholars.

The Research University Alliance is one of the Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP), a program funded by the National Science Foundation. In addition to U-M, this AGEP group includes the University of California, Berkeley; Stanford University; the University of California, Los Angeles; Harvard University; the University of Texas-Austin; the California Institute of Technology; the Georgia Institute of Technology; and the University of Washington. This material is based upon the National Science Foundation Grant No. HRD-2014200. The university benefits from the further enrichment and diversification of the entire learning community, and U-M students and postdoctoral fellows benefit from the combined resources of the outstanding universities in the alliance, as well as a network of 80 AGEP alliances across the United States.

Research Exchange

RUA will sponsor a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow to visit with a faculty member for a short period to learn new techniques or engage in collaborative discussions at any of the RUA participating institutions.

PostDoc Portal

The RUA Postdoc Portal connects those looking for postdoc positions with research groups within the nine RUA universities.

Professional Development

Advanced graduate students are invited to take part in professional development activities sponsored by RUA throughout the year.

Research Exchange

The Research Exchange Program is designed to increase the advancement of diverse Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows from participating top-tier institutions into the most competitive research and teaching careers. Through this program, the alliance will sponsor a graduate or postdoctoral fellow to visit a research group at any of the partner institutions to learn new techniques, engage in collaborative discussions, and aid students in their search for postdoctoral mentors.

Eligibility

  • Postdoctoral fellow or Ph.D. candidate in good academic standing.
  • Conducting research in engineering or the computer, environmental, or physical sciences. Examples include members from the following departments:
    • College of Literature, Science, and the Arts: Applied Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Earth and Environmental Studies
    • College of Engineering: Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Industrial and Operations Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering
    • The School of Information
  • A U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or “dreamer” under DACA.
  • Underrepresented in their fields according to NSF AGEP.

Application Deadlines

Research Exchanges can be done during the fall, winter or spring/summer semesters throughout the year. The internal applications for U-M scholars are due thrice yearly and must be submitted the semester before the applicant’s intended research exchange date.

Research Exchange applications submitted after deadlines may be considered, but Research Exchange date may be deferred to the following semester.

Fall Semester Research Exchange

  • Application Opens: June 1
  • Application Deadline: July 31

Winter Semester Research Exchange

  • Application Opens: September 1
  • Application Deadline: October 31

Spring/Summer Research Exchange

  • Application Opens: February 1
  • Application Deadline: March 31

How to Apply

The Research Exchange Program Overview page provides useful information about the program, so it is advisable to consult the information prior to completing the application form.

Please apply to participate through the Research University Alliance website.

If you have questions regarding eligibility or application process, please contact the U-M Research University Alliance (RUA) Program Coordinator, Maribel Okiye, at [email protected].

Postdoc Portal

The Postdoc Portal is designed to bring current and future postdoctoral scholars within the mathematics, physical and environmental sciences and sngineering (MPESE) disciplines together with those who are seeking to fill postdoctoral positions available at the nine RUA partner institutions. Advanced Ph.D. students, Ph.D. holders, and current postdocs—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—are encouraged to create a postdoc profile. If you are a faculty member at a RUA institution who hires postdocs for your research group, please create a research group profile. You can also post a job listing if you are hiring for a specific position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the Postdoc Portal?

Advanced graduate students and postdocs from any college, university, or research laboratory can create a postdoc profile.

What do I need to create a profile on the Postdoc Portal?

Each postdoc profile requires biographical information; statements of research, diversity, and mentoring; a short CV; and up to four research interest areas.

What happens once I make a profile on the Postdoc Portal?

With an account and a submitted profile, users are automatically matched to all the profiles and job postings, based on shared areas of research interest. Users can also browse and search through all postings in the portal.

Can I join the Postdoc Portal as a faculty member/senior research scientist?

Yes. Faculty members and senior research scientists at RUA-affiliated institutions wanting to reach out to potential postdocs can create a research group profile that includes statements of research and mentoring; opportunities available to postdocs; contact instructions; and up to four research interest areas.

Can I post multiple positions available in my research group?

Yes. Once a research group profile is created, any number of postdoc job listings can be added.

Leadership

David S. Sept

Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Associate Chair, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Medical School, Professor of Biophysics, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Initiatives, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies

Phone: 734.764.8221
Email: [email protected]

John Gonzalez

Director of Rackham Institutional Research

Phone: 734.763.7936
Email: [email protected]

Zana Kwaiser

Lead Program Officer for Dean’s Office

Phone: 734.647.2653
Email: [email protected]

Maribel EK Okiye

RUA Coordinator, Rackham Graduate School