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Postdoctoral Fellow in the Writing Program

Northwestern University's Cook Family Writing Program invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow, beginning September 1, 2024. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. The initial contract for this position is one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to a total of three years.

This is a teaching-focused post-doctoral position. Specifically, we are seeking recent PhDs in the humanities or qualitative social sciences who are interested in gaining experience as writing instructors for two courses offered by our program: (1) Writing and Speaking in Business and (2) Design Thinking and Communication (a course co-taught with faculty in the McCormick School of Engineering.) While successful candidates need not have prior experience teaching business or technical writing, candidates should have prior experience teaching writing as well as a strong interest in developing their teaching portfolios to include teaching business and technical writing.

Responsibilities in the first year of the postdoc include teaching 4 classes per year: two quarter-long undergraduate courses in Writing and Speaking in Business and two quarter-long undergraduate courses in Design Thinking and Communication per academic year (in a 1/1/2 schedule). As preparation for these requirements, postdoctoral candidates will receive ongoing mentorship from experienced Writing Program faculty. (To learn more about the Cook Family Writing Program, please visit: http://www.writingprogram.northwestern.edu/.) In subsequent years, responsibilities include teaching 6 classes per year of the same courses. 

Requirements include a Ph.D. in the humanities or qualitative social sciences earned between January 2022-September 2024. All candidates must have a strong interest in co-teaching and in working collaboratively with colleagues to develop course materials and pedagogy. Preference will be given to excellent teachers who have two or more years experience teaching writing, especially those who have experience working with and a commitment to improving the academic experience of historically underrepresented, low-income, marginalized, minoritized, and/or first-generation college students. 

Review of applications will begin on July 15 until the position is filled. Application materials—to be submitted online—include a letter of application that addresses the candidates interest in teaching business and technical communication, CV, evidence of teaching excellence (e.g., statement of teaching philosophy, course syllabi, teaching evaluations from 2-3 recently taught courses, etc.), a diversity statement, and a letter of recommendation that addresses the candidate's teaching abilities.

Please read ALL instructions and make preparations before proceeding to the application page:

Interested applicants should direct all questions to search committee chair Laura Pigozzi  (laura.pigozzi@northwestern.edu). 

Applications accepted here: https://facultyrecruiting.northwestern.edu/apply/MjE1OA== 

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Part-time, non-continuing instructors for English 106-1, 2

The Cook Family Writing Program periodically has openings for part-time instructors to co-teach sections of English 106-1, 2 in the fall, winter, and/or spring quarters. This 2-quarter course, known as Design Thinking and Communication (DTC), offers students credit for English 106 in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and for Design 106 in the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. Required of all first-year engineering students, the course involves two 80-minute small section meetings offered on TuTh or WF. Each section is co-taught by an instructor from the Cook Family Writing Program (WP) and the McCormick School of Engineering, through the Segal Design Institute. Additionally, students attend a Monday lecture, typically taught by industry professionals. A course description can be found at http://segal.northwestern.edu/programs/undergraduate/design-thinking-communication/. Instructors attend all regularly scheduled lectures and class sessions, Monday faculty meetings, weekly meetings with their co-instructor or mentoring cohort, and occasional meetings with student teams outside of class hours.

Review of applications is ongoing. A master’s degree in composition or a related field (e.g. business or technical communication, journalism) is a preferred qualification. If interested, please send a CV or resume to Barbara Egel (barbara.egel@northwestern.edu). If positions are available, qualified candidates will be asked to meet with Michele and to submit a statement of interest in co-teaching DTC and evidence of teaching excellence (course evaluations or contact information for references who can speak to your teaching experience). Applicants are invited to submit a statement addressing their past and/or potential contributions to enhancing diversity, inclusion, and/or equity through research, teaching, and/or service.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.