Assistant Professor of Artificial Intelligence - Writing, Editing, and Digital Publishing

Be a Tar Heel!

The Department of English and Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Writing, Editing, and Digital Publishing, beginning July 1, 2027. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition, English, Writing Studies, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.

We seek a teacher-scholar whose research and teaching engage the evolving relationships among writing, editing, digital publishing, and artificial intelligence. We welcome candidates working across rhetoric and composition, writing studies, technical and professional communication, digital rhetoric, literacy studies, or related fields.

The successful candidate will maintain a research program that examines how AI is reshaping writing, editing, digital publishing, and rhetoric. We are particularly interested in scholars who move beyond simple narratives of technological optimism or critique.

We seek candidates who approach artificial intelligence as a complex scholarly problem that demands historical, theoretical, empirical, creative, and pedagogical investigation. Candidates should demonstrate how their work develops and applies questions about authorship, creativity, expertise, communication, labor, literacy, ethics, publishing, and/or the future of humanistic inquiry.

Candidates should also demonstrate a record of research, publication, and practical and pedagogical engagement with emerging technologies. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work across disciplinary boundaries through expertise in multiple areas of study and the creative integration of diverse approaches.

We also seek candidates with a commitment to collaborative scholarship, which may be demonstrated through leadership and participation in academic programs, research initiatives, or public-facing projects. Beyond research collaborations, we value public outreach, the sharing of resources, and community-building activities that contribute to vibrant intellectual communities and broaden the impact of scholarly work.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Department of English and Comparative Literature is committed to hiring an exceptional teacher/scholar who brings energy and a fresh perspective to their research, pedagogy, and service and who is ready to teach in our Rhetoric and Composition program.

We seek candidates who can contribute to UNC’s academic mission as a public institution, especially through commitment to diversity of perspective, intercultural understanding, and engagement with local resources and communities. We encourage candidates to consult our website to learn about the Department’s curriculum, values, and mission. Candidates working across disciplines are encouraged to apply.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the flagship institution of a strong state university system comprising 17 campuses across North Carolina; neighbor institutions within 25 miles include Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, and Meredith College. Chapel Hill is a vibrant college town near the Research Triangle economic hub and 20 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Position Summary

The Department of English and Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is recruiting an Assistant Professor of Artificial Intelligence – Writing, Editing, and Digital Publishing. The successful candidate’s duties will include teaching, research, and service. This Assistant Professor will teach a 2-2 load made up of graduate and undergraduate courses; contribute to both undergraduate and graduate curricula; mentor students; participate in select administrative activities; and engage in ongoing scholarly research.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Ph.D. English, Rhetoric and Composition, or a related degree and instructional experience at the college level by the time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Demonstrated excellence in college-level teaching, a strong research portfolio, expertise in research methods, a history of collaboration, experience in research and teaching related to Artificial Intelligence and its relationship to Writing, Editing, and Digital Publishing.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

N/A.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions

Applications should include the following materials:

1. A cover letter discussing the applicant’s teaching, research, and interest in the position;
2. A curriculum vitae;
3. A research statement describing current and future scholarly work;
4. A writing sample;
5. A syllabus for a course related to writing, editing, digital publishing, rhetoric, or AI and writing, accompanied by a brief contextual statement explaining how the course aligns with the applicant’s pedagogical philosophy; and
6. Four letters of recommendation.

Please upload all required application materials through the application portal. For questions related to the search, please contact the Search Committee Chair, David Baker, at davidbak@email.unc.edu. For technical assistance or questions regarding the application portal, please contact Sujata Paudel at paudels@unc.edu.

Organization

The nation’s first public university is at the heart of what’s next, preparing a diverse student body to become creators, explorers, innovators and leaders in North Carolina and throughout the world. Carolina’s nationally recognized, innovative teaching, campus-wide spirit of inquiry and dedication to public service continue the legacy that began in 1795 when the University first opened its doors to students.

Here, in one of America's most beautiful college settings, we offer exceptional careers in richly diverse fields. Come explore what UNC-Chapel Hill has to offer you.

• Undergraduate Enrollment: 19,117
• Graduate/Professional Enrollment: 10,894
• Total Student Enrollment: 30,011
• Founded: 1789, as the first state university in the United States
• Type of Institution: Public, four-year
• Faculty: 3,000
• Percentage of faculty who hold Ph.D.s or the highest degrees in their field: 94 percent
• Faculty/student ratio: 1/14