How to Apply
The Program in the Environment (PitE) at the University of Michigan invites individuals to apply for the position of Intermittent Lecturer to teach one class in the Spring 2027 half-term. Applications are welcomed and encouraged regardless of background and identity. To apply, please complete the application on the U-M Careers site. The following materials must be submitted as part of the application:
- Cover letter expressing interest in and relevant experience relevant to teaching the course
- Curriculum Vitae
- Teaching Philosophy Statement (no more than 2 pages)
- List of at least 3 references including contact information.
- Please use this format to name the file: lastname.firstname.CV.PDF
If considered, you will be contacted and interviewed remotely. The start date for this position is expected to be May 1, 2027.
Please contact Nicole Rutherford, [email protected], if you have any questions.
This position is subject to the terms of the LEO bargaining agreement. The full LEO contract can be found at https://hr.umich.edu/sites/default/files/um-leo-agreement-2021-2024-final.pdf.
Mission Statement
PitE is an interdisciplinary program that is jointly managed by the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the School of Environment and Sustainability (SEAS). PitE blends foundational knowledge, skills, and practices from natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities/culture towards an integrated analysis of environmental and sustainability issues facing society at all scales and approaches to address and adapt to the associated challenges.
At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education, and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.
To learn more about SEAS and our values, please visit our website at https://seas.umich.edu/about/seas-values.
Job Summary
The Program in the Environment (PitE) at the University of Michigan seeks applicants for one part-time lecturer position to teach one course in the Spring 2027 half term. The FTE will be 33%.
This is an Intermittent Lecturer appointment which is a non-tenure track position and subject to the terms of the LEO bargaining agreement which can be found at https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/academic-human-resources/contracts.
Specifically, the successful candidate will be prepared to teach the following course or something similar:
ENVIRON 242 - Environmental Activism (3 credits)
Description: This course examines the relationship between scientific knowledge, environmental issues, and activism. Students explore how science interacts with public communication, social movements, and policy efforts to address environmental challenges. The course introduces key ideas in social movement theory, environmental justice, and advocacy strategies while critically evaluating the effectiveness and limitations of activism tactics. Students will examine challenges such as activist burnout, ethical tradeoffs, and unrealistic expectations. A central component of the course is a scaffolded Environmental Action Plan, where students design a realistic, evidence-based strategy to address a specific environmental issue.
Responsibilities*
Desired Teaching/ Content Expertise
Our PitE faculty represent a wide range of disciplinary expertise, with many having joint appointments with other units on the University of Michigan campus. For this position, we will consider candidates from a broad range of environmental and climate studies. All courses are expected to be taught in person on the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus unless there is a compelling pedagogical reason for remote or hybrid instruction. This course is permitted to be remote instruction.
In addition to teaching one course, the selected individuals will be expected to hold office hours and handle all routine matters related to instruction. While teaching is expected to take place in-person, office hours can be held remotely.
Required Qualifications*
- A PhD in environmental studies, public policy another sustainability-related discipline OR a Masters Degree with at least five years of relevant professional experience
Desired Qualifications*
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Eligibility for benefits is based on your job group, your appointment percentage and the length of your appointment. Learn more about employee benefits and eligibility at https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness/benefits-enrollment/benefits-enrollment-eligibility.
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
All application materials must be submitted no later than November 17, 2026. Selected candidates will be contacted and interviewed remotely. We expect to make an offer of employment no later than December 1, 2026. The anticipated start date for this position is May 1, 2027. This appointment will end June 30, 2027.
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.
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.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of ten calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eleventh day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
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.