Assistant Professor in English

The School of Theatre, English, and Creative Writing (SOTEC) at the University of Guelph invites applications for a tenure-track position in English at the Assistant Professor level. The appointment will begin on 1 July 2026. We are seeking to fill a tenure-track position in 20th- and / or 21st- century literature and culture, and we are open to candidates with research expertise situated in or between any nationally defined area of study. Being able to teach in multiple national frames would be beneficial to our undergraduate curriculum. We would particularly welcome candidates with a capacity to teach in any of the following areas: speculative fiction, poetry, post/decolonial studies, film and related media, literature and the sciences, queer studies, Canadian studies, and/or emergent areas in literary studies. The teaching load will be 3/2, across our undergraduate and graduate programs.

The successful candidate will have a completed PhD in English or a closely related discipline. Applications from ABD candidates should include a scheduled defence date that is prior to the start date of this position. The chosen candidate will demonstrate an active research profile, a record of publication in their area of expertise, and a clear program of future research.

The successful candidate will teach large, core courses in the undergraduate English program as well as more specialized courses, both lectures and seminars, at the upper undergraduate and graduate levels. They will also sit on graduate committees and undertake graduate supervisions as they progress through the promotion and tenure process. Demonstrated teaching experience as instructor-of-record in English courses is preferred, as is experience with course creation and syllabus development.

Full-time faculty in SOTEC actively participate in departmental and school meetings, contribute to student recruitment and advising activities, and are involved in continuous engagement with curriculum development, revision and innovation.

The undergraduate English program is one of the largest Majors in the College of Arts, and is housed in the School of Theatre, English and Creative Writing (SOTEC). We have very active student organizations at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The program also supports a number of English Minors, provides core courses for the undergraduate Creative Writing program and electives to support our Theatre Studies program, is affiliated with the Culture and Technology Studies (CTS) program housed in Interdisciplinary Studies, and offers large undergraduate service courses open to students across the university community. In terms of graduate programs, the School offers an MA in English as well as a PhD in Literary Studies/Theatre Studies (LSTS). The PhD LSTS is designed to allow students to focus on English and Literary Studies and/or Theatre Studies (the paused MA in THST is currently undergoing revision and will be re-instated in Fall of 2027) and on interdisciplinary ties between the two. SOTEC is also home to an MFA in Creative Writing, which is administrated separately, and affiliated with the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation (IICSI).

The School of Theatre, English, and Creative Writing commits to centering equity and inclusion in our research, teaching, and community engagement. These efforts serve our mission as educators and work toward social justice. We strive to respect and promote diversity, inclusion, equity, and decoloniality by creating an environment that embodies these values in our recruitment, scholarship, research, education, and service. We support the College of Arts’ mission to unleash compassion, creativity, and critical engagement with the world through transformative education.

The University of Guelph resides on the traditional lands and territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and Huron Wendat. These lands are now home to a rich diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We offer our respect and gratitude to our Indigenous neighbours and affirm our responsibility to realize our commitments to reconciliation through ongoing action. We are guided in this work by Bi-Naagward | It Comes into View, the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy.

The University of Guelph is the third largest employer in Guelph, a city of over 144,000 people, located about an hour drive west of Toronto, Ontario. University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in Canada with an enrolment of more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across more than 40 academic units. The University is known for its commitment to student learning, innovative research, and collaboration with world-class partners. It is a unique place, with transformative research and teaching and a distinctive campus culture. People who learn and work here are shaped and inspired by a shared purpose: To Improve Life. Reflecting that shared purpose in every experience connected to our university positions us to create positive change, here and around the world. Our University community shares a profound sense of social responsibility, a drive for international development, and an obligation to address global issues.

Application Process

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page to be considered as an internal applicant. SuccessFactors: Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

Assessment of applications will begin on March 1 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications should be sent to the attention of Dr Sally Hickson, Director, School of Theatre, English, and Creative Writing (SOTEC). Interested applicants should create an account on https://careers.uoguelph.ca/ and apply for the advertised faculty position (Requisition ID #2101) by submitting the following materials (in an integrated Single PDF file):

(1) a cover letter including clearly articulated research profile and plan

(2) a curriculum vitae

(3) a maximum two-page statement of teaching philosophy

(4) a one-page statement about inclusionary practices relevant to teaching and research

(5) names and complete contact information for three references. Please inform your referees that they will be contacted for letters and asked to respond promptly if you are long-listed for this position.

Deadline for applications is March 1 2026.

Questions about the application process may be directed to Olga Petrik, Administrative Assistant, SOTEC at petriko@uoguelph.ca.

Date Posted: 01/26/2026
Deadline: 03/01/2026 or until a suitable candidate is found.

This position is represented by the University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA).

The University of Guelph commits to fostering inclusive excellence through promoting Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Inclusion is a core pillar of Our Time, our strategic plan, which pledges to “transform our human resources, governance and student services and practices across the University to enable us to recruit a diverse student, faculty and staff body and support them in achieving their personal, professional and scholarly goals.” The University commits to creating and maintaining “equitable work environments that empower us in our pursuit of student, faculty and staff success, research excellence, innovation and impact.”

The University of Guelph invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We strongly welcome and encourage applications from members of designated groups in employment, including Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.

The University of Guelph recognizes that career paths can be diverse and career interruptions may occur. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like considerations given to the impact of any circumstances, such as (but not limited to) those due to health and/or family reasons, that may have affected an applicant’s record of achievement. You are not required to disclose these circumstances in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these circumstances do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing medical accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing medical accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting Olga Petrik, Administrative Assistant, SOTEC at petriko@uoguelph.ca.