The Professional Writing and Rhetoric (PWR) Program in the Department of English at Baylor University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. We welcome applications from candidates with specialization in technical communication, emerging technologies and AI, grant writing, nonprofit and community writing, writing across the curriculum, or cultural rhetorics.
Essential Functions
Teaching will include undergraduate rhetoric and writing courses in the Professional Writing and Rhetoric major with the possibility of teaching courses in Rhetoric and Composition in the graduate program in English Literature and courses in the First-Year Writing Program. Candidates should demonstrate a well-defined and productive research agenda, teaching excellence, and a willingness to serve the department, university, and profession. The ability to seek external funding is strongly encouraged to support research. Because Baylor is a Christian university, candidates should also demonstrate a faith commitment and an active spiritual life. The position offers generous benefits in a rapidly growing town with beautiful parks and a thriving business district.
Successful candidates are expected to establish and maintain external funding to support their program of research at a level consistent with those at peer R1 institutions. Faculty in the Department are supportive and eager to collaborate.
Candidates who are outside of the United States and do not have other nonimmigrant visa status will not be sponsored for an H-1B petition.
About the English Department and the Professional Writing and Rhetoric Program: The English Department at Baylor University is organized into three programs: Professional Writing and Rhetoric, Literature and Creative Writing, and Linguistics. Each program offers an undergraduate major, including Professional Writing and Rhetoric, English Literature, and Linguistics, as well as a minor in creative writing. The department also offers an MA and PhD in English Literature. First-Year Writing is a well-established and dynamic dimension of undergraduate education for Baylor students across the disciplines. Nearly 2,500 students per year have the opportunity to enrich their writing knowledge and abilities in English 1310: Writing and Academic Inquiry—the most widely taken writing course in Baylor’s Core Curriculum. The Professional Writing and Rhetoric Program currently has over 70 students and six full-time faculty. Faculty include Kara Poe Alexander, Michael-John DePalma, Callie Kostelich, Tori Thompson Peters, Lisa Shaver, and Lauren Short. The PWR faculty is a collaborative and supportive community, and we would love for you to join our team.
About Baylor University Baylor University is located in Waco, Texas and is the oldest college in the state. It has a diverse student population of 21,000 and is recognized as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification. Baylor is also noted on the honor roll of "Great Colleges to Work For" by ModernThink. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, allowing fauclty and staff to live in one of the fastest-growing parts of the state. As a Christian university with historic Baptist roots and as reflected in the Notice of Non-Discrimination, Baylor strives to be a place characterized by civility and respect. We believe each student, faculty, staff, and administrator is made in the image of God. Baylor's new strategic plan, Baylor in Deeds, guides the University as it continues its mission of educating men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.
Please submit the following materials through Interfolio (a) a letter of application, (b) curriculum vitae, (c) official transcript for the Ph.D. or highest degree earned, (d) a writing sample, (e) three letters of recommendation, and (f) a completed Religious Affiliation Form (RAF). The Religious Affiliation Form requests religious self-identifcation information including any past or current involvement in a faith community.
All materials must be received by 11 PM Central on 09/15/2026. Questions concerning the position should be directed to Search Committee Chair Dr. Lisa Shaver at Lisa_Shaver@baylor.edu
Baylor University, a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. Baylor complies with statutory Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity requirements. Baylor's full official Notice of Non-Discrimination may be read online.
