FACULTY OF ARTS & HUMANITIES

Department of English and Writing Studies

Assistant Professor
Creative Writing 
 

Appointment Type and Rank: Assistant Professor (Probationary Tenure Track)

Number of Positions: 1

Posting Date: August 13, 2026

Closing Date to Apply: September 11, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2027, or as negotiated

Position Profile:  The Writing Program in the Department of English and Writing Studies invites applications for an appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor (Probationary Tenure Track). This position is expected to start July 1, 2027, and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Academic Expectations: The successful applicant is expected to have and maintain a nationally and/or internationally recognized record of achievement as a creative writer. The responsibilities for this position include the pursuit of an innovative creative practice alongside a 3/2 teaching load that includes first- and second-year introductory courses, as well as student mentorship and regular service on Writing Program and Departmental Committees.

Qualifications or Experience and Skills Required: Applicants must possess an MFA or MA in Creative Writing or a PhD (preferred) in Creative Writing, English Literature, or a closely related field by the time of appointment. The successful applicant will demonstrate and maintain a strong and active publication record, including at least one book contracted with an established press, in one or two (preferred) genres of fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction. Additionally, the successful applicant will have established a record of grant and award success and have a record of excellence in teaching and mentorship. The successful applicant will be expected regularly to supervise undergraduate Honours Theses and have the potential to supervise and examine MA Independent Research Projects and/or Theses. The Department of English and Writing Studies is committed to constructing a dynamic, supportive space that integrates principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization, and accessibility among all members. We seek candidates who share these values and who demonstrate throughout the application materials their commitment and efforts to advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate potential for meaningful engagement with, and be inclusive of, students from equity-owed communities supportive space that integrates principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization, and accessibility among all members. We seek candidates who share these values and who demonstrate throughout the application materials their commitment and efforts to advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate potential for meaningful engagement with, and be inclusive of, students from equity-owed communities

The successful applicant will further be expected to contribute to the development of curriculum, especially in the applicant’s area of focus, and to support the life of the Program, Department, and University through collegial service. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, as well as strong evidence of leadership potential, are required. The successful candidate will show evidence of having strong connections to creative writing communities, be keen to engage in the workings of the Program and the Department, and be accessible to colleagues and students. The Department of English and Writing Studies is committed to constructing a dynamic, supportive space that integrates principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization, and accessibility among all members. The successful candidate will demonstrate potential for meaningful engagement with, and be inclusive of, students from equity-owed communities.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be committed to a physical presence at Western University. 

Compensation Details: $110,000 - $125,000. Salary to be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Affirmation Policy Statement

Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in its hiring processes. This is to safeguard against the use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in circumstances in which a candidate has made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership. Candidates who are invited for an interview or who are short-listed, and who have made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership for material advantage at Western, including where required or preferred for the position, will be asked to have their declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/. The policy can be viewed at: POLICY 1.58 - Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University.

Department/School: Western’s Writing Program, in the Department of English and Writing Studies, is a small but vibrant program, with 8.5 full-time faculty covering a wide range of courses from Creative Writing and Professional Communication. Serving a diverse student body, our curriculum includes a field-bridging Honours Specialization in Creative Writing and English Literature, a Major and a Minor in Creative Writing, a Minor in Writing, and Certificates in Writing and Professional Communication. We have one of the oldest Writer in Residence programs in Canada as well as the unique Student Writer in Residence program. We also host a Chair in Creativity, which has brought writers such as Ivan Coyote and Sheila Heti to Western. For more information about the program, please visit: https://www.uwo.ca/writing/index.html.

Western University: With annual research funding exceeding $220 million, and an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities, and one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses.

The City: The university campus is in London Ontario, a city with a population of approximately 450,000, located midway between Toronto and Detroit. With an extensive park system, river valleys, tree-lined streets, and bicycle paths, London is known as the “Forest City.” London has a reasonable cost-of-living and hosts an international airport, galleries, theatre, music, sporting events, and excellent restaurants.

To Apply:

Applicants are invited to submit a complete application package, as a single PDF, containing the following:

• Application for Full-Time Faculty Position Form, found here: 

  https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/pdf/full-time-application-form.pdf

• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching philosophy (no more than two pages); short-listed candidates will be asked to provide a complete teaching dossier
• EDID statement (no more than one page)
• Sample of creative writing of no more than 20 pages covering one or more genres
• Three letters of reference sent directly from referees 

Applications and inquiries about the position should be sent via email to the attention of: 

Professor Madeline Bassnett

Director of Writing Studies

Department of English and Writing Studies

Western University

writing-recruitment@uwo.ca

This position is an existing vacancy.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communications skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. 

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Mirela Parau at mparau2@uwo.ca.

Posting Number:   ARTS-EnglishWriting-2026-062