Lecturer, Writing & Communication Program

The Department of English at Carnegie Mellon is seeking candidates for the career-track position of Lecturer to teach courses in the university’s Writing & Communication program. Candidates from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as long as they can demonstrate an ongoing interest and expertise in writing and writing pedagogy with culturally, linguistically, and racially diverse students. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. We strongly encourage applications from minority and female-identifying candidates. Opportunities may include teaching courses dedicated to writing for public audiences and professional, organizational contexts; second-language writing and intercultural communication; writing about quantitative, scientific, and technical information; and/or research-based academic argument writing from sources. The Lecturer position is a full-time, three-year, renewable, non-tenure-track position starting in the Fall 2021 semester. Defined opportunities for career advancement are available within the Lecturer track to reward demonstrated and consistent excellence in teaching and service. 

Candidates will be encouraged to work with colleagues at the intersection of writing pedagogy and technology-enhanced learning. The teaching load is 3-3, possibly 3-2 if other research or service opportunities emerge during particular semesters. Successful candidates seeking renewal and/or advancement must demonstrate excellence in teaching and a commitment to participating in program meetings prior to and during the academic year, assessment initiatives, and ongoing educational innovations. As one of four programs within the Department of English, Writing & Communication includes First-Year Writing and other foundational courses designed to develop rhetorical awareness and adaptive communication skills across various contexts; but the program’s work also aligns with numerous additional efforts throughout the department and beyond. As such, the program values diverse perspectives that facilitate ongoing engagement with critical questions in the context of writing and communication pedagogy, particularly those related to linguistic and racial justice. 

Lecturers can expect to be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment and engage with pilot projects in innovative pedagogies, curricular development and integration, and other initiatives that connect writing instruction to broader inquiries within the humanities, technology, arts, and sciences. These positions are well suited for teacher-scholars who are committed to delivering excellent communication training for linguistically diverse students with a variety of disciplinary interests and career goals. Candidates who enjoy working closely with colleagues on learning activities, course materials, and assessments will thrive in the Writing & Communication program culture. We are seeking candidates with a wide range of disciplinary expertise and with the ability and interest in thinking and writing (and helping students to think and write) quantitatively as well as rhetorically. Candidates will be encouraged to contribute and collaborate with university stakeholders invested in undergraduate communication education, both academic and nonacademic.

Carnegie Mellon offers generous benefits and a competitive compensation package. More information about Special Faculty appointments and benefits may be found here: https://www.cmu.edu/policies/faculty/appointments-special-faculty.html

Qualifications

  • Terminal degree (PhD preferred) in Rhetoric and Composition or more broadly in the humanities, English education, sciences, or social sciences. We encourage applicants with expertise in teaching writing and communication within any field. 

  • Experience with teaching (3-5 years) one or more of the following: first-year writing, second-language writing, argument, writing in the disciplines, professional and technical communication, data-driven writing.

  • Evidence of excellent research-based teaching, instructional design, and professional service.

  • Experience working with students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

  • Demonstrated ability and enthusiasm for collaborating on and contributing to a wide range of writing- and communication-based initiatives.

  • Demonstrated commitment to a broader network of writing and communication scholarship and professional development through conferences and other scholarly and professional development activities.

  • Strong interest in general education, assessment, and program initiatives.

Application Instructions

Applications will be accepted online through Interfolio. Follow this link to electronically submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, writing sample, three current letters of reference, and teaching portfolio that includes sample course syllabi and recent course evaluations. 

Applicants will be considered on an ongoing basis. For full consideration, candidates are encouraged to complete their applications by February 5, 2021.


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