"Assistant Professor in Creative Writing"

The Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Chicago invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Creative Writing, with an expertise in fiction, to join a dynamic, multidisciplinary program.

The selected candidate will pursue their own research agenda, collaborate with faculty in the Program in Creative Writing, the Department of English Language and Literature, and other areas of the Division of the Arts & Humanities and University, and teach in the undergraduate curriculum. The teaching load for tenure-track positions is typically four courses per year on the quarter system. Other responsibilities include advising at all levels of the program, and service on departmental and university committees.

The expected start date is July 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Program in Creative Writing thrives within a top-ranked English department at one of world’s foremost research institutions, benefiting from the city of Chicago’s vibrant literary culture. Participating in an energetic campus-wide arts ecology that is integral to the University’s intellectual life, the Program extends its focus beyond traditional literary genres to areas such as translation, science writing, arts writing, graphic narrative, digital literature, and emerging forms of hybrid literary practice. In addition to offering excellent training in the traditional literary genres, the Program’s innovative curriculum seeks to promote new modes of artistic practice, research, and outreach regarding diverse worldviews, cultures, and histories.

Salary Range or Pay Grade

Assistant Professor: $88,000-$110,000; This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment paid over twelve months. The position also includes a relocation allowance for qualifying expenses.

This position is benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have an active research agenda resulting in publication in leading venues in their field or the potential to develop such a publication record, as well as the ability or potential to be an excellent teacher and mentor at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Applicants must have:

• completed all requirements for the receipt of an MFA in Creative Writing and/or PhD in English, Creative Writing, Comparative Literature, or a related field, prior to the start date of the appointment
• at least one book of fiction, ideally no more than two, published to acclaim and distinctions
• if applicable, other published work in an additional genre
• at least two years of experience teaching at the College or University level, including but not limited to Creative Writing courses
• demonstrated potential to achieve a national profile in their genre
• A record of interest in an additional genre (e.g. creative nonfiction, poetry, graphic narrative, translation, screenplays, journalism, literary editing, to name a few), and a record of prior administrative experience in a Creative Writing program is preferred.

Application Instructions

Applicants must upload the following materials to the University of Chicago’s recruitment website at apply.interfolio.com/174642 by 10:59 PM Central Time/11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 27, 2025:

• CV
• Cover letter discussing current and future writing projects, along with interest in the position
• A representative sample (25 to 35 pages) of published fiction
• The names and contact information of three recommenders who may be asked to provide letters on behalf of the applicant
• Optional, if relevant: a representative sample (10 to 25 pages) of published creative work in a secondary genre

Applicants will be asked to provide a teaching statement and other additional materials following the initial review of applications. Questions may be directed to Thomson Guster at englishsupport@uchicago.edu.

This position is contingent upon budgetary approval.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.