Part-Time LEO Lecturer I Position The College of Engineering, Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan, invites applicants for a part-time LEO Lecturer I position to co-teach ENTR 475.200 - Perot Jain TechLab Climate Change during the Winter 2027 term. This is a part-time (15% effort), in-person position. The Mission of the CFE is to unlock the full entrepreneurial potential at the University of Michigan by helping people to understand, experience, practice, and refine the skills needed to successfully translate their knowledge, ideas, leadership, creativity, and enthusiasm into lasting value in the world. We achieve this potential by providing broad and inclusive access to a wide variety of educational opportunities, immersive learning experiences, timely and powerful mentorship, and meaningful connections to the global industry leaders that are building the future.
Responsibilities:
*The Center for Entrepreneurship's courses exemplify experiential learning, demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset, and are open to all U-M students.
The person in this position will be appointed to co-teach ENTR 475.200: Perot Jain TechLab Climate Change (3 credits) during the Winter 2027 term. The position is anticipated to continue with co-teaching ENTR 485.200: Perot Jain TechLab Climate Change (3 credits) during the Fall 2027 term. Together, these courses comprise a two-course (6-credit) sequence.
Perot Jain TechLab Climate Change provides students with unique opportunities to experience entrepreneurship by working with startup companies that are building the future, specifically in the field of sustainable, carbon-reducing technology. PJTL Climate Change pairs emerging transportation startups (post-Series A funding) with top-tier undergraduate and graduate students who want to tackle industry challenges through technical projects, providing mentorship and immersive interaction with high-growth ventures. The program aims to develop a talent pipeline for the growing climate change industry by connecting students with company sponsors and leveraging U-M's access to the Global CO2 Initiative.
In Semester 1, student project teams collaborate with sourced startups advancing emerging technologies to develop core skills for future leadership roles (leading technical execution, applying project management, and aligning product development with business strategies). Instructors will teach how to:
Align Technical Vision with Startup Strategy: Guide students to understand how strategic technical decisions directly drive a startup's mission, growth, and competitive edge.
Apply Project Management Skills: Teach tools and techniques for planning, executing, and adapting technical projects within fast-paced startup environments.
Facilitate Effective Communication: Mentor students on collaborating and communicating clearly with startup leadership and cross-functional teams to achieve target outcomes.
Analyze Market & Technology Trends: Help students evaluate market shifts and emerging technologies to shape product development and commercialization pathways.
Introduce Strategic Business Tools: Train students to apply foundational frameworks like the Business Model Canvas and Porter's Five Forces to analyze and pivot business strategies.
Lead Technical Execution: Direct students in building actionable technical execution plans and product roadmaps from concept to delivery.
Foster Entrepreneurial Thinking: Coach students through ambiguity, change, and risk to build decisiveness in early-stage environments.
Develop Professional & Team Skills: Cultivate personal growth, accountability, and interdisciplinary collaboration to help students transition into high-performing professionals.
The course is scheduled for 14 weeks during the Winter 2027 term. Course faculty (co-instructors) will be responsible for preparing interactive course materials, weekly lecturing, holding office hours weekly, preparing class exercises, preparing and grading assessments, managing and grading class projects, and attending the CFE's monthly Faculty Community Meetings.
Required Qualifications:- *Master's degree in engineering or a relevant field (and/or equivalent combination of education and technical work experience)
- Demonstrated and successful practice of the entrepreneurial process in environmental disruptive technologies
- Demonstrated expertise in organizational management, program management, and the entrepreneurial process, from idea conception, technology development, and growing a team, to fundraising
- Successful practice of entrepreneurship and new venture creation, both at small and large scales, within the global climate change ecosystem
- Ability to learn conceptual frameworks quickly and apply them to practical student needs
- Strong communication skills, including oral and visual presentations
- Ability to establish credibility and rapport with students
- Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate and graduate students in a classroom environment
Additional Information:
Each co-instructor will hold a 15% effort (6 hours per week) appointment during the Winter 2027 term.
Union Affiliation:
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening:
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.
U-M EEO Statement:
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
