Assistant professor of creative writing creative

The Department of English at Lehigh University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor with a specialization in Creative Nonfiction and secondary experience in another writing genre (such as fiction, poetry, screenwriting) to join a flourishing undergraduate creative writing program. The appointment will begin July 1, 2026. Candidates must have earned a terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in creative writing or a related field by the start of employment, must have established a record of publication, and must demonstrate teaching/mentoring experience in creative writing, with a focus in creative nonfiction.

The individual hired will be expected to develop and teach introductory through advanced writing courses in both creative nonfiction and another creative writing field; engage in scholarly and creative activities including panels, conferences, and readings; and participate in departmental, college, and university service. The newly hired colleague will be on a 2/2 teaching load and will assist other faculty and advise on thesis projects; help coordinate Notations, our visiting writers’ series; and assist with directing Amaranth, the undergraduate creative writing journal. They will be an active writer/scholar able to join and enhance a craft-centered approach to creative writing, will contribute to our vibrant intellectual community, and will bring a knowledge of diverse literary traditions and perspectives to the classroom. We offer a competitive salary and travel and research support.

In the English Department at Lehigh University, our classes foster a series of related activities: an exploration of how studying literature contributes to questions of social justice; an immersion in historical periods informed by strong theoretical commitments; an engagement with contemporary literature and culture; and an emphasis on theorized pedagogy, reflective practice, and the scholar-teacher model. Our faculty interact with Lehigh's varied interdisciplinary programs, including Africana Studies; Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Global Studies; Health, Medicine and Society; and Film and Documentary Studies.

Founded in 1865, Lehigh University has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research. Recognized among the nation's highly ranked research universities, Lehigh offers a rigorous academic community for over 7,500 students. Lehigh University has some 5,800 undergraduates, 1,800 graduate students, and nearly 600 full-time faculty members. Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, PA, a vibrant and historic area. Over 840,000 people live in the Lehigh Valley, which is in close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia.

Qualifications

Candidates must have earned a terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in creative writing or a related field by the start of employment, must have established a record of publication, and must demonstrate teaching/mentoring experience in creative writing, with a focus in creative nonfiction.

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin on September 15. For full consideration, applications should be received by November 1, 2025. Applicants should submit their materials at Candidates should submit the following materials:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Writing sample of no more than 25 pages
• Statement that describes past creative/scholarly contributions and future creative projects
• Teaching statement that describes instructional philosophy and courses that the candidate has taught or would want to teach or develop
• A statement on Contributions to Lehigh’s Principles of Our Equitable Community that describes how your experiences, knowledge, and skills prepare you to effectively contribute to a learning and research community that holds these principles at its core (the Lehigh ADVANCE Center’s guide for understanding and preparing such statements is available here)
• Three letters of recommendation
  
  

All materials must be received by November 1, 2025 for full consideration. Any inquiries regarding this search should be directed to Prof. Stephanie Powell Watts, Chair of the search committee, at [email protected].

Application Process This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or familial status, national origin (including shared ancestry), pregnancy or related conditions, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Lehigh University is committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse academic community and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching and/or service, to this mission. Lehigh University provides competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including domestic partner benefits, and supports faculty members’ work/life balance.