How to Apply
In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must apply to this posting through this website. All materials are to be combined into a single pdf document and uploaded as one document through the University of Michigan job application website. Applicants must include with this application the following materials:
1) A curriculum vitae and cover letter that clearly states courses and/or subdisciplines the applicant would be able to teach.
2) Teaching statement
3) Copies of up to four teaching evaluations, preferably in courses in linguistics.
4) Applicants must arrange for two letters of recommendation. At least one of the recommendations should preferably comment on your teaching record. If letters of recommendation cannot be included as part of the single document uploaded through the UM job application website, have the letters of recommendation sent to [email protected].
Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are submitted. Position will close once our instructional needs are met.
Job Summary
The Department of Linguistics in the College of Literature, Science and Arts at the University of Michigan is requesting applications, seeking to fill one or two Lecturer I positions to teach up to 3 courses a term, starting in the Fall 2025 semester. The Fall 2025 appointment would be from August 25, 2025 through December 31, 2025. The appointment effort is from 33.33% for one course to 100% for three courses per semester. If at least two courses are taught per term, the effort is benefit eligible. Depending on instructional needs, the selected candidate may have the appointment renewed for additional terms.
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.
Course Description
LING 112:
Language, a defining trait of humans, is arguably unique among mammalian cognitive properties; all (neurotypically developing) humans acquire a linguistic system, yet linguistic systems come in many diverse forms. This course is intended for students who are interested in the diversity of languages around the world, but who have no formal training in linguistics. Although a review of all major topics of interest to linguists is not possible during one semester, students will gain understanding of select topics from the areas of phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax. In addition, while it is not possible to cover all language groups, the course examines several language areas in depth. All work in this class should be done with the following underlying questions in mind: What differentiates one language from another? What is the relationship between language and culture? What does the diversity of languages tell us about the human mind?
LING 115
This course focuses on global multilingualism as an issue in language policy, language planning, and language contact in general, with all its social implications for large as well as small language communities. Some language contacts lead to bloody conflicts in which language is ostensibly the major bone of contention; other languages in contact have enjoyed a peaceful coexistence for hundreds or thousands of years. The course is divided into three units, each of which requires students to explore language contact from a different perspective. The course offers no tidy prediction about hostile vs. friendly language contacts, but it does provide an extensive comparative view of both national and local interactions between language and society.
LING 342
This course investigates the nature of bilingualism from different perspectives, considering cognitive and interactional factors involved in the development and outcomes of bilingualism, as a domain of language acquisition and linguistics. Students taking the course not only consider the interactions between two languages, three and more but also processual mechanisms like age of acquisition, transfer, and convergence. Students first consider the formal properties and consequences of different types of bilingual development and knowledge (child bilingualism: simultaneous vs. sequential, child vs. adult L2 acquisition/bilingualism), and explore aspects of language processing by bilinguals, regarding both comprehension and production.
Required Qualifications*
Must have an M.A. or PhD in Linguistics or a closely related field, and demonstrated experience teaching linguistics at the college level. Applications will be evaluated based upon each candidate's expertise, successful performance in the classroom, and the needs of the department. The selection criteria used for this search is based on how the applicant's education and experience meets the required minimum qualifications for the position. Excellence in teaching and instruction will be the principal criteria used to select the successful candidate. Ability to teach undergraduate courses in one or more of the the following areas is desired, although not required: introduction to linguistics, bilingualism or language contact, language diversity and variation, language and other aspects of cognition, or psycholinguistics. In particular, we are looking for instructors who can teach one or more of the courses below in the Fall term. Commitment to interactive and engaged teaching strategies is desirable.
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.
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
For questions, please email [email protected]
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.