Job Summary
The Creative Writing Program in the Department of English at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in fiction writing to teach in the undergraduate creative writing program as well as in the MFA in creative writing. The anticipated start for this position is August 2027.
The MFA program in Creative Writing at CU Boulder is a three-year degree program that emphasizes literary study and innovation. Our prolific faculty value interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to writing that expand the limits of traditional practice and conventional forms. The program also offers an undergraduate major track for English majors and a minor for non-majors. Creative Writing and English are in one of CU Boulder's most historic buildings, home to the Mary Rippon Theatre, the primary outdoor venue for the annual Shakespeare Festival. Faculty and students enjoy proximity to the Denver Metro area and a rich landscape of Front Range writers, artists, and adjacent literary communities.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder is the intellectual core of the university, conducting research, scholarship, creative work, and education in more than 60 fields. Our research generates new knowledge, solving some of the world’s most critical problems. The college leads nationally in undergraduate and graduate education in the natural sciences, social sciences and arts and humanities, bringing world-class research and scholarship to our students, both in and out of the classroom. Among the most diverse and challenging programs in the country, the English Department at CU Boulder is an inclusive culture that welcomes all, and is committed to providing essential skills in language, writing, research, close reading, and critical thinking across multiple genres, applicable to a multitude of career fields, while allowing students to study what they love. Our priority is to cultivate empathetic and responsible engagement with texts, peers, and community on a variety of scales, from local to international in a changing world to solve longstanding and emerging problems.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- 2/2 teaching load (two courses per semester; two semesters per academic year) at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Working with MFA students on thesis projects.
- Normal service obligations for creative writing faculty.
- Maintain a strong record of research and creative work.
What We Can Offer
- Salary range: $85,000 - $95,000. A recruitment incentive, moving allowance, and startup funding may be available to the successful candidate within department guidelines.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.
What We Require
MFA and/or Ph.D., or equivalent terminal graduate degree, in-hand by start date of appointment.
What You Will Need
- Successful candidates will have a strong record of publication (at least two books published in fiction).
- Candidates should present a strong record of teaching.
What We Would Like You to Have
Additional qualifications include experience and interest in small press publishing, conference organizing, creative leadership, and/or community building.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
- PDF Sample of Work; a writing sample no more than 20 pages in length
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for three references who will be contacted to provide letters of recommendation immediately after you apply.
For consideration, please apply by December 9, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu
