Qualifications
Candidates must hold an MFA or PhD in Creative Writing prior to the start date of the position and have experience in the college-level teaching of fiction. Applicants should be emerging writers (one book of fiction recently published or under contract; candidates may also have a second book under contract) who have achieved distinction in their writing and excellence in their teaching. We are particularly interested in writers with a proven interest in bringing to their teaching, mentoring, and writing critical perspectives reflecting the experiences of groups who have been historically underrepresented or marginalized in higher education.
Job Responsibilities
A typical full-time (100% effort) load for a Lecturer III in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts is three (3) courses per semester, or the equivalent in administrative and/or service duties. Each year, the Helen Zell Visiting Professor will typically be expected to teach one graduate MFA class in fiction, as determined by the MFA Director, and two undergraduate courses, as determined by the Director of Undergraduate Studies. They will also be expected to advise 2-3 MFA theses. In addition to teaching responsibilities, the Helen Zell Visiting Professor will also serve on the MFA applications committee and on occasion invite/host visiting writers for the reading series. Finally, and in accordance with the intent of our donor, the Helen Zell Visiting Professor will be expected to continue working toward completion of a new book during this appointment.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit the following to Interfolio by September 14, 2026: https://apply.interfolio.com/189204
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- A statement of current/ future writing plans
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy and experience, not to exceed 2 pages
- A short writing sample (10-20 pages)
- Names/contact information for three (3) references
In their cover letter or teaching statement, applicants are encouraged to address their ability to work effectively with a student body that is diverse across a variety of measures.
Questions or concerns may be directed to English.Recruitment.Coordinator@umich.edu.
