Assistant Professor, Creative Writing

Posting Number : 20260023FAC

Job Title :

Assistant Professor, Creative Writing

Number of Vacancies :

About Murray State :

Murray State blends educational opportunities found at research institutions with collaborative interactions among students, faculty and staff found at smaller universities. Students receive personalized attention from supportive faculty and staff as the University offers a 16 : 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Murray State University places our highest priority on student learning and excellent teaching, blending the range of educational opportunities often experienced at research institutions with the nurturing student-teacher interactions usually found at smaller universities.

Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.

About Murray State Benefits :

Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employment :

Equal Opportunity Employer / AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Type of Employment : Regular Full-Time

Work Location : Murray, KY

Employment Term : Academic Year

Position Type :

Faculty (Tenure-Track)

Department :

English and Philosophy

Anticipated Start Date :

August 2026

Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities :

The Assistant Professor will teach 12 hours per semester in creative writing and other courses, according to qualifications and departmental needs which may include composition, humanities, undergraduate literature courses, and graduate literature courses; maintain a record of publication in the field sufficient for tenure and advancement; and engage in appropriate departmental and university service, such as mentoring and advising, organizing the reading series, and participating in recruitment and retention activities.

Minimum Education Requirements :

MFA or Ph.D. in Creative Writing with an open genre (poetry preferred) with expertise in a second, related area such as YA literature, play or screenwriting, or literary publishing.

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements :

A record of publication in reputable literary venues. Evidence of teaching effectiveness.

Preferred Education and / or Experience Qualifications :

Specialization in Poetry. Publication that includes at least one book published or forthcoming from a reputable literary press, or equivalent publications in reputable literary journals.

Pay Plan : Faculty I

Posting Date : 10 / 30 / 2025

Closing Date : 11 / 30 / 2025

Open Until Filled : No

Special Instructions to Applicants :

Along with the application, the following items must be included :

• Letter of application addressing creative / scholarly work, literary interests, teaching experience, and prior university and professional service
• Curriculum Vitae
• Writing sample of 15-25 pages
• Teaching philosophy totaling no more than 2 pages
• Copies of transcripts
• Contact information for three (3) references