Two-year Limited Term Appointment as the rank of Assistant Professor in Creative Writing

Wilfrid Laurier University

The Department of English and Film Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University invites applications for a two-year Limited Term Appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in Creative Writing beginning August 1, 2025, subject to budgetary approval.

The successful candidate will have expertise and publications in Creative Writing (any genre), with minimum qualifications of an MFA (or equivalent), and preference given to candidates with a PhD in English, Literary Studies, or related discipline who can also teach an area/period in English or a first-year Introduction to Literary Studies. Teaching experience in university level creative writing and/or literature is preferred. Wilfrid Laurier University is home to the Edna Staebler Award for Creative Non-Fiction (established in 1991) and the Edna Staebler Laurier Writer-In-Residence program (established in 2008) to honour writer and literary journalist Edna Staebler. The successful candidate will play an active role in the Coordinating Committee for the Staebler awards/program and therefore experience in such roles is an asset.

We are seeking an active writer with a strong record of publications and teaching experience. The successful candidate will be expected to teach five one-term courses per year, to maintain a robust publishing agenda, and to engage in academic service. The Department currently offers a Minor and a Concentration in Creative Writing and the following courses: Intro to Creative Writing, The Creative Process, Creative Writing Short Story, Creative Writing Poetry, and Creative Writing Non-Fiction. We would also welcome other courses that complement departmental strengths. The department’s MA and PhD programs offer teaching opportunities for candidates with PhDs.

Aligned with Laurier’s Action Plan for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Indigeneity (https://www.wlu.ca/about/discover-laurier/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/index.html), the Department of English and Film Studies is strongly committed to the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in our hiring process and consideration of candidates with lived experience. We strongly encourage applications from candidates from diverse and equity-deserving groups to apply.

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading Canadian university renowned for its learning environment and student-focused educational experience. As a comprehensive university with more than 19,000 students, Laurier has grown rapidly in research intensity while at the same time preserving its well-earned reputation for undergraduate and graduate teaching and learning excellence. With a multi-campus and multi-community culture, Laurier offers students an exceptional range and depth of more than 100 academic programs taught by award-winning lecturers across nine faculties.

For more information about working at Laurier as well as the Department of English and Film Studies, applicants are encouraged to visit our web pages:

Wilfrid Laurier University (https://www.wlu.ca/)
Faculty of Arts (https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/faculty-of-arts/?ref=arts)

Qualifications:
• Required: MFA (or equivalent), or PhD in English Literature or related discipline (in hand as of August 1, 2025), specialization in Creative Writing
• Preferred: Postsecondary Teaching Experience
• Preferred: Ability to teach an area/period of literature in English
• Preferred: Experience in the coordination of writing awards and/or writer-in-residence programs

Applicants should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, sample of published writing (maximum 25 pages), and a dossier that may include summaries of course evaluations and course outlines. Applicants should also provide contact information for three referees.

When submitting application materials, please address to:

Dr. Markus Poetzsch, Chair
Department of English and Film Studies

WHERE TO SUBMIT
Electronic submission of applications must be done through the Laurier Job Portal ( https://careers.wlu.ca/job/Waterloo-Two-year-Limited-Term-Appointment-as-the-rank-of-Assistant-Professor-in-Creative-Writing-ON/1289920547/) and clicking on the APPLY NOW (top right, bottom right). Applications will be accepted until Monday June 23, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Diversity and creating a culture of inclusion is a key pillar of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Strategic Academic Plan and is one of Laurier’s core values. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from qualified members of the equity-deserving groups. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcome to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at indigenous@wlu.ca . Candidates from other equity-deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity and Accessibility at equity@wlu.ca.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, as per Canadian immigration laws, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obligated to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenships; however, all applicants must include one of the following statements in their cover letter:

Yes, I am a current citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
No, I am not a current citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

Members of designated groups must self-identify to be considered for employment equity. Candidates may self-identify, in confidence, to Dr. Sofie Lachapelle, Dean of Arts (slachapelle@wlu.ca). Further information on the equity policy can be found at https://www.wlu.ca/about/governance/assets/resources/8.4-employment-equity.html

Applicants are encouraged to address any career interruptions or special circumstances that may have affected their record of research and teaching, in accordance with SSHRC and NSERC definitions and guidelines. To obtain a copy of this job description in an accessible format, please contact Renee Ellis (reellis@wlu.ca).

The Department of English and Film Studies wishes to thank all applicants for their interest. All applications shall be reviewed and considered under a set of criteria established by the Search Committee, and a short list of candidates shall be interviewed. Only those applicants selected for the shortlist will be contacted.