Teaching Assistant Professor in Creative Writing and First Year Writing/Composition (English Department)

University of Pittsburgh • Pittsburgh, PA

2h

About The Position

The University of Pittsburgh English Department seeks an Appointment Stream Teaching Assistant Professor shared between its Creative Writing and Composition Programs. The appointment is scheduled to begin August 15, 2027, and is renewable, with career advancement possible based on departmental need, funding, and performance. It is outside the tenure stream, subject to annual review, and may be bargaining unit eligible. The position requires teaching six 3-credit courses per academic year, typically divided between First Year Writing and Creative Writing, with no summer teaching. The teaching load is 3/3 plus a committee or supervisory assignment.

The department seeks a candidate with an established record of successfully teaching first-year composition and introductory and intermediate undergraduate creative writing, principally fiction and genre fiction. Experience in other genres and cross-genre teaching is welcome. Teaching assignments are expected to be split between creative writing and first-year composition. Candidates should demonstrate aptitude for service and willingness to contribute to the department’s mission.

Applicants must hold a terminal degree in Creative Writing, Composition, English, or a related field. They must have strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and be able to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in support of an inclusive community. Preferred qualifications include a strong academic teaching record and professional experience, ability to develop curriculum within broadly defined learning objectives, excellent communication and student feedback skills, and experience mentoring students.

Applications should be submitted as PDFs through Pitt Talent Center. Required materials are a 1–2 page cover letter addressed to Gayle Rogers, Chair; a current CV and list of courses taught; and a teaching portfolio containing a teaching philosophy statement, sample syllabi and assignments, peer teaching evaluations, and student surveys for at least three courses. Candidates who advance will be asked to provide three confidential recommendation letters from people familiar with their work, emailed to [email protected]. Applicant review begins December 1, 2026, and continues until the position is filled. The appointment requires administrative and budgetary approval.

Requirements

• Terminal degree in Creative Writing, Composition, English, or a related field.
• Established track record of successfully teaching first-year composition courses and introductory and intermediate undergraduate creative writing classes, principally in fiction and genre fiction.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in support of an inclusive community.
• Aptitude for service and willingness to contribute to the department’s mission.

Nice To Haves

• Experience teaching in other genres and cross-genre.
• Strong record of academic teaching and professional experience.
• Ability to develop curriculum within broadly defined learning objectives.
• Excellent communication and student feedback skills.
• Experience mentoring students.

Responsibilities

• Teach six 3-credit courses per academic year, typically split between First Year Writing and Creative Writing.
• Teach first-year composition courses and introductory and intermediate undergraduate creative writing classes, principally in fiction and genre fiction.
• Contribute to the department’s mission through service, including a committee or supervisory assignment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree