The Kapnick Fellowship in Creative Writing at the University of Virginia is a post-MFA/PhD Research Associate position designed to bring an emerging writer to the University of Virginia, one of the top-ranked creative programs in the country, to participate in our vibrant writers’ community and teach innovative workshops to undergraduates.

The nine-month fellowship will begin in Fall 2026. This year’s fellowship is only open to writers of poetry and carries with it a salary of $47,000 plus eligibility for a full UVA benefits package, and a 2-1 teaching load of undergraduate creative writing workshops (two courses in the Fall, one course in the Spring). Two of the three courses will be a multi-genre introduction to creative writing for undergraduate students. The third course will be of the fellow’s design.

This is a residential fellowship located in Charlottesville, VA. The Kapnick Fellow will hold no other teaching, graduate study or fellowship obligations, and will participate fully in the life of the UVA Creative Writing Program community during the fellowship period. This fellowship is not renewable.

Minimum Qualifications

MFA or PhD in Creative Writing completed between January 2021 by August 1, 2026; some prior teaching experience; a record of publication, but no full-length book published or under contract is required

Preferred Qualifications

Interest in secondary areas including but not limited to creative nonfiction, speculative fiction, screenwriting, young adult, graphic novels, creative multimedia, literary translation, or courses that include multiple genres

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The anticipated salary is $47,000.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This position has a term limit of 9 months.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Applications must be received by 11:59 PM on February 27, 2026 to be considered.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0079218. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website. Complete an application with the following documents:  

• CV that highlights publications and teaching experience
• Cover letter discussing teaching experience and philosophy
• Contact information for two references, at least one of whom can speak to your abilities in the classroom
• A creative writing sample of no more than 15 pages
• A statement describing two innovative classes you would love to teach to undergraduates

Applicants who make the longlist will be asked to submit recommendation letters from their two references as soon as possible, to be received no later than March 6.

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF.   Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

For questions about the application process, please contact Melanie Sponaugle, Academic Recruiter, at unw5dq@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.