Assistant Professor of Writing Studies and Co-Director of the Center for Writing

OVERVIEW

The English Department in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, Minnesota) seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Writing Studies and co-director of the Center for Writing to begin September 1, 2027. Candidates specializing in writing center theory and practice are encouraged to apply, especially those with subspecialties including but not limited to writing instruction that supports neurodiverse and/or multilingual learners; inclusive pedagogy; and/or writing in the context of generative AI.  Teaching responsibilities include first-year literature and writing courses in the English core curriculum; a Writing Center Theory & Practice undergraduate course for the writing center’s student consultants; a Teaching College English graduate course; and other courses in the undergraduate and MA program in English as fits the candidate’s specialties and interests.

The successful candidate will co-direct the university's Center for Writing with an English department colleague for an initial three-year term. The co-director position has a reduced teaching load of five courses (20 credits) per academic year for co-directorship responsibilities. The co-director of the Center for Writing will assume full responsibility as Director upon receiving tenure and promotion. Full responsibility as Director of the Center for writing may be assumed pre-tenure, pending approval of the Chair of the Department of English and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The Director of the Center for Writing will have a reduced course load of four courses (16 credits) and summer duties. Learn more about the Center for Writing at the following website: Center for Writing.

We value creativity, curiosity, versatility, and a teaching and research agenda that expands our existing offerings in ways that resonate with the department’s conviction that disciplinary knowledge be wielded in the pursuit of equity, action, and hope. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active scholarly agenda. In addition to teaching, and professional engagement, the faculty member is expected to engage with student academic advising and perform service to the department, university, and community.

About the Department of English

All full-time members of the English Department teach six courses per year, two-thirds of which are non-major courses in writing and literature; maintain active professional engagement as reflected in a scholarly publication record; advise undergraduate students; and contribute to service to the department, university, and/or greater community. Applicants must have a proven record of excellence in undergraduate teaching and must demonstrate a commitment to an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive learning environment. More information about the College of Arts & Sciences, the Department of English, and our English BA program can be found at the following website: Department of English.

About the University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas is a dynamic, mission-driven, urban university. Located in a residential neighborhood with easy access to two downtown metropolitan areas and Minneapolis-St. Paul international airport, we are Minnesota’s largest private university with eight schools and colleges, 150+ undergraduate majors/minors, and 55 graduate programs. Learn more about life as a faculty member at St. Thomas at the following website: Join the Faculty at the University of St. Thomas.

The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission. Learn more about the University of St. Thomas mission and convictions at the following website: Office for Mission.

Salary & Benefits

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Tuition remission benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents upon eligibility.
• A generous employer retirement contribution upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits
• Paid parental leave benefits for the birth or adoption of a child.

The salary range for this position is $65,000 - $73,000.

The University of St. Thomas has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants should have a PhD (U.S. or foreign equivalent degree) in English, Rhetoric/Composition, Writing Studies, or a closely related discipline; alternatively, ABD nearing completion will also be considered. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching and show strong potential for productive research/scholarly activities.

How to Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, all applicants must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. 

The application process consists of several required steps, completed in the order outlined below.

Step 1.

You will first be asked to create an applicant profile. As part of creating your profile, you must upload the following materials: 

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Two pieces of evidence demonstrating teaching effectiveness, which may include student reports on instruction, peer evaluations, and/or other types of teaching assessment
• A scholarly writing sample

Please upload only the documents specifically requested in the job posting at this stage. Do not upload any additional materials into other available fields. Candidates selected for further review may be contacted later to submit additional materials.

Step 2.

After submitting your applicant profile, you will be directed to the job‑specific application. During this step, you will be asked to:

• Copy and paste a job‑specific letter of application (cover letter) that addresses the following:
  • applicant’s interest in the position and engagement in the field of Writing Center Studies,
  • teaching philosophy to encourage student learning in an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive learning environment, and
  • research agenda and interests
• Complete the required EEO, Veteran, and Disability self‑identification forms 

Step 3.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references who can speak directly to your teaching experience and qualifications.

• References will not be contacted without your permission
• Candidates who advance to the finalist phase will be asked to have their three references submit letters of recommendation.

No other documents will be considered as part of the application.

Questions regarding the position should be sent to the search committee chair, Dr. Erika Scheurer at [email protected]. Application review begins October 19, 2026. To be guaranteed full consideration, completed applications should be submitted by that date. The position will remain open until filled.