As a program and department committed to progressive pedagogies and curricular innovation, we seek a colleague who shares our commitment to inspiring socially-engaged citizenship in the classroom and in the community. The Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication (WRTC) concentration within the Department of English houses BA, MA, and PhD programs with courses in technical communication, digital media, editing, grant writing, rhetorical theory, and composition. We seek candidates to help build our focus in technical communication and to continue growing our online MA in Technical Communication program. New faculty will be expected to maintain a productive research agenda, advise graduate students, and teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
The Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication program within the Department of English is uniquely positioned for community engagement and industry partnerships given that the University is located in a residential neighborhood of Memphis, a city with a rich history and vibrant culture. Memphis has a large medical hub (e.g., St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, University of Tennessee’s College of Medicine, Southern College of Optometry) and is corporate headquarters for several major corporations (e.g., FedEx, International Paper, AutoZone). The University of Memphis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
To Apply, candidates should submit the following materials:
Cover letter
Current CV
Teaching Philosophy
Writing Sample (15-20 pages)
Transcripts
Reference list
Deadline: Review of applications will begin on October 16, 2026, and continue until position is filled.
ResponsibilitiesWe seek candidates to help build our focus in technical communication and to continue growing our online MA in Technical Communication program. New faculty will be expected to maintain a productive research agenda, advise graduate students, and teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
The University of Memphis is an R1 institution. The College of Arts and Sciences offers competitive faculty workloads that recognize demonstrated research productivity while balancing research, teaching, and service responsibilities in accordance with College workload policy. Please refer to the CAS Teaching/Workload Guidelines for additional information.
QualificationsPhD in Technical Communication, Rhetoric and Composition, Writing Studies, or a related field. PhD must be in hand or secured by May 2027.
A focused research agenda that includes publications or potential for publication in technical communication or related rhetorical fields
Evidence of excellent in-person and online teaching in technical communication and writing studies
A commitment to serving the needs of a diverse student population
A collegial attitude for department and university service
Skills Required
- PhD in Technical Communication, Rhetoric and Composition, Writing Studies, or a related field, in hand or secured by May 2027
- Focused research agenda with publications or publication potential in technical communication or related rhetorical fields
- Evidence of excellent in-person and online teaching in technical communication and writing studies
- Commitment to serving a diverse student population
- Collegial attitude toward department and university service
What We Do
The University of Memphis is a public research university in Memphis, Tennessee, committed to academic excellence and community engagement. Driven by a philosophy of 'doing,' the institution leverages a diverse workforce of faculty and staff to foster a dynamic learning environment. The university provides a comprehensive range of educational opportunities and maintains a strong commitment to equal employment and institutional equity.
