How to Apply

Application Process

Please submit a cover letter, current version of curriculum vita, teaching statement, research statement, DEI Statement, and three professional references to the Interfolio link http://apply.interfolio.com/156904

The review of applications will begin on November 15, 2024 but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  

All applications must be submitted via Interfolio; applications submitted through

careers.umich.edu will not be reviewed.

Job Summary

Job Description

The English Discipline in the Department of Language, Culture, and the Arts, and the African and African American Studies program in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters (CASL) invite applications from well-qualified candidates for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Creative Writing, genre fiction, and 20-21st Century African American literature and/or literature of the African diaspora. Candidates should possess Ph.D. and/or M.F.A. in hand by August 2025. The preferred starting date is September 2025.

The position will be housed and promoted within the English Discipline (part of the Language, Culture and the Arts Department) with a portion of the appointment in the African and African American Studies Program (AAAS).The English faculty at the University of Michigan-Dearborn are innovative educators and active scholars who believe that words have power and that it is important to understand the dynamic intersection of language, literature, and society, as well as the identities and communities shaped by this intersection. African and African American studies is an interdisciplinary program focused on the study of the history and cultural legacies of Africans and African Americans, the intellectual contributions of major African and African American scholars and cultural workers, and the crucial issues confronting African and African American communities throughout the world. AAAS faculty are committed to interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship and are engaged leaders in addressing critical social issues facing the Metropolitan Detroit community or communities in the wider African diaspora. 

Teaching responsibilities (2/2 load) include online and in-person courses in Creative Writing and Advanced Exposition, 20th-21st Century African American literature or literature of the African diaspora, and introductory literature courses, for a diverse student population. The candidate will develop new courses in African American literature or literature of the African diaspora and Creative Writing. In addition, the candidate will contribute to English?s new Fiction Writing certificate by teaching and developing genre/popular fiction courses. The candidate will also contribute to the African and African American Studies (AAAS) program in an area related to the African diaspora. Service expectations will be shared in the disciplines of English and in AAAS, with additional service expectations at the department, college, and campus levels. The candidate will actively pursue a robust scholarly and creative writing publication agenda. 

Who We Are

Campus and Community Information

Campus and Community Information

The University of Michigan-Dearborn was founded in 1959 on 200 acres of the original Henry Ford Estate in Dearborn, Michigan. As one of the three campuses of the University of Michigan, we serve over 8,000 students and provide high-quality undergraduate, graduate, professional, and continuing education programs that embody the prestige of the University of Michigan name. Our mission is rooted in commitment to the well-being and diversity of Metro Detroit, fostering a caring, dynamic, intellectual, and socially welcoming environment.

We distinguish ourselves by building and nurturing intentional, mutually beneficial partnerships with local industries, governments, and community organizations. Our faculty are recognized for their excellence in scholarship and teaching and are actively engaged in professional and academic service. UM-Dearborn offers ample opportunities for creative, collaborative research, practice-based learning, and community engagement through scholarly and educational partnerships.

Faculty have the privilege to work closely with their students, 47% of whom are first-generation college students, 46% Pell grant eligible, and 31% students of color. The average class size is 25 students, and 69% of classes have fewer than 30 students. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UM-Dearborn among the best regional universities in the Midwest. In 2024, UM-Dearborn was ranked the number one regional public university in Michigan and third in the Midwest. The university is also recognized on Forbes' list of America's Top Colleges. For more information, please visit our website at www.umdearborn.edu.

Dearborn is a vibrant and diverse community, centrally located within one of America?s largest business regions. The area provides a variety of urban, suburban, and rural environments within a reasonable commute, including Detroit, its suburbs, and Ann Arbor.

Required Qualifications*

Ph.D. in English, African and African American Studies, American Studies or related field and/or M.F.A. in creative writing or related field in hand by August 2025.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. The University of Michigan-Dearborn, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University of Michigan is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Office of Institutional Equity, 4901 Evergreen Road, Suite 1020, Administrative Services Building, Dearborn, Michigan 48128-1491, (313) 593-5190. For other University of Michigan information, call 734-764-1817.