Job Information
Rice University PWC Lecturer in Houston, Texas
Lecturer: Rice University’s Program in Writing and Communication
The Program in Writing and Communication (PWC) at Rice University invites applications for a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure track lecturer position. This position focuses on teaching in our first-year writing program, particularly our developmental writing course. There also will be an opportunity to teach a graduate writing course to international graduate students. This 12-month, two-year appointment may be followed by renewable three-year contracts, contingent on performance. The appointment may begin as early as June 1, 2025, and the successful candidate must be able to start no later than August 1, 2025.
The person hired for this position will join a team of communication experts in a large and vibrant academic program. Lecturers in the PWC have paths to promotion and leadership opportunities. Additionally, this position is provided with a generous fund for conference travel and other types of professional development, and funds are available for one-time relocation expenses.
The developmental writing course (FWIS 100) at Rice has undergone a transformation of learning goals and structure in the last four years, to create a program that emphasizes student belonging and instructor support. Every FWIS 100 instructor is partnered with a graduate Writing Coach who functions as a combination teaching assistant and literacy coach; the faculty and coaches meet regularly as a group to share ideas, strategies, and camaraderie. FWIS 100 is a topic-based course, so faculty design their own content, while also sharing a rich library of instructional materials and resources.
Primary Responsibilities:
Teach five credit-bearing writing courses per academic year (15 credit hours). At least three of these sections will be FWIS 100 (“Introduction to Academic Writing”). Other courses may include COMM 600 (“Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing for International Graduate Students”), COMM 602 (“Advanced Academic Writing for International Graduate Students”), or FWIS 101 (individually designed course in the First-year Writing Intensive Seminar program)
Participate in the assessment and placement of incoming students
If teaching in the graduate ESL program, then assist in designing and implementing assessment of the relevant graduate COMM course
Participate in professional development
Participate in PWC governance
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in rhetoric & composition, writing studies, creative writing, English, TESOL, second language studies, applied linguistics, or other closely related field. We also will consider applicants who have a terminal master’s degree (e.g., MFA in creative writing or MA in TESOL/applied linguistics). Degree must be conferred by June 30, 2025.
Minimum of two years’ experience teaching first-year writing courses at the college level
Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the college level
Strong written and oral communication skills
Ability to work as part of a team
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in, and passion for, teaching developmental writing to first-year university students
Experience teaching academic writing to multilingual graduate students and/or freshman composition courses to multilingual undergraduate students
Experience working in a university writing center and/or a WAC/WID program
Experience reviewing essays as part of a first-year writing placement process
Candidates must submit a cover letter, CV, and a teaching portfolio. The teaching portfolio will include syllabuses for at least two relevant courses they have taught in the past, at least one assignment prompt for each course, and at least two examples of in-class activities for each course. Student evaluations for those specific courses should also be included in the portfolio, as well as any other course evaluations candidates want the search committee to consider. Candidates also will be asked to provide the names and contact information for two references who will be solicited for letters of recommendation if a candidate advances in the search process. An academic writing sample is optional but strongly encouraged.
Applications will start to be reviewed on December 16, 2024, and applications will be accepted until January 5, 2025.
About Rice University and the Program in Writing and Communication:
Rice University is a private R1 university with a strong reputation for excellence in both teaching and research, located in the heart of Houston’s dynamic Museum District and adjacent to the Texas Medical Center. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across eight schools, with a student body of approximately 4,800 undergraduate and 4,000 graduate students. Rice consistently ranks among the top 20 national universities and the top 10 in undergraduate teaching (US News & World Report); the university is committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community, as well as to supporting work-life balance of its faculty.
The PWC was founded in 2012 and is comprised of the FWIS program, the Center for Academic and Professional Communication (a multimodal communication center), and smaller ESL and Communication-in-the-Disciplines programs. The PWC supports the entire Rice community (undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and staff) in cultivating superior communication skills to contribute effectively to the global exchange of ideas.
Rice University is committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and to supporting the work-life balance of its faculty. We seek greater representation of women, scholars of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who have historically been underrepresented in academia; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought; and an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community. Rice’s diversity extends beyond the borders of its campus; as the fourth-largest city in the USA, Houston is home to a multiplicity of cultures and languages. It is a cosmopolitan destination with a vibrant economy and world-class performing arts, museums, sports, and dining venues that are all located in close proximity to Rice.
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University (https://www.rice.edu/mission-values#xd_co_f=NzhlYjAxZjUtZDM4Yi00N2VkLTkwODAtYjdkNzE0ZmUwZTA3)