How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your CV. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relates to this position and what courses you might be qualified to teach. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
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.
Job Summary
The Department of Sociology at the University of Michigan is one of the premier sociology departments in the world. The goals of the undergraduate program are to instruct students about the value of recognizing and understanding the influence of social environments on individual outcomes and behaviors, to help them acquire different ways of thinking about the social world, and to provide theoretical and empirical frameworks for understanding social institutions and processes of social change. A major hallmark of the department's curriculum is the opportunities we provide our students to connect their classroom work to practical experience.
The Sociology Department is hiring two full time equivalent (FTE) LEO Lecturer I and/or Adjunct Lecturer positions for Winter term (Jan-May 2027). A full time appointment requires teaching 3 courses. Part-time appointments may be offered (1 course = 33.33% appointment, 2 courses = 66.66% appointment). Candidates will be selected based on specific expertise required for the courses.
These positions may be renewable, contingent on performance and funding. Criteria for renewal will include 1) continued curricular need, 2) quality of classroom teaching, 3) having a PhD in Sociology, and 4) participation in curriculum development, with classroom teaching receiving the greatest weight.
Responsibilities*
The LEO Lecturers will teach up to three courses each in Winter 2027. Courses needing coverage may include:
- SOC 105 - First Year Seminar in Sociology*
- SOC 295 - Topics in Sociology* (up to two courses)
- SOC 303 - Race and Ethnic Relations
- SOC 330 - Population Problems: Social Inequality and Changing Families
- SOC 428 - Contemporary China
- SOC 495 - Topics in Sociology* (up to two courses)
*Examples of topics could include race, sexuality, environment, sociology of digital life, social psychology, social problems, or other topics based on candidate expertise.
In addition to teaching responsibilities, the instructor will oversee any course Graduate Student Instructor(s), if applicable; hold office hours for students; do course planning and grading; and provide appropriate syllabus and course materials electronically.
Required Qualifications*
- PhD degree in sociology or another social science.
- Experience serving as an Instructor of Record for sociology or other social science courses with excellent teaching evaluations.
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience supervising GSIs / teaching assistants.
- Experience teaching large scale intro courses (large lecture class of ~300 students).
- The successful candidate should have cutting edge and contemporary knowledge and experience in teaching in the field of Sociology.
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.
Application Deadline
For Winter 2027, applications are due Monday, October 19, 2026.
Selection Process
Review of candidates will continue until the position is filled. Only complete application packets will be reviewed. The hiring decision will be announced within fourteen (14) days after the opening has been filled. This appointment is subject to final approval.
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.