Bucknell University

Position Title:

Open-Rank, Tenure Track Faculty in Creative Writing: Creative Nonfiction

Position Type:

Full time

Location:

Bucknell University

Categories:

Faculty Exempt

Job Summary:

Job Duties:

Bucknell University seeks to hire an entry-level tenure-track faculty member in English specializing in both creative writing: nonfiction, and in literary editing and publishing. The faculty member will teach nonfiction at beginning and advanced levels, as well as give undergraduates hands-on practical experience in literary editing and publishing through a new, for-credit course connected with West Branch, the Stadler Center for Poetry and Literary Arts professional, renowned, nationally distributed literary magazine.

We welcome candidates who demonstrate excellence in student-centered, reflective, and inclusive teaching practices and who display a strong commitment to collaboration and interdisciplinarity. MFA or Ph.D. and teaching experience, along with editorial and/or publishing-industry experience, and a strong record of nonfiction publication required.

TO APPLY

Please submit the following information through Bucknell’s online career site (careers.bucknell.edu):

• Cover letter
• Writing sample of up to 25 pages (can be multiple pieces)
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Teaching philosophy statement

Those that progress through the interview process will be asked to submit contact information for three references so that confidential letters of recommendation may be obtained.

Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. We expect to be conducting Zoom interviews of semifinalists beginning the week of January 20, 2026, and conducting campus interviews of finalists in early February. Applications are accepted exclusively through careers.bucknell.edu. Questions should be directed to K.A. Hays, Associate Professor and Interim Director of Creative Writing (khays@bucknell.edu).

About Bucknell

Lewisburg (pop. 5,700) is located in central Pennsylvania and features beautiful Victorian homes, the restored art deco Campus Theatre (owned by the University), a variety of restaurants, shops and boutiques, and the Barnes & Noble at Bucknell University Bookstore. It is the seat of Union County, which has about 44,000 residents.

The city of Williamsport is about a 30-minute drive from campus, and Penn State University’s main campus is about an hour away, as is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s state capital. Bucknell is within a three-hour drive of New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

The cost of living is low compared to that of major U.S. cities and suburbs. Bucknell’s surroundings yield fresh produce, cultural activities and events, and outstanding opportunities for outdoor activity on the Susquehanna River and in the nearby state parks and forests. The Lewisburg Area School District receives excellent reviews for its schools at all grade levels. Lewisburg Area High School consistently ranks among the top 50 high schools in Pennsylvania for SAT scores and statewide exams.

Bucknell is committed to supporting the teacher-scholar model of faculty development. With a student-faculty ratio of about 9:1, small class sizes are a hallmark of the Bucknell educational experience. The university sponsors a range of activities to support the development of its faculty, including a Teaching-Learning Center and generous research support and leave policies.

Benefits:

Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to):

• Flexible scheduling options determined by role;
• Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
• An outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
• Full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
• A comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
• A myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card

To learn more about Bucknell's benefits, click here! (*Eligibility criteria and waiting periods may apply.)

Inclusive Excellence:

Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. We endeavor to enhance our capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. We encourage all individuals to apply and do not discriminate in admissions, employment, educational programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

E-Verify

Bucknell University participates with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program. We will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

For additional information regarding Bucknell's E-Verify requirements, please contact the office of Talent, Culture & Human Resources (570) 577-1631 or email hr@bucknell.edu.