"Assistant Professor of Creative Writing: Fiction"

The Creative Writing Department at Oberlin College invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position in the College of Arts and Sciences in Fiction. Desirable additional subspecialties include speculative fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, graphic narrative, experimental fiction, hybrid forms, and climate fiction; we would particularly welcome applications from writers who can teach novel writing. Initial appointment to this position will be for a term of four years, beginning fall semester of 2026, with an additional three years upon reappointment, and will carry the rank of Assistant Professor.

Oberlin’s Creative Writing Department is one of few freestanding undergraduate creative writing departments in the country and offers equally unusual breadth and depth in its coursework, as well as an engaging, collaborative work environment. Affiliated with the Practicing Arts, it provides a rigorous course of study with instruction, studio training, and coursework in a variety of genres. Creative Writing at Oberlin emphasizes an inclusive workshop climate where creative expression, experimentation, and collaboration thrive. In Fall 2026, Oberlin is launching a five-year, double-degree BA/BFA program in Interdisciplinary Arts, which will augment the possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration already in place.

The incumbent will teach the standard teaching load (4.5 courses per year) in the general area of Fiction. In addition to teaching general courses in fiction writing, the ability to teach in one or more of the following areas would be desirable: science fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy, climate fiction, digital storytelling, graphic narrative, experimental fiction, hybrid forms, and the novel. The incumbent will also be expected to engage in sustained scholarly research and/or other creative work appropriate to the position and participate in the full range of faculty responsibilities, including academic advising, mentoring undergraduate research, departmental service, and service on committees. The Department and the College actively support new faculty with mentoring and professional development opportunities, including a paid pre-tenure leave for those on the standard six-year tenure track, startup support, and internal grants for conference travel and research.

Among the qualifications required for appointment is the PhD or MFA degree (in hand or expected by first semester of academic year 2026-27). Candidates must have published, or have under contract, at least one novel or collection of short stories with a nationally recognized press. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to and potential excellence in undergraduate teaching. Oberlin is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the distinctiveness and excellence of our academic community through their research, creative work, teaching, and service. The incumbent will bring understanding of or experience working with underrepresented and diverse academic populations. Oberlin recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran’s status, and/or other protected status as required by law.

Review of applications will begin on September 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Completed applications received by the 9/15/25 deadline will be guaranteed full consideration. Questions about the position can be addressed to ebarton@oberlin.edu or Prof. Emily Barton, Chair of Creative Writing, at 440-775-5109.