Lecturer, Critical Writing Program

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

JOB DETAILS
LOCATION
Philadelphia, PA
POSTED
18 days ago


The University of Pennsylvania (https://www.upenn.edu) (Penn)’s Critical Writing Program in the Marks Family Center for Excellence in Writing (https://markscenter.sas.upenn.edu) invites applications for one or more full-time, non-tenure-track, one-year appointment(s) as Lecturer to teach small, discipline-themed, and shared-curriculum writing seminars to Penn undergraduates. Initial appointment(s) are for academic year 2026-27 and may be renewed for up to two additional years contingent on satisfactory performance and approval of the Dean. Following this period, qualified candidates may also be eligible for a renewable longer-term appointment. Teaching load is six courses per year on topics determined in consultation with the program’s administration. Additional responsibilities include responding to student work, assessment norming, attendance and participation in all training sessions and faculty meetings, and active professional development in teaching, rhetoric, and/or writing studies.



Successful candidate(s) must be able to attend online training sessions during the summer and in-person training on business days from August 10–21, 2026.



For more information on the program, visit https://markscenter.sas.upenn.edu.



The School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania is committed to cultivating a vibrant community of students, scholars, researchers, and staff and to upholding the highest standards of academic excellence. The School and the Critical Writing Program strive to create working and learning environments that foster intellectual growth and encourage meaningful connections within our Penn academic community and beyond.



Terminal degree required, Ph.D. preferred. Strong interest in the teaching of writing required. Teaching experience desirable but not required. Extensive training and mentorship will be provided. Applicants with credentials in Rhetoric/Composition, Writing Studies, the Sciences, Engineering, or Business are especially welcome and strongly encouraged.



Applicants should submit the following:





+ A letter broadly outlining your qualifications and interest;



+ Your current CV or résumé;



+ Evidence of your accomplishments as a writer or scholar (writing sample);



+ A proposed course description, focused on your topic, and modeled after those offered by our program. Please include two scholarly monographs focused on your topic, ideally 250 pages or fewer, that you might use as the basis for organizing your course;



+ If applicable, evidence of your accomplishments as a teacher (teaching evaluations strongly encouraged, awards, etc.);



+ Names and contact information for three referees. Referees for finalists will be contacted with instructions for submitting letters of recommendation.





All application materials should be submitted online via Interfolio.



Primary Contacts:





+ Dr. Todd Craig, Marks Family Senior Director, The Marks Family Center for Excellence in Writing, tkcraig@upenn.edu



+ Dr. Matthew Osborn, Director, Critical Writing Program, mjosborn@upenn.edu





Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position(s) are filled.




The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

About the Company

U

University of Pennsylvania

Penn's beautiful urban campus provides easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. We offer excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for you and your family, as well as generous retirement benefits, professional development opportunities and flexible work options. Penn is a diverse, multicultural learning community at the cutting edge of research and information technology. Click here to read more about why we're a Best Employer. Not only does Penn offer a unique environment within the city of Philadelphia to work, we also provide a wide array of employee benefits. From a competitive retirement program and comprehensive health care options to health promotion and wellness services and tuition assistance, there's a wealth of opportunities and resources available to you at Penn.

Penn is frequently cited as an outstanding employer:

  • Recipient of the 2010 Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation Corporate Leadership Award for commitment to supporting worklife balance programs.
  • Selected as a recipient of the 2010 Healthy Workplace Award by the Philadelphia Business Journal and presenting sponsor UnitedHealthcare
  • Recognized as a 2010 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer/Daily News.
  • Recipient of the 2009 Vision Award for commitment to workforce diversity and economic inclusion.
  • Selected for Computerworld's 100 Best Places to Work in IT six years in a row!
  • Recognized by the Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children as a 2006 Best Employer for Working Parents
  • Named a Best Place to Work in the November 2007 issue of Philadelphia Magazine.
  • Designated a Best Workplace for Commuters by the National Center for Transit Research
COMPANY SIZE
100 to 499 employees
INDUSTRY
Advertising and PR Services
FOUNDED
1990
WEBSITE
http://www.cmimedia.com/