How to Apply
Candidates should submit a single attachment (in PDF format) to this posting with the following required materials:
1. Letter of Application (no more than two pages)
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Teaching Statement (no more than three pages; includes teaching philosophy and experience)
4. Evidence of Teaching Excellence
5. Diversity Statement (no more than three pages)
6. Two sample syllabi (from courses previously taught)
7. Names and contact information of three recommenders who can comment on the applicant?s qualifications for this position. Letters are not required in the initial application submission stage.
Job Summary
The Weinberg Institute for Cognitive Science in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan seeks applicants for a new full-time (100%) academic year Lecturer III position. The position will start on August 25, 2025, pending final authorization. This is a non-tenure track position, with a university-year nine-month appointment from September 1 through May 31 each year, with salary paid over a 12-month period, and benefits-eligible. The initial appointment will be for three academic years, contingent upon satisfactory performance, need and available funding. The Institute expects that, for the suitable candidate, this will be a long-term position extending beyond the initial appointment.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
The University of Michigan is committed to fostering learning, creativity and productivity, and to supporting the vigorous exchange of ideas and information, not only in the classroom but in the workplace by:
- Creating a work environment in which people treat each other with respect and dignity, regardless of roles, responsibilities or differences.
- Providing support, direction and resources enabling us to accomplish the responsibilities of our jobs and to reach the goals that are set for professional and personal growth.
Responsibilities*
The new Lecturer appointed in the Weinberg Institute for Cognitive Science will help support the instructional and administrative demands of the Cognitive Science major by (a) teaching the gateway course Introduction to Cognitive Science (COGSCI200) at least once per year; (b) providing additional upper division course offerings in at least one of the four tracks of the undergraduate major (Computation and Cognition, Decision and Cognition, Language and Cognition, or Philosophy and Cognition); and (c) providing administrative oversight of advising and student enrichment activities.
This is a full-time (100% effort) position. We expect the teaching load to be 2:1, i.e., three courses per year. In addition to teaching, the candidate will also fulfill administrative and service duties. This position provides the unique opportunity to help shape the direction of the Weinberg Institute.
Instructional duties
The position requires teaching three courses per year. At least one course will be Introduction to Cognitive Science, the interdisciplinary gateway course for the Cognitive Science major (COGSCI200), either alone or as co-teacher with one other current faculty. The other two courses will be upper level undergraduate or graduate offerings. We aim to offer significant autonomy to the candidate in teaching courses that reflect their interests and passions, as long as these courses broadly align with the curricular needs of the Weinberg Institute.
Administrative duties
The position involves approximately 13?16 hours per week of administrative activities. More specifically, these activities will encompass at least the following four areas of responsibility: (i) oversight of graduate certificate program; (ii) oversight of student-enrichment activities focused on academic, intellectual, and career development; (iii) contribution to academic and career advising; and (iv) oversight of Institute sponsored lecture events, including the annual symposium and two ongoing speaker series. All of these responsibilities will be carried out with guidance from and in coordination with the Institute Director, Associate Director, Chief Administrator, Undergraduate Committee, student services and advising staff, and the communications and events staff.
Required Qualifications*
We expect that a successful applicant will hold a PhD in Cognitive Science or one of the related core disciplines (e.g. Computer Science, Linguistics, Psychology, Philosophy) prior to the start date of the position. The applicant must have interdisciplinary teaching interests and experience, evidenced by interests and experience that span at least two of the core disciplines. The applicant must also be capable of contributing to the upper division offerings in one or more of the four tracks of the Cognitive Science major.
Demonstrated excellence in teaching and engagement with diverse student populations will be an important criterion in our selection process. We expect that the applicant will be a visible and engaged faculty member in the Institute.
Desired Qualifications*
We are especially interested in applicants who can teach large lecture courses in Cognitive Science as well as upper division courses or seminars that will contribute to at least one of the four tracks of the Cognitive Science major.
Applicants with the ability to teach courses that integrate generative AI and cognitive science are encouraged to apply.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
The University of Michigan Weinberg Institute for Cognitive Science is dedicated to upholding an environment of inclusivity that is welcoming to and supportive of individuals from all social identity groups. The Weinberg Institute believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to maintaining our goal of providing a supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Candidate must meet all degree requirements prior to the start date of the position.
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Contact Information
Questions regarding problems with application upload can be directed to [email protected].
Application Deadline
The application deadline for full consideration is December 31, 2024. We hope to extend an offer not later than, if not before, March 1, 2025.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.