Job Summary
Purdue University’s English Department seeks applications for a Clinical Assistant Professor of Creative Writing (Creative Nonfiction focus). The in-residence (West Lafayette, IN) position is a full-time academic year (August to May) position with a start date in August 2026. We are looking for a dynamic educator dedicated to teaching and mentoring undergraduate students through strengthening the study and practice of Creative Writing in the Creative Writing Program, which is part of the English Department, housed in the College of Liberal Arts, all of which foster interfacing among students, faculty, practitioners or active writers, and community partners. We are especially interested in applicants who can teach introductory poetry and who have secondary areas of expertise such as but not limited to Digital Storytelling and Gaming Narrative.
The salary is commensurate with experience, ranging from $70,000 to $75,000. Questions should be addressed to the Search Committee Chair, Professor Angelica Duran, <duran0@purdue.edu>.
Position Responsibilities
The Clinical Assistant Professor of Creative Writing (Nonfiction focus) will have four Assignments per semester that will fulfill the programmatic needs for instruction, engagement, and professional standing. These Assignments will primarily be teaching undergraduate courses, including “Introduction to Creative Writing” (the syllabus for which is divided 50% of the semester on prose, 50% on poetry) for at least the first two years of the position, Creative Nonfiction Writing, and Special Topics in the successful applicant’s areas of secondary expertise; and can include robust lab-based mentoring projects or administrative duties. Course expectations include the following:
(1) Hold all assigned classes in accord with the university academic calendar and all Purdue policies, including holding three office hours each week for undergraduates enrolled in courses taught.
(2) Develop appropriate course syllabuses for assignments and report grades to students in a timely fashion in accord with university policy, which includes knowledge of or willingness to learn the Purdue digital learning platform Brightspace.
(3) Show willingness to be flexible in course assignments and teaching times according to program needs.
(4) Abide by all course policies for any course taught as directed by the department Head for the given course, including training and meetings as required for a given course.
Education and Experience
Qualifications: An MFA or PhD in Creative Writing or a closely related discipline. Candidates should have an active publishing agenda that will support student professional development, including
(1) One Nonfiction book
(2) Another Nonfiction book or significant publications towards another Nonfiction book or its equivalent in the applicant’s area of secondary expertise.
Finalists will be asked for evidence of undergraduate teaching experience in Creative Writing or equivalent courses and evidence of teaching effectiveness, including teaching evaluations from three different courses.
Purdue University
As a top-tier public, research-intensive institution, Purdue University serves 51,000 students. Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is one hour from Indianapolis and two hours from Chicago.
Application Procedures
Candidates should submit the following application materials electronically at Purdue Careers (1) 1.5-page cover letter that describes your interest in this position. Please address your expertise in Creative Nonfiction and in teaching.
(2) CV, with doi and/or hyperlinks to publications, as applicable
(3) 15- to 30-page writing sample of Nonfiction
(4) A single file with contact information for 3 references.
Review of applications will begin on March 3, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. A background check is required for employment in this position.
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.