Part-Time, Teaching-Track Faculty Positions in Writing

The University of Southern California Writing Program in the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, seeks qualified applicants for part-time, one-semester, in-person positions as Instructor or Lecturerto join our faculty at the Washington, DC, Capital Campus beginning fall 2026.

Writing Program faculty teach lower-division courses that fulfill USC's undergraduate writing requirement in a context informed by rhetorical tradition, process theory, and ethical discursive practices. First-year courses develop students' writing and critical reasoning skills within thematic contexts.The USC Capital Campus in-person classes organized in a cohort model facilitate a workshop model of instruction, frequent one-on-one and small-group conferencing, and an emphasis on the writing process in an immersive learning experience in Washington, D.C.

Faculty teach one to three sections, for which they will develop syllabi and assignments in accordance with program guidelines.

The Writing Program hopes to hire faculty interested in teaching writing at USC in the fall semester and who are passionate about teaching and mentoring first-year undergraduates in a collaborative experiential learning environment. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate pedagogical innovation, versatility, and awareness to help our vibrant student body develop critical thinking skills in D.C. We expect a deep commitment to creating engaging classroom environments to serve students individually and holistically. Initial appointments are fixed term, with the possibility of renewal contingent on performance and review by the program faculty, its directors, and the college deans. Dornsife provides opportunities for promotion to the ranks of Assistant Professor (Teaching), Associate Professor (Teaching), and Professor (Teaching) based on demonstrated teaching excellence and service to the program, school, university, and field.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates should have a PhD or other terminal degree by August 2026. We require demonstrated excellence in teaching writing at the college level, with experience as an instructor of record in writing-specific courses strongly preferred. While many of our faculty have scholarly backgrounds in Rhetoric and Composition and English Literature, we welcome candidates from diverse fields and with varied areas of interest, such as globalization: current issues and cross-cultural perspectives.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

In order to be considered for this position, all candidates must apply via the "Apply" link at the top or bottom of this page. Applications are requested right away. Candidates should submit a letter of application, a statement of teaching philosophy, a CV, and the names of three referees who can speak to their teaching abilities. The referees will be contacted directly by USC to provide letters of reference after you submit your application.

We expect to conduct interviews with selected candidates in April with more information provided at a later date.

The per course rate for this position is $11,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.