Michigan State University Hiring Assistant Professor of Experience Architecture program

Position Summary

The Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures at Michigan State University seeks a colleague at the rank of assistant professor to join our department to contribute to the Bachelor of Arts in Experience Architecture program (administered in collaboration with the Department of Art, Art History, and Design). Our department is an innovative, inclusive community that encourages intellectual and cultural diversity and is dedicated to preparing communicators in the culturally, technologically, and economically dynamic environments of the 21st century.

Experience Architecture (XA) is a cross-disciplinary User Experience (UX) degree focused on researching, developing, and delivering experiences that are inclusive and engage social justice practices. XA is a values-driven program engaging UX as a vehicle for positive change; we believe that people deserve to engage with usable, accessible, and sustainable spaces. For more information about the XA undergraduate program, please visit: https://xa.cal.msu.edu/.

This is a nine-month,academic-year, tenure-system faculty appointment beginning August 16, 2023. We are interested in early career scholars with the potential to do outstanding research and teaching in user experience and accessibility. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of success in interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary work in user-centered design and/or humanities computing anchored to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Preferred area(s) of special interest include accessibility, disability studies, and user experience research methods. The teaching load is 2/2; we are especially interested in scholars able to teach across our undergraduate and graduate programs (BA in Professional and Public Writing; BA in Experience Architecture; MA and PhD in Rhetoric and Writing). Contributing to our mission includes opportunities to participate in several research and practice labs (including WIDE and The Cube), engage with community and industry partners, collaborate on curriculum design, serve on committees, work across multiple teams, and take on administrative roles.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Rhetoric and Writing

Minimum Requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a PhD or other terminal degree in Rhetoric and Writing or in a closely related field (e.g., Technical Communication) by August 15, 2023.

Desired Qualifications

A demonstrated record of success in interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary work in user-centered design and/or humanities computing anchored to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred area(s) of special interest include accessibility, disability studies, and user experience research methods.

Required Application Materials

Qualified applicants should submit:

1. a letter expressing interest in this position and describing qualifications and experience
2. current curriculum vitae
3. a 1-page summary of your philosophy of diversity, equity, and inclusion as it pertains their intellectual leadership in the areas of teaching/curriculum development, research/creative activities, service, outreach, advising, and/or administration; the statement should also include an explanation of related past or planned activities/endeavors as well as how the candidate will advance our goals of inclusive excellence

Together-we-will Statement

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin October 25. 2022, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted electronically to the Michigan State University Human Resources website http://careers.msu.edu. Posting number 818542.

For more information, contact Liza Potts, Chair of the Search Committee, at lpotts@msu.edu.  

Review of Applications Begins On

10/25/2022

Department Statement

The College of Arts & Letters–and the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures– recognizes that only an academic and organizational culture that actively seeks out and strengthens diverse voices and perspectives among its members results in true excellence. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. The College of Arts & Letters is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that intellectual leadership is achieved through open access and pro-active inclusion. We invite candidates to apply even if they have not currently mastered all of the areas listed.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.