Job Description: Postdoctoral Position in The Teaching of Writing

Position: Postdoctoral Teaching Position
Department: English, University of Delaware
Start Date: January 16, 2025 or August 16, 2025

The Department of English at the University of Delaware is seeking applications for a postdoctoral teaching position to begin either January 16, 2025 or August 16, 2025. The successful candidate will engage in both the theory and practice of teaching critical writing. This position involves designing a seminar-style course to introduce students to university-level writing, drawing on the candidate's pedagogical and scholarly expertise. The new postdoctoral researcher will join a dynamic and growing cadre of postdoctoral colleagues within our department.

We are looking for exceptional candidates who will have obtained a PhD by the time of appointment in any of the areas represented within our department. These areas include but are not limited to rhetoric and composition, professional and technical writing, literary and cultural studies, English education, film, creative writing, environmental humanities, print and material culture studies, African American studies, critical race and ethnic studies, and transatlantic/transnational studies. Ideal candidates will have a demonstrated interest in the teaching of writing and will be capable of engaging with our students, developing new programming, and contributing to our academic community with expertise, imagination, and passion.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Teach seven sections per academic year, primarily ENGL110 Seminar in Composition.
• Develop and teach writing-related programs and initiatives.
• Engage in teaching honors and second-language learners.
• Contribute actively to the Composition Program and broader departmental initiatives.
• Allocate 12.5% of duties to service and research.
• Conduct classes on both the Newark main campus and through the Associate in Arts Program across the state. Candidates will need their own transportation.

Qualifications:

• PhD in English Studies or a related field by the time of appointment.
• Expertise in areas such as rhetoric and composition, professional writing, literary studies, and other related fields.
• Demonstrated interest and experience in teaching writing at the university level.
• Ability to engage with students and develop innovative programming.
• Capability to contribute to the community with creativity and passion.

Opportunities and Professional Development:

• Engage in professional development to enhance teaching skills and expand pedagogical approaches.
• Benefit from the department’s strong affiliations with interdisciplinary studies programs and local organizations such as the Winterthur Museum, Folger Library, Hagley Museum, and The Library Company of Philadelphia.
• Access to numerous other archives and resources in the region to support teaching and research.

About the Department and College:

• The Department of English is a dynamic and collegial community of scholars and teachers dedicated to interdisciplinary research and teaching.
• The department offers diverse programs and leads initiatives in environmental humanities, material culture studies, medical writing, journalism, and more.
• The College of Arts and Sciences houses 23 academic departments and over 25 centers, programs, and institutes, serving more than 6,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students.
• The College emphasizes the enduring value of an arts and sciences education and supports innovative interdisciplinary collaborations.
• With annual research expenditures of approximately $35 million, the College currently manages several large, interdisciplinary grants with significant NIH and NSF funding.

Diversity and Inclusion:

• The University of Delaware values diversity and inclusion as essential to its mission.
• We are committed to attracting and retaining employees with diverse identities and backgrounds.
• We strongly encourage applications from educators from under-represented groups and provide equal access and opportunity in our programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Application Process:

• Review of applications will begin on October 25, 2024
• Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, letter of application discussing their aims in teaching writing, a teaching philosophy statement (500 words maximum), a brief proposal for a writing course incorporating the Goals and Practices from the Composition Program Website, and contact information for three references.
• Additional materials and letters of recommendation may be requested as the search progresses.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary is $48,000 per year.
• Support for research and travel.
• Mentoring from English Department faculty.
• Comprehensive UD benefits package.
• The contract is for one year, with possibility of renewal for up to two additional years.