Assistant professor of creative writing

The Creative Writing at Oberlin College invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position in the College of Arts and Sciences in Fiction. Desirable additional subspecialties include speculative fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, graphic narrative, experimental fiction, hybrid forms, and climate fiction; we would particularly welcome applications from writers who can teach novel writing. Initial appointment to this position will be for a term of four years, beginning fall semester of 2026, with an additional three years upon reappointment, and will carry the rank of Assistant Professor.

About

Founded in 1833, Oberlin is a private four-year, highly selective national liberal arts college that is also home to an outstanding Conservatory of Music. Together, the two divisions enroll approximately 2,900 students. The College views a diverse, equitable, and inclusive educational environment as contributing to the excellence of its academic program, and was the first college in the US to admit Black students and women. Among liberal arts colleges, Oberlin is a national leader in successfully placing graduates into PhD and other graduate programs, and such programs as the Fulbright.

Oberlin is situated on the outskirts of Cleveland, combining a cozy small-town atmosphere with the cultural amenities of a major city. The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cinematheque, Karamu House, several educational institutions, and scores of restaurants, bars, music venues, and theaters add to the cultural and educational opportunities of the region.

Oberlin’s Creative Writing Department is one of few freestanding undergraduate creative writing departments in the country and offers equally unusual breadth and depth in its coursework, as well as an engaging, collaborative work environment. Affiliated with the Practicing Arts, it provides a rigorous course of study with instruction, studio training, and coursework in a variety of genres. Creative Writing at Oberlin emphasizes an inclusive workshop climate where creative expression, experimentation, and collaboration thrive. In Fall 2026, Oberlin is launching a five-year, double-degree BA/BFA program in Interdisciplinary Arts, which will augment the possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration already in place.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will teach the standard teaching load (4.5 courses per year) in the general area of Fiction.

In addition to teaching general courses in fiction writing, the ability to teach in one or more of the following areas would be desirable: science fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy, climate fiction, digital storytelling, graphic narrative, experimental fiction, hybrid forms, and the novel. The incumbent will also be expected to engage in sustained scholarly creative work appropriate to the position and participate in the full range of faculty responsibilities, including academic advising, mentoring undergraduate research, departmental service, and service on committees. The Department and the College actively support new faculty with mentoring and professional development opportunities, including a paid pre-tenure leave for those on the standard six-year tenure track, startup support, and internal grants for conference travel and research.

Qualifications

Among the qualifications required for appointment is the PhD or MFA degree (in hand or expected by first semester of academic year 2026-27). Candidates must have published, or have under contract, at least one novel or collection of short stories with a nationally recognized press. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to and potential excellence in undergraduate teaching. Oberlin is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the distinctiveness and excellence of our academic community through their research, creative work, teaching, and service. The incumbent will bring understanding of or experience working with underrepresented and diverse academic populations. Oberlin recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran’s status, and/or other protected status as required by law.

Compensation

Within the range established for this position, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes an excellent benefits package.

Special Instructions to Applicants

All application materials must be submitted electronically through Oberlin College and Conservatory’s online application process at:


1) A cover letter describing your teaching, creative work, mentorship, and service, detailing how you contribute departmentally and institutionally, and how you foster an inclusive learning environment;
2) A Curriculum Vitae;
3) An unofficial graduate transcript;
4) Statement(s) on your teaching philosophy and expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion;
5) An artist’s/research statement discussing your artistic aims, work in progress, and how these intersect with teaching and student mentorship;
6) A ten-page writing sample; and
7) Letters of Reference from three recommenders.*

• By providing three letters of reference, you agree that we may contact your letter writers through our applicant tracking system.

Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Completed applications received by the 12/15/25 deadline will be guaranteed full consideration.

Questions about the position can be addressed to: [email protected] or Prof. Emily Barton, Chair of Creative Writing, at 440-775-5109.

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Curriculum Vitae

• Unofficial Transcripts

• Research Statement

• Teaching Philosophy

• Writing Sample