Professor of Creative Writing

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of English at The Pennsylvania State University at University Park, Pennsylvania, USA, invites applications for the Steven Fisher Professorship in Creative Writing. This is a tenure-track position (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) in Creative Writing (Fiction) to begin August 2027, with flexibility. Secondary expertise in Creative Nonfiction is also desirable.

Responsibilities include teaching two courses per semester, to both undergraduates and those enrolled in the bachelor/masters (BA/MA) graduate program. The BA/MA program offers an integrated undergraduate/graduate degree in English with a creative writing concentration in poetry or prose. Students complete the program in two years—their senior undergraduate year and an additional M.A. year. Information on the BA/MA program can be found here: https://english.la.psu.edu/graduate-creative-writing/.

This position will include resident and online instruction and normal university service. Onsite teaching is an essential function of this job.

Candidates for the position must have a terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in creative writing or related field in hand by the starting date. They must also have a record of publications in prominent venues and at least one book of fiction in print or under contract.

Candidates for Professor should have an outstanding publication record, a commitment to securing external funding, and a track record of excellence in teaching and mentoring students. Duties will involve a combination of teaching, research, and service, based on the candidate’s qualifications.

Candidates for Associate Professor should have a significant publication record, a commitment to securing external funding, and a track record of excellence in teaching and mentoring students. Duties will involve a combination of teaching, research, and service, based on the candidate’s qualifications.

Candidates for Assistant Professor should have a promising publication record, a commitment to securing external funding, and a track record in teaching and mentoring students. Duties will involve a combination of teaching, research, and service, based on the candidate’s qualifications.

Interested candidates must submit an online application at Penn State’s Job Posting Board and upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae (with a list of names and contact information for three references), and a writing sample of approximately 7,500 words.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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