How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Who We Are
At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.
Job Summary
The College of Engineering, Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan, invites applicants for a part-time LEO Lecturer I position to co-teach ENTR 485.300 - Perot Jain TechLab Electrification during the second half of the Fall 2026 term. This is a part-time (15% effort), in-person position.
The Mission of the CFE is to unlock the full entrepreneurial potential at the University of Michigan by helping people to understand, experience, practice, and refine the skills needed to successfully translate their knowledge, ideas, leadership, creativity, and enthusiasm into lasting value in the world. We achieve this potential by providing broad and inclusive access to a wide variety of educational opportunities, immersive learning experiences, timely and powerful mentorship, and meaningful connections to the global industry leaders that are building the future. Additional information about the CFE can be found here.
Responsibilities*
The Center for Entrepreneurship's courses exemplify experiential learning, demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset, and are open to all U-M students.
The person in this position will be responsible for co-teaching ENTR 485.300: Perot Jain TechLab Electrification (3 credits) during the second half of the Fall 2026 term. This is a 3-credit course and the second semester of a two-course (6-credit) sequence.
Perot Jain TechLab Electrification gives students unique opportunities to experience entrepreneurship by working with startup companies building the future, specifically in the electrification of the transportation industry. PJTL Electrification pairs emerging transportation startups (post-Series A funding) with top-tier undergraduate and graduate students studying Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, and Data Analytics who want to tackle industry challenges through technical projects, providing mentorship and immersive interaction with high-growth ventures. The program aims to develop a talent pipeline for the growing EV industry by connecting students with company sponsors and leveraging the University of Michigan's regional access to automotive and transportation industry legacies.
In this course, students complete an open-ended technical project related to EV-enabling technologies (assigned by an EV industry company) and, as such, gain experience in developing cutting-edge technology for an early-stage startup. Instructors will teach how to:
- Apply Product Management Practices. Students will use product management tools and techniques to guide development, prioritize features, and align with user needs.
- Communicate Effectively. Students will use strong communication and collaboration skills with startup sponsors and team members to deliver results.
- Demonstrate Commercialization Strategy. Students will apply commercialization roadmapping to show how your product can move from development to market adoption.
- Understand Intellectual Property Strategies. Students will interpret key steps in securing intellectual property and identify what aspects of value creation should be protected.
- Engage in Entrepreneurial Thinking. Students will gain exposure to entrepreneurship and understand how startups solve real-world problems using innovation.
- Document Team Processes for Continuity. Students will create a clear, structured manual outlining their team's development process to support future handoffs.
- Manage Uncertainty with Strategic Flexibility. Students will recognize ambiguity as part of innovation and apply adaptive planning methods to stay on track amid changing circumstances.
- Develop Professional & Team Skills. Students will reflect on personal growth, show accountability, assume responsibility, and collaborate across disciplines to transition from student to professional.
- Evaluate Project Impact. Students will measure value and strategic contribution, and understand their potential impact on the sponsoring startup's goals and bottom line.
Course faculty (co-instructors) will be responsible for preparing interactive course materials, weekly lecturing, holding office hours weekly, preparing class exercises, preparing and grading assessments, managing and grading class projects, and attending the CFE's Faculty Community Meetings.
Required Qualifications*
- Master's degree in engineering or a relevant field (and/or equivalent combination of education and technical work experience)
- Demonstrated and successful practice of the entrepreneurial process in the electric vehicle industry, directly advancing EV and EV-enabling technologies
- Demonstrated expertise in organizational management, program management, and the entrepreneurial process, from idea conception, technology development, and growing a team, to fundraising
- Successful practice of entrepreneurship and new venture creation, both at small and large scales, within the EV ecosystem
- Ability to learn conceptual frameworks quickly and apply them to practical student needs
- Strong communication skills, including oral and visual presentations, with a proven ability to establish credibility and rapport with graduate and undergraduate students.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully teach and use rubric-based assessments of undergraduate and graduate students in an interactive classroom setting
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
Each co-instructor will hold a 15% effort (6 hours per week) appointment during the second half of the Fall 2026 term.
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.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.