LEO Lecturer III- Sustainable Food Systems
University of Michigan
How to Apply
The Program in the Environment (PitE) in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the School of Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan invites individuals to apply for the position of LEO Lecturer III to teach courses in the area of Sustainable Food Systems, as well as support the Program in the Environment Food minor and Sustainable Food Systems Initiative. Applications are welcomed and encouraged regardless of background and identity.
To apply, please complete the application on the U-M Careers site. In addition, the following materials must be submitted as one PDF document along with your application on the UM Jobs site.
- A cover letter that addresses your specific interest in the position, outlines experience that directly relates to this position. The cover letter may be up to two single-spaced pages.
- A statement of teaching philosophy (1-2 pages).
- Curriculum vitae
- Names of three individuals that can serve as references.
If considered, you will be contacted and interviewed remotely. The start date for this position is expected to be January 1, 2026.
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/working-u-m/my-employment/academic-human-resources/contracts.
Job Summary
The Program in the Environment (PitE) at the University of Michigan seeks applicants for a full-time lecturer position in Sustainable Food Systems. This position is 67% instructional (teaching two courses a semester in PitE) and 33% administrative. Administrative duties will include supporting the PitE Food Minor and core activities of the Sustainable Food Systems Initiative.
As a successful candidate, you will demonstrate experience developing and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses on sustainable food systems, sustainability, and/or environmental studies.
This is a Lecturer III 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.
Mission Statement
PitE is an interdisciplinary program that is jointly managed between 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.
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
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting (Confirm position is eligible)
- 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.
Responsibilities*
Description of Instructional and Administrative Needs:
In addition to teaching four courses per year, you will work collaboratively with PitE leadership to support the Food minor as well as with the Sustainable Food Systems Initiative (SFSI) Advisory Committee to support core SFSI activities. You will be the course coordinator and faculty instructor for Food Literacy for All. Food Literacy for All is currently taught primarily online with a Community Co-Instructor. In consultation with the PitE Director will develop three other sustainable food systems, sustainability, and/or environmental studies courses. These three 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.
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 sustainable food systems and environmental studies expertise. The candidate should demonstrate expertise in teaching sustainable food systems and environmental studies.
The individual 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, food systems or 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.
- Demonstrated experience in administrative roles in higher education.
- Demonstrated history of maintaining good working relationships and effective channels of communication in academic settings.
- Access to relevant professional networks
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 September 27, 2025. Selected candidates will be contacted and interviewed remotely shortly after the posting closure date. We expect to make an offer of employment no later than November 30, 2025. The anticipated start date for this position is January 1, 2026.
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.
Application Deadline
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Job openings are posted for a minimum of ten calendar days. This job 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 employment opportunity employer.