College of Arts & Sciences Adjunct Instructors – Academic Writing / Composition43 Views

The College of Arts & Sciences, Department of English is building a pool of part-time instructors to teach first-year and advanced academic writing courses on campus in Sharjah. This guide explains what the role involves, who should consider applying, the qualifications required, and how to submit a competitive application before the stated deadline. It also adds practical tips for early-career academics and professionals transitioning into university-level writing instruction.

The College of Arts & Sciences Adjunct Instructors – Academic Writing / Composition position at American University of Sharjah (AUS) is an attractive opportunity for experienced writing teachers who want to work in a high-quality, North American–style institution in the Gulf region.

Overview of the Adjunct Academic Writing / Composition Role

According to the official AUS employment notice, the Department of English invites applications for part-time adjunct instructors to teach undergraduate academic writing and composition courses. Adjuncts may teach up to two courses per semester, and all teaching takes place on the AUS campus in Sharjah. Courses are scheduled two days a week (Monday–Thursday), which allows professionals some flexibility alongside other commitments.

These courses form part of the university’s core curriculum and support students across majors in developing essential academic literacy skills. Consequently,

adjunct instructors play a key role in shaping how students write, research and argue in English within a multicultural, English-medium university.

Why This Adjunct Academic Writing Role Matters

Strong academic writing and composition courses are central to AUS’s general education program and to the wider student experience. As a result, the College of Arts & Sciences adjunct instructors – academic writing / composition appointments carry impact beyond a single classroom.

Firstly, AUS is a not-for-profit, independent institution built on American academic models and grounded in Arab culture. It serves more than 5,800 students from about 100 nationalities, with English as the language of instruction and the workplace. Therefore, instructors teach in a truly international environment.

Secondly, AUS is consistently ranked among the top Arab universities by QS, and the Department of English supports an extensive curriculum, including a university writing program, BA in English language and literature, MA in TESOL and a busy Writing Center. Adjuncts in academic writing contribute directly to this ecosystem by teaching foundational writing courses that feed into higher-level work and disciplinary writing.

Finally, for early-career academics, part-time adjunct roles can provide valuable regional experience in the UAE, teaching practice in multicultural classes, and institutional familiarity that may support later applications for full-time faculty positions.

Eligibility: Who Should Apply?

The advertisement sets out clear qualification requirements. To be considered for the College of Arts & Sciences adjunct instructors – academic writing

/ composition positions, applicants must hold an advanced degree (MA or PhD) in one of the following or a closely related field:

• • Writing studies
  • Rhetoric and composition
  • Applied linguistics
  • TESOL
  • English for academic purposes
  • Literary studies

In addition, candidates should:

• • Have university-level teaching experience in academic writing.
  • Demonstrate an ability to teach in diverse, multicultural classrooms.
  • Show a strong commitment to student learning, engagement and success.

This combination means the role suits:

• • Early-career scholars who have completed or are near completing an MA/PhD in relevant fields and already have some classroom experience.
  • Experienced writing instructors or lecturers seeking part-time work in the region.
  • TESOL or EAP professionals who wish to expand into composition and academic writing in a liberal-arts context.

Key Features and Responsibilities

Teaching Load and Course Types

Adjunct instructors may teach up to two sections per semester. Courses typically include first-year academic writing as well as more advanced composition courses, all delivered to undergraduate students.

Core Responsibilities

The official posting highlights several responsibilities:

• • Teaching assigned sections of academic writing and composition.
  • Providing timely, constructive feedback on student
    work.
  • Following departmental and university guidelines for syllabi, assignments and assessment.

Beyond these formal duties, successful adjuncts usually:

• • Incorporate process-based writing pedagogy and peer review.
  • Use learning management systems to share materials and track progress.
  • Support students who are writing in English as an additional language.

Contract Nature and Benefits

The positions are part-time, semester-based appointments, and the department maintains a pool of qualified applicants to meet teaching needs as they arise. Salary and benefits are stated as competitive, although specific figures are not listed publicly and will depend on institutional scales and experience.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

The application process is straightforward, yet a polished package can make a significant difference.

1. Review the Official Vacancy: Firstly, visit the official AUS vacancy page at: https://www.aus.edu/employment/college-of-arts-sciences-adjunct-instructors-academic-writing-composition. Carefully read the qualifications, responsibilities, deadline (currently December 15, 2025) and any updates that may appear.

2. Prepare Your Application Materials: Applicants are asked to submit:

• • A cover letter.
  • A CV.
  • Contact information for at least two references.

In addition, it is wise to prepare:

• • A concise teaching statement focused on academic writing
    pedagogy.
  • Sample syllabi or writing assignments, if available, for later stages.

3. Submit via the Application Portal: To apply, you must submit your materials through the AUS application link provided in the advertisement: https://acg-apps1.aus.edu/cas/empapp/apply.php?p=ENG-26-01. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and selected candidates are contacted for interviews. The department keeps a pool of applicants for future teaching needs, which means a strong application may be considered even if courses are not immediately available.

Tips, Common Mistakes and Expert Advice

Emphasise Academic Writing Experience

Many candidates list general English teaching but do not highlight academic writing or composition specifically. You should therefore:

• • Name the academic writing and composition courses you have taught.
  • Refer to particular units such as argument essays, research writing or critical reading.
  • Mention any training in writing-center work, WAC/WID initiatives or writing program administration, if relevant.

Show You Can Teach Multicultural Classes

AUS students come from around 100 nations, with varied schooling backgrounds and linguistic repertoires. Consequently, you should show that you can:

• • Design inclusive assignments.
  • Scaffold writing tasks for students with different levels of preparation.
  • Use examples that respect cultural diversity while meeting academic standards.

Align With Department and University Culture

Because the Department of English hosts a writing program, BA, MA in TESOL and Writing Center, it values colleagues who engage with writing studies as a field. In your cover letter, briefly connect your interests to:

• • Composition and rhetoric.
  • TESOL or EAP.
  • Writing-across-the-curriculum or writing-in-the-disciplines.

Avoid generic statements that could apply to any teaching post; instead, refer specifically to AUS, the College of Arts & Sciences and academic writing / composition.

Manage Expectations About Part-Time Work

Adjunct roles are not full-time faculty posts. Therefore, they work best for candidates who:

• • Already reside in or near Sharjah or Dubai.
  • Can balance part-time teaching with other professional or research commitments.
  • Understand that teaching loads are limited to a maximum of two courses per semester.

Conclusion

The College of Arts & Sciences adjunct instructors – academic writing / composition opportunity at American University of Sharjah offers experienced writing teachers a structured, part-time role in a respected, international university. The position involves teaching first-year and advanced academic writing courses, guiding diverse students through the core skills of argumentation, research and academic communication.

For early-career academics, TESOL professionals and composition specialists, this role can provide valuable experience in a North American–style institution in the UAE. A carefully prepared application, strong record of teaching academic writing, and evidence of multicultural classroom experience will significantly increase your chances of success.

Prospective applicants should review the official AUS vacancy page, prepare tailored documents and submit their materials well before the published deadline. In addition, it is wise to monitor the university’s employment pages for related full-time roles in writing studies, rhetoric and composition that may complement or follow adjunct work.

Summary Table

Feature	Details
Program Name	College of Arts & Sciences
Host Country	United Arab Emirates (Sharjah)
Funded By	American University of Sharjah (not-for-profit, independent institution.
Duration	Part-time, semester-based appointments; pooled for future teaching needs.
Study Mode	On-campus teaching, up to two courses per semester, two days per week (Monday–Thursday)
Eligibility	MA or PhD in writing studies, rhetoric and composition, applied linguistics, TESOL, EAP, literary studies or related field; university-level academic writing teaching experience; ability to teach diverse, multicultural classes.
Financial Support	Part-time salary and conditions as per AUS policies; exact scales not specified on official website.
Fields of Study	Undergraduate academic writing and composition within the Department of English and the university writing program.
Deadline	15/12/2025 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)
Official Website	Click here

References

Reference 1: College of Arts and Sciences Adjunct Instructors – Academic Writing / Composition – job summary listing with qualifications and responsibilities.

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