Writing Instructor for Scientific and Quantitative Writing Across the Curriculum

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [email protected].

Department

Jacobson Center

Job Description

Smith College is seeking a Writing Instructor for Scientific and Quantitative Writing Across the Curriculum to help students and faculty communicate complex and quantitative ideas with clarity and impact.

We’re looking for someone with a graduate degree in a STEM+ field who can engage with STEM faculty as a knowledgeable collaborator and whose experience may come from teaching, research, publishing, editing, or another STEM-focused setting. Prior expertise in writing pedagogy is not required.

If your experience brings together STEM, writing, research, and communication, we encourage you to apply.

Job Summary

Provide institutional expertise and leadership in science and quantitative writing by helping (1) students across the curriculum write scientific and data-rich papers, (2) faculty in all disciplines integrate numeracy into their teaching, (3) STEM faculty and departments achieve their science and quantitative writing goals, and (4) the Spinelli Center advance writing with numbers initiatives across the curriculum.  Teach one 4-credit, science-themed, writing-based course per semester.  Provide direct writing support to all students in the writing center, but especially those engaged in scientific and quantitative writing.  Participate in timely Jacobson Center projects and initiatives, for example, the development of curricular and other pedagogical materials on science and quantitative writing; the development, implementation, and analysis of writing assessment tools and results; and the development and facilitation of student and faculty workshops on scientific and quantitative writing.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Serve as a writing instructor (meeting with students to discuss and review writing assignments) for scheduled half-hour intervals in the writing center.  Sessions focus on student requests that range from help in developing a thesis to reviewing consistency of voice.  Participate in the thesis writing mentoring program.

Each semester, design and teach one section of WRT 118 or 119, or their equivalent.  WRT courses provide systematic practice in clear, logical writing, with an emphasis on academic argumentation and its translation into public discourse.  As needed, WRT 118/119 may be substituted with other writing-based courses within the employee's expertise.

Support STEM faculty in the teaching and learning of scientific and quantitative writing. Collaborate with the Spinelli Center in supporting STEM students with writing–especially data-driven papers–and helping students in the social sciences to write with numbers.  Contribute to the faculty development offerings of the Office of the Provost and the Sherrerd Center in the area of scientific and quantitative writing.

MINIMUM REQUIRED Qualifications (education, experience, certifications, licenses, knowledge, skills)

Graduate Degree in the STEM+ field

Knowledge of Google Suite or MS Office Suite

Must be able to work independently and collaboratively, and have strong organizational and planning skills, excellent writing and oral communication skills, and strong analytical and research skills. 

Excellent interpersonal skills.

The ability to effectively interact with people of all backgrounds, to use sound judgment, and to think creatively. 

The ability to develop and execute several key projects simultaneously. 

Please note: This position works 35 hours per week for 39 weeks of the year (academic year) and is 0.75 FTE. The adjusted annual salary range is $39,633.92–$53,622.36.

Compensation

In addition to a competitive benefits package, annualized pay for this role is typically between $52,845.22 - $71,496.48 covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications and work schedule if less than full-time.

Position Type

Regular

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

September 15, 2026

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts.  A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [email protected].

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of  equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty.  The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.