Professor of English / Communication (Open-Rank)

Professor of English / Communication (Open-Rank)

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Florida Polytechnic University invites applications for tenure-equivalent faculty positions in English/Communication at the rank of instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor, to begin January 2025 or August 2025. We seek candidates of all faculty ranks who possess outstanding teaching skills, demonstrated potential for or record of a successful research, and a willingness to perform service activities that enhance the educational mission of the university and enhance the role of the liberal arts within our STEM-focused university community. The successful applicant will have strong teaching skills and be willing to push against educational norms to develop exciting and innovative curricula that enhance the overall educational experience of our students.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position responsibilities include:

• Teaching General Education core courses (Composition and Technical Writing) and developing and teaching courses related to the faculty member’s area of expertise
• Engaging in research that leads to publications relevant in the discipline*
• Actively participating in departmental and university service
• Supporting the University’s CRLA-certified Writing Center
• If applying for an instructor rank position, the research requirement is replaced by evidence of an intentional and scholarly approach to pedagogy and curriculum

The Department of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences faculty perform the critical task of delivering General Education courses needed for students to meet state curriculum requirements in the Communication, Humanities/Fine Arts, and Social Sciences areas. The department also offers a certificate in Applied Liberal Studies, which can be completed by any Florida Poly undergrad wishing to expand their communication and critical thinking skills and knowledge of the liberal arts. Department faculty also operate and staff the university’s nationally certified Writing Center.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Evidence of effective university-level teaching
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• For the rank of Instructor:
• Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• 18 credit hours in the discipline
• For the rank of Assistant Professor:
• Ph.D. in English, Technical Communication, Rhetoric and Composition, Writing Studies, or a closely related field earned before the start date
• For the rank of Associate Professor:
• Ph.D. in English, Technical Communication, Rhetoric and Composition, Writing Studies, or a closely related field earned before the start date
• Currently hold rank of Associate Professor or eligible to apply for Associate Professor at current institution.
• For the rank of Full Professor:
• Ph.D. in English, Technical Communication, Rhetoric and Composition, Writing Studies, or a closely related field earned before the start date
• 6 years of experience at the rank of Associate Professor or equivalent

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Successful candidates should possess:

• Demonstrated commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching
• Experience with course development
• Experience working in a university writing center
• Experience with interdisciplinary undergraduate research projects
• Record of scholarship commensurate with rank and experience in the profession
• Service record commensurate with experience in the profession
• Participation in obtaining funding or work on funded projects
• Industry experience in technical and/or professional communication
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate within and across academic departments
• Expertise in areas such as technical, scientific, environmental, risk, or health communication; visual rhetoric; data visualization; science, technology, and society; user experience; digital writing and storytelling and/or writing across the curriculum is desired.

COMPENSATION: Starting salary will be commensurate with experience and rank.

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: 

• Positions are open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply, submit PDFs of the following documents during the application process.

• Cover letter that:
• specifies the position and rank you’re interested in applying for, and
• addresses how your qualifications align with the mission of Florida Polytechnic University
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two-page research statement
• Names and contact information of 3 professional references
• Unofficial copy of undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Official transcripts will be required upon hire. Transcripts issued outside of the United States require an equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be submitted with the application.

ABOUT FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

Florida Polytechnic University, opened in 2014 as the state’s STEM-focused public university, offers high-value undergraduate and graduate degrees with intentional industry connections. Dedicated to preparing students to make significant contributions and become leaders in STEM fields, Florida Poly integrates foundational STEM knowledge and skills with applied, project-based learning. The University prioritizes applied, hands-on learning in small classes guided by world class faculty who serve as instructors, mentors, and researchers. Florida Poly partners closely with industry-leading firms, and faculty members are rewarded for more than just publishing. Industry involvement, problem solving, and the commercialization of technology and research through start-ups and small businesses are encouraged.

Florida Poly’s ultra-modern campus is located in Lakeland, along the I-4 High Tech Corridor between Tampa and Orlando. With no state income tax and a high standard of living, Lakeland and Central Florida continue to rise among the best places to live and work. Click here to explore Lakeland, Florida.

TENURE-EQUIVALENT SYSTEM

Faculty at Florida Poly are employed via renewable, multi-year appointments codified in a collective bargaining agreement. This tenure-equivalent system substantially mirrors tenure systems at other Florida State University Systems schools, with reappointment and progression in rank based on a comprehensive review of accomplishments. Initial contract durations are as follows:

Assistant Professor: 3 years

Associate Professor: 3-5 years

Professor: 6 years

Applicants with post-PhD experience may be offered an accelerated timeline to apply for promotion to the next academic rank. Under this tenure-equivalent system, faculty are eligible to compete for NSF and NIH grants, including career grants. 

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information. Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. An appointment is not final until proof is provided.

FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS INFORMATION

Florida Poly qualified employees have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of health benefits (through the State of Florida) to help meet their specific needs, as well as the needs of their family. This comprehensive coverage includes flexible spending accounts, medical and life insurance, and worker’s compensation.

Health benefits are administered through People First, on behalf of the State of Florida, as pre-tax insurance plans. People First handles all new hire enrollments, coverage changes, premium administration, and dependent eligibility. Their Service Center is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, at 1-866-663-4735.

RETIREMENT

Florida Poly offers great options for retirement. From the required selection of a state plan to additional voluntary retirement plans, our employees have many opportunities to save and prepare for their future. Click here for more information. 

FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS

• Perks and Discounts
• Annual Leave
• To help promote work-life balance, Florida Poly provides a generous leave program, which includes paid time off and paid holidays. Qualified employees may accrue 22 days of annual leave. In addition, the University observes the holidays listed in our University Holidays policy FPU-1.008.
• Sick Leave
• Qualified employees may also accrue 12 days of annual sick leave and participate in our Sick Pool Program.
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)

EXPLORE LAKELAND FLORIDA

Conveniently located along I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is home to Florida Polytechnic University and many other businesses and attractions. Click here to explore Lakeland, Florida.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ATTACHMENTS:

Required attachments are listed on each posting. Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume/CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered. 

An unofficial copy of the degree/transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire. 

Foreign Transcript: Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline.

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.

This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute §435.04. 

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