Instructor Fixed Term

Working/Functional Title

Instructor Fixed Term

Position Summary

The College of Law at Michigan State University is currently establishing a pool of part-time, fixed-term instructors. Applications will be reviewed, and these positions will be filled on an as-needed basis within two years of the position posting date.  Positions may be for one or more semesters, including fall, spring and summer.

Duties: Responsibilities may include 1.) developing and teaching professional and graduate courses in law and law-related classes; 2.) providing advice and guidance to students during class and office hours and/or 3.) assisting with promotion and development of MSU College of Law programming.  Courses may be in person or online.

In addition to East Lansing-based teaching opportunities, the College of Law anticipates needs in several of its study abroad and online programs.  These programs have additional specific goals and requirements as described below. 

The MSU College of Law Global Food Law Program is an online program that prepares students to influence food policy; interpret international laws and regulations governing the food system; and bridge the gap between regulators and industry.  The program ensures students understand the legal complexities of food laws and their impact across national boundaries while applying sound science and food law.  The Global Food Law Program seeks candidates for part-time, fixed term instructors to develop and teach online classes within this program.  Responsibilities include teaching courses in Biotechnology Law and Food Products; Current Issues in Global Food Law; and a Survey Course on Hemp; US Food and Drug Law; Food Science for Lawyers; Administrative Law: Labeling and Food Safety.  Preferred candidates will have a legal background; experience working in industry; experience teaching online using the D2L platform; and possess a strong desire to move the global food law academy forward.

The MSU College of Law Summer Program in Opatija/Rijeka, Croatia runs annually in July and August.  It provides introductory instruction in intellectual property and computer law from an international perspective. The Croatia Summer Program seeks candidates for part-time, fixed term instructors to teach within this program.  Responsibilities include teaching courses in intellectual property, including international patent, copyright, and trademark law.  Candidates will teach on location in Opatija, Croatia.  Preferred candidates will have extensive scholarly, teaching, and practice experience in these areas.

The MSU College of Law Summer Program in Kyoto, Japan runs annually in May and June.  The program is designed to give students detailed exposure to public or private law with a significant focus on comparative and Japanese law. The Kyoto, Japan Summer Program seeks candidates for part-time, fixed term instructors to teach within this program.  Responsibilities include teaching courses in the Japanese Legal System, International Business Transactions or International Commercial Arbitration and Litigation. A significant focus on these topics and knowledge of Japanese law is important. Candidates will teach on location in Kyoto, Japan. Preferred candidates will have the ability to fund their own travel to and from Japan (housing is provided by the program, but airfare and ground transportation is not), speak fluent English and conversational Japanese, have significant publications in major journals or with major book publishers and/or experience in the specific field related to their preferred course.

The MSU College of Law Institute for Comparative Law & Jurisprudence in Białystok, Poland runs annually in May and June. The Poland Summer Program seeks candidates for part-time, fixed term instructors to teach within this program. Responsibilities include teaching courses in international and comparative law.  Candidates will teach on location in Białystok, Poland.  Preferred candidates will have extensive scholarly, teaching, and practice experience in the areas relative to their preferred course.

Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities and individuals from other underrepresented groups that can diversify the impact of social science research across the mission of the college.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Law

Minimum Requirements

• J.D. or Ph.D in related discipline.
• Professional experience related to classes taught.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience teaching at the college level.

Required Application Materials

• a cover letter
• current curriculum vitae or resume
• a short professional biography

Special Instructions

For more information, contact the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Jennifer Carter-Johnson, jcj@msu.edu or 517-432-6926.

Applications will be reviewed as needed.

Website

www.law.msu.edu

Department Statement

The College of Law is comprised of approximately 800 J.D. students, 75 students enrolled in various Master of Laws and Master of Jurisprudence programs, 134 faculty and approximately, 12,500 living alumni worldwide. 

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.