Distinguished Professor in Creative Writing
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Department:

English and Comp Literature - 311500

Posting Open Date:

10/10/2024

Application Deadline:

12/30/2024

Open Until Filled:

No

Position Type:

Permanent Faculty

Working Title:

Distinguished Professor in Creative Writing

Appointment Type:

Tenured/Tenure Track

Vacancy ID:

FAC0005311

Full-time/Part-time:

Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week:

40

FTE:

1

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

The annual salary is commensurate with education, experience, and achievement.

Proposed Start Date:

01/01/2026

Be a Tar Heel!:

We invite applications for a Distinguished Professorship of Creative Writing with a specialization in teaching and writing fiction for the Department of English & Comparative Literature. We especially welcome candidates whose work engages a wide aesthetic range and champions underrepresented communities, as well as an outstanding record of teaching/mentoring.

A potential for leadership is highly desirable, as is an eagerness to nurture the talent of young writers, as we are an undergraduate-only program, and to assist with the myriad activities of our program. We are especially interested in candidates whose work intersects with Latina/o Studies or Asian American Studies, and/or Digital Humanities/Game Studies, but this is not a requirement for applying. Administrative and leadership experience is desirable.

UNC strives to create an environment where all members of the community feel welcome, valued, and can thrive; the ideal candidate will share in this commitment. Accordingly, applicants should describe in their Cover Letter the specific ways in which their scholarship, teaching, and service goals can support this vision. Candidates should be prepared to teach a 2/2 load of undergraduate Fiction courses at the introductory, intermediate, advanced, and senior honors level, as well as potential fiction electives.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

Department of English and Comparative Literature (ECL), boasts a 225-year history of its own. Current course offerings present diverse approaches to the study, production, and appreciation of literary and nonliterary texts. We pursue a four-fold mission to 1) explore the history and significance of American, British, and world literature; 2) promote interdisciplinary connections and incorporate the study of culture, theory, and history into our research and courses; 3) offer training in rigorous thinking, precise analysis, and critical reading; and 4) foster practical skills in rhetoric, composition, and expression in essays, creative pieces, even emerging forms of digital media.

The ECL is home to the undergraduate and graduate programs in English and the undergraduate and graduate programs in Comparative Literature as well as various certificate programs. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the flagship institution of a strong state university system comprising 17 campuses across North Carolina. Chapel Hill is an exuberant college town near the Research Triangle economic hub and 20 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Neighbor institutions within 25 miles include Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, and Meredith College.

Position Summary:

The purpose of the Distinguished Professorship of Creative Writing with a specialization in teaching and writing fiction position is to teach a 2/2 load of undergraduate Fiction courses at the introductory, intermediate, advanced, and senior honors level, as well as potential fiction electives. The position is for a faculty whose work engages a wide aesthetic range and champions under-represented communities. As a Distinguished Professorship, the position plays a leadership role in nurturing the talent of young writers and assists with the myriad activities of the department and program.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

An MFA (or PhD) in Creative Writing or a related field, plus a minimum of 3 years of experience teaching Fiction at the university level, are required. Applicants should also have published at least 3 critically acclaimed books, primarily fiction, with a nationally recognized press.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

N/A

Special Physical/Mental Requirements:

N/A

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions:

In your application, please include:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Digital copies of published books
• Four letters of reference directly uploaded to the application portal
• Teaching statement, research statement, and service statement

If you encounter any technical issues, please contact Sujata Paudel at paudels@unc.edu

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