Assistant Professor of Technical Communication

Overview: We seek an applicant with research interests and teaching experience in technical communication to join our undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication (WRTC). We welcome candidates with any research interest, though preferences are listed below. Given our growing online offerings and the recent development of an online MA in Technical Communication, interest in and knowledge of online teaching is required.

Category: Full-Time Faculty

Department: English

Position Summary: The Department of English at the University of Memphis (UofM) invites applications for a tenure-track position in Technical Communication at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin Fall 2025.  This position is contingent upon University funding.

The Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication (WRTC) concentration within the Department of English offers students in our BA, MA, and PhD programs courses in technical communication, digital media, document design, editing, web design, user experience, rhetorical theory, composition, health communication, and engineering communication.  We seek candidates to help build our focus in technical communication. Experience teaching online courses is required. In addition to grant writing experience, we prefer candidates with practical and abstract knowledge of digital writing and its futures, including knowledge of UX/UI, markup language (HTML/XML), CSS, multi-modal compositional design and editing, etc. We are a program and department committed to progressive pedagogies and curricular innovations. We prefer candidates who share this commitment.

The teaching load for this position is 2/2 the first year with potential for the same thereafter. Salary is competitive and based on experience.

Located in the heart of Memphis, home of the blues, the UofM provides an approach to the humanities rarely available elsewhere. In addition to its affordability, it has a large medical hub, including St. Jude’s Hospital, Le Bonheur Hospital, University of Tennessee’s medical programs, etc., providing ample opportunity for community and public-private partnerships.

The University of Memphis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  We urge all qualified applicants to apply for this position. Appointment will be based on qualifications as they relate to position requirements without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class.

Qualifications:  Requirements include a PhD in English, Communication, Rhetoric, Writing Studies, or related field. PhD must be in hand or secured by August 2025. Additional qualifications include:

• Evidence of excellent teaching in technical communication or related area, especially in online settings
• A focused research agenda that includes publications or potential for publication in the field of technical communication
• A commitment to serving the needs of a diverse student population
• A collegial attitude for department and university service

Preferred Qualifications: New faculty will be expected to advise graduate students, maintain a productive research agenda, and teach undergraduate and graduate courses.

To Apply, candidates should submit the following, initial materials via this site:

• Cover Letter
• Current CV
• Reference List

Candidates will be asked for the following materials at a later round:

• Teaching Philosophy
• Writing Sample (15-20 pages)
• Transcripts
• Reference Letters

Deadline: Review of applications will begin on November 4th and continue until the position is filled.