Title: Lecturer - Junior Writing Program - Riccio College of Engineering
Executive Area: Academic Affairs
College/School/MBU: Engineering
Department: Dean - Engineering
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Job Summary
The Riccio College of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts invites applications for a full-time Lecturer (non-tenure track, 9 month academic year) two-year appointment with the possibility of renewal to begin September 1, 2027.
As a campus, college, and department with an increasingly diverse student body, we are looking for candidates who can operate effectively in a diverse faculty and student community, and who value collegiality, collaboration, achievement, and integrity. We encourage applications from individuals with a commitment to mentor under-represented demographics within engineering. We welcome candidates who have had non-traditional career paths, those who have paused their careers for family or other reasons, or who spent time outside of academia.
Essential Functions
This position will involve teaching (in person) up to seven sections per academic year of ENGIN351, our Junior Year Writing in Engineering course. Teaching responsibilities include curriculum development, office hours and preparation of web-based material. Other service for the college, such as committee work or development of new initiatives related to the Junior Year Writing in Engineering course, may be required and could result in a course release for the academic year.
Other Functions
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree
Knowledge of professional and scientific writing
Excellent communication skills
Evidence of successful teaching experience in upper-level college-level courses
Commitment to equitable and innovative teaching methods that address the diverse learning styles of students
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in English, Writing or relevant STEM discipline
PhD degree in English, Composition or relevant STEM discipline
Demonstration of innovative teaching methods to engage students
Experience with curriculum development
Additional Details
The Daniel J. Riccio Jr. College of Engineering is recognized as one of the top 35 public engineering schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and is the #1 public engineering program in New England. Our inclusive and dynamic community includes ~2700 undergraduate, ~650 graduate students and ~160 instructional faculty (full-time tenure stream and lecturers) across five engineering departments—biomedical, chemical and biomolecular, civil and environmental, electrical and computer, and mechanical and industrial. Our faculty members are developing life-saving medical devices and therapeutics; revolutionizing next-generation manufacturing and materials; advancing AI, robotics and autonomous systems; designing smart infrastructures; tackling climate change; and leading breakthroughs in computing and cybersecurity. They are recipients of prestigious national recognitions, including 22 CAREER Awards since 2020. With over $69 million in research expenditures and 20+ affiliated research centers and programs, we're at the forefront of discovery. Our faculty and students engage actively in innovation, transforming ideas into meaningful impact through entrepreneurship activities, patenting new discoveries, and new venture creation. Our new Sustainable Engineering Laboratories building offers immersive labs and learning spaces, enabling us to test and develop technologies that address real-world sustainability challenges. The College strives to be a leader in transformative engineering education, supporting faculty in the development of their teaching expertise through various initiatives such as our membership in the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN).
For more on the Riccio College of Engineering and our mission, visit: https://www.umass.edu/engineering/ and https://www.umass.edu/engineering/about/mission-vision-and-inclusivity-statement.
This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Full-Time, academic year Lecturer position. Schedule varies depending on teaching and service.
Salary Information
The University expects to pay within an approximate range between $65,560 and $80,000 for this position.
Special Instructions for Applicants
Candidates must provide the following in their application package addressed to “Jr Writing Engineering Search Committee.” Applications will be reviewed starting on December 15, 2026, and reviewed until the search is completed. All files must be provided in .pdf format. Applicants must disclose whether and to what extent AI tools were used in the preparation of their application package.
A letter of interest that addresses the applicant’s alignment with the minimum and preferred qualifications. This should include a clear statement of their teaching and related experience.
A teaching statement of applicant’s teaching philosophy and pedagogy. Candidates should describe their past teaching and mentoring experience and express their vision for educating the next generation of engineers. Candidates are specifically asked to mention existing courses in writing courses. Page limit: 2 pages
An overall vision statement. Candidates should describe the overall vision of what they would like to accomplish in their career, integrating across all aspects of teaching, outreach, and service, and discuss the inspiration that will sustain them in this faculty position. Applicants are encouraged to describe how their work aligns with the goals and values outlined in the university’s strategic plan. Page limit: 1 page
A current curriculum vitae summarizing applicant’s educational and professional backgrounds along with a list of any published works and/or samples of their writing.
Names and contact information for three (3) professional references. At least one reference should be from a current or former supervisor.
The search committee will begin reviewing applications on December 15, 2026. The search will remain open until the position is filled
Process
The steps of the process are as follows:
A minimally qualified pool is identified from the applicants, ideally by the end of December 2026.
All remaining candidates are evaluated and a “long list” is identified, which will be interviewed via video conference. Candidates invited to these interviews will be emailed at least one week before the scheduled date approximately mid-January 2027.
A “shortlist” is developed from the long list, and these candidates will be invited to interview on campus. While we anticipate interviews on campus starting February 2027.
For candidates advancing to the on campus interview stage: references will be contacted
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.