Assistant Professor of Professional Writing

The successful candidate will join a vibrant program that offers majors in Literature, Media, and Culture; Professional Writing; and English Education. We seek a candidate who will contribute to and help shape the future of the English program’s Professional Writing major, including reviewing and revising the Professional Writing curriculum to ensure that it reflects current disciplinary practices, emerging technologies, and student interests. We especially welcome candidates interested in developing innovative and experiential learning opportunities that connect students’ work to professional contexts and community or industry partners.

We seek a teacher-scholar whose work focuses on writing and communication in professional, technical, scientific, or other applied contexts. We are particularly interested in candidates whose teaching and scholarship can connect professional writing with one or more areas of strength at UW-Platteville: the sciences, agriculture, engineering, healthcare, and related fields. Relevant areas of expertise might include, but are not limited to, technical and professional communication; science, health, environmental, or agricultural communication; digital and multimodal writing; usability and user experience; workplace writing; rhetoric of science and technology; and AI-mediated communication.

Key Job Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will:

• Teach undergraduate courses in professional and technical writing and related areas. Depending on expertise and curricular needs, courses may include Technical Writing, Writing for Science and Research, Designing for Usability, Writing, Editing, and Publishing in Multiple Media, rhetoric, and additional courses in the candidate’s area(s) of specialization.
• Collaborate with English faculty to review, revise, and strengthen the Professional Writing major, including developing new courses and curricular opportunities responsive to changes in professional communication and emerging technologies.
• Develop interdisciplinary connections with programs across the university, particularly in areas such as engineering, science, agriculture, and health-related fields.
• Create opportunities for students to apply writing, editing, research, design, and communication skills through experiential learning, which may include client-based projects, internships, publishing, community partnerships, or other forms of applied work.
• Maintain an active program of scholarship and/or creative or professional activity appropriate to the candidate’s field.
• Advise and mentor students in the Professional Writing program.
• Contribute to first-year and/or general education writing instruction as appropriate.
• Participate in department, college, university, and professional service.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition, Writing Studies, Technical and Professional Communication, English, or a closely related field earned by January 1, 2028.
• Minimum of one semester of teaching professional, technical, scientific, workplace, or other forms of applied writing and communication.
• Minimum of one semester of undergraduate teaching experience.
• Evidence of scholarly and professional activity, such as publications, presentations, or research projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

To be considered for this position, applicants must respond to all required qualifications.

Why it is great to be a Pioneer:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, offers associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degree programs in a broad spectrum of disciplines including: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; criminal justice; education; business; agriculture; and liberal arts. The Platteville campus is located in Southwest Wisconsin's largest community, which has a rich history rooted in mining —particularly lead mining —dating back to the early 19th century. The region offers excellent school systems, high-quality medical and hospital facilities, outstanding recreational opportunities, and vibrant businesses and industries. UW-Platteville serves as a cultural and educational center for the Tri-State region of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

The English program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a part of a large, vibrant humanities program, with strengths in many areas, including professional writing, creative writing, film, literature, and education. Each year, the department sponsors a World Languages Day, visiting writer and scholar events, and a launch party for the annual issue of Spirit Lake Review, a nationally published literary journal run by our undergraduate students.

Application Deadline:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by November 14, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

The following documents are required for applicant consideration:

• Letter of application addressing all required qualifications.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Contact information (name, telephone number, and email address) for three professional references .
• Pedagogy Statement that reflects the candidate’s perspective on the integration of teaching, research, and scholarly work to create transformative student learning experiences.
• Additional documents as needed.

Legal Notices and Important Information: 

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University ensures physical accessibility to work environments for persons with disabilities and will provided reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to employment. Upon request, the University will provide reasonable accommodations for religious observances and practices.

The University is committed to a program of affirmative action for women, racial minorities, persons with disabilities, disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. While the Chancellor assumes overall responsibility for the success of the program, university administrators and supervisors are responsible and accountable for implementation. Authority for monitoring the program is delegated to Human Resources.

Each individual associated with the University is called upon to pledge a new and revitalized commitment to build and maintain a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination, an environment that fosters mutual respect, recognizes the dignity and worth of all people, and promotes to the fullest, equal employment opportunity through affirmative action.

In compliance with the Clery Act of 1998, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Annual Security & Annual Fire Safety Report is available for review. Call the UW-Platteville Campus Police Office at 608.342.1584 for a paper copy of the annual report.

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.