"Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) - English (26-27)"

Job Details

The English Department at DePaul University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position in Creative Writing with a specialization in speculative fiction at the rank of Assistant Professor. We particularly welcome applications from writers who can teach publishing courses and who are interested in working with publishing ventures within the department, especially our socially conscious, Chicago-based publishing initiative, Big Shoulders Books. DePaul's nationally recognized creative-writing program specializes in hands-on training in book, magazine, and web publishing; in addition to Big Shoulders Books, the English Department is home to Poetry East, Slag Glass City, Crook & Folly and DePaul’s Blue Book. In addition to a BA in English with a concentration in creative writing, the department offers both an MFA and an MA in Writing and Publishing. Initial appointment to this position will begin in Fall 2026.

The successful candidate will teach the standard teaching load (6 courses per year on the quarter system, usually 2/2/2) in Creative Writing with a specialization in speculative fiction, including science fiction, fantasy, and/or horror. In addition, the ability to teach in one or more of the following areas would be desirable: publishing, poetry, nonfiction, and/or hybrid forms.

The successful candidate will also be expected to direct 1-3 student MFA theses a year and contribute to the department’s offerings in introductory literature and creative writing courses in DePaul University’s Liberal Studies Program. The successful candidate will also be expected to engage in sustained scholarly 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 of Arts and Social Sciences actively support new faculty with mentoring and professional development opportunities, including paid pre-tenure leave for those on the standard six-year tenure track, startup support, and internal grants for conference travel and research.

Qualifications

Among the qualifications required for appointment is the PhD or MFA degree (in hand or expected by first quarter 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 both undergraduate and graduate teaching.

Application Instructions

A complete application will be comprised of: 1) A cover letter describing your teaching, creative work, mentorship, and service, detailing how you would contribute departmentally and institutionally; 2) A Curriculum Vitae; 3) Letters of Reference from three recommenders. *By providing three letters of reference, you agree that we may contact your letter writers through our applicant tracking system.

Review of applications will begin on November 30, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Completed applications received by the 11/30/25 deadline will be guaranteed full consideration.

Questions about the position can be addressed to: MHARVEY7@depaul.edu or Prof. Miles Harvey, Chair of the Department of English, at 773-325-1778.

General Compensation/Benefits Statement

DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information. The salary range for this 10-month position is $68,500 - $72,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience

DePaul University offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, and tuition benefit. Further information regarding benefits can be found here: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/Pages/default.aspx.

About DePaul University's Academic Calendar

Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity employer with a strong commitment to hiring for our mission and diversifying our faculty and staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion (except where religion is a bona fide occupational qualification for the job), national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by law.

DePaul University and Our Mission

As an innovative Catholic, Vincentian university anchored in the global city of Chicago, DePaul supports the integral human development of its students. The university does so through its commitment to outstanding teaching, academic excellence, real-world experience, and community engagement. DePaul prepares its graduates to be successful in their chosen fields and agents of transformation throughout their lives.

Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul passionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. Through education, creative endeavors, and research, the university addresses the great questions of our day, promoting peaceful, just, and equitable solutions to social and environmental challenges. Since its founding in 1898, DePaul University has remained dedicated to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities.

Comprised of ten colleges and schools, offering 130+ undergraduate majors and 170+ graduate programs, DePaul’s faculty challenges its students to analyze and solve real-world problems with rigor and innovation.

As an urban faith-based institution with a diverse student body, DePaul is committed to growing and maintaining a faculty dedicated to advancing the Vincentian mission through research, teaching, and service. DePaul upholds a fair and equitable recruitment, interview, and hiring process where supporting diverse populations and academic excellence are compatible goals. Our vibrant and diverse faculty is supported through academic and professional development resources. Successful candidates thrive and are at home in an environment where diverse cultures and identities, ideas, backgrounds, and experiences are welcomed and supported.