Lecturer, Critical Writing Program

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn)’s Critical Writing Program in the Marks Family Center for Excellence in Writing 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.