Steven Fisher Professorship in Creative Writing

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for the Steven Fisher Professorship in Creative Writing (Fiction) at University Park. This tenure-track position may be filled at Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor levels, to begin August 2027, with flexibility.

Secondary expertise in Creative Nonfiction is desirable. Responsibilities include teaching two courses per semester for undergraduates and BA/MA students, with onsite instruction required.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree in creative writing (MFA/PhD) by start date.
• Record of publications in prominent venues and at least one book in print or under contract.
• Teaching two courses per semester to undergraduates and BA/MA students, onsite and online.

Responsibilities

• Teach two courses per semester, including resident and online instruction.
• Engage in research and service as part of tenure-track duties.
• Mentoring students and contributing to department activities.

Skills

Teaching Excellence

Mentoring

Academic Publication

Grant Writing

Education

Terminal degree (MFA/PhD)

Job description

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.

Remote work policy

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.

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.)

EEO & diversity statements

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.