Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Professional and Technical Writing

George Mason University; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University in Fairfax, VA invites applications for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Professional and Technical Writing. The position focuses on critical AI literacies, designing and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, advising students, and collaborating across the university on AI policy and curriculum.

The 2:2 teaching load includes upper-division technical writing and graduate courses in rhetoric and technical communication, with opportunities to shape AI-related

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in professional writing, rhetoric, technical communication, or a related field.
• Research and teaching focus on critical AI literacies and technical communication, workplace studies, and/or rhetorical theory.

Responsibilities

• Maintains an active research agenda and publication record at a rate appropriate for eventual tenure and promotion at an R1 university.
• Teaches courses in the English Department; mentors and supervises undergraduate and graduate student researchers.
• Provides service to the English department, college, and university by participation on faculty committees.

Skills

Critical AI literacies

Technical communication

Rhetorical theory

Workplace studies

Education

Ph.D. in professional writing, rhetoric, technical communication, or a related field

Job description

Department: Col of Humanities and Soc Science

Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty

Job Category: Instructional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visasponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education andexperience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department

The Department of English offers an undergraduate minor andconcentration in Writing and Rhetoric, along with an M.A.concentration in Professional and Technical Writing, and a Ph.D.program in Writing and Rhetoric. For more information about thedepartment, visit http://english.gmu.edu/ ; for detailson programs in Writing and Rhetoric, see http://writingandrhetoric.gmu.edu/.

About the Position

The Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Professional and TechnicalWriting will bolster the university's national profile in researcharound professional and technical writing, engaging key issues inthe field with a focus on critical AI literacies. The facultymember will design and teach courses at the undergraduate andgraduate levels, consult with the Department about effective andethical engagement of AI, advise graduate and undergraduatestudents doing projects on AI from a humanistic perspective; andbring a humanities centered perspective to collaborations acrossthe university on programming, coursework, and research in AI. Thisposition would also allow for the development of AI-relatedpolicies, research, and curricular initiatives in CHSS and theuniversity.

The 2:2 course load includes undergraduate teaching opportunitiesin upper-division technical writing and graduate courses inrhetoric and technical communication at both the MA and PhDlevels.

Responsibilities

Research

• Maintains an active research agenda and publication record at arate appropriate for eventual tenure and promotion at an R1university.

Teaching

• Teaches courses in the English Department; mentors andsupervises undergraduate and graduate student researchers.

Service

• Provides service to the English department, college, anduniversity by participation on faculty committees.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in professional writing, rhetoric, technicalcommunication, or a related field; and
• Research and teaching focus on critical AI literacies andtechnical communication, workplace studies, and/or rhetoricaltheory.

Preferred Qualifications

• Teaching experience or coursework in: research methods,document design, technical communication, editing, visual rhetoric,or usability;
• Experience with a range of methods and methodologies intechnical writing research, including qualitative, quantitative,and mixed methods;
• Experience advising at the undergraduate, MA, and/or PhDlevels;
• Prior workplace experience in professional and technicalwriting;
• Active research program in professional and technical writing,engaging key issues in the field with focus on critical AIliteracies; and
• Field- and industry-specific knowledge about how to makeconnections to and prepare students for careers in professional andtechnical writing.

Posting Open Date

August 14, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by

October 15, 2026

Posting Close Date

August 14, 2027

Open Until Filled

Yes

Mason Ad Statement

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 researchuniversity committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperousworld. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largestand most diverse public research university in Virginia, offeringdegree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level,along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment forstudents, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. Webelieve in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancingour mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; andwe believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity oforigin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative actionemployer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in itscommunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration foremployment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability orveteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available athttp://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/