"Assistant Professor in Indigenous Literatures and Intercultural Understanding"

The Department of English in the Faculty of Arts invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in Indigenous Literatures and Intercultural Understanding. We welcome candidates with strengths in one or more of Creative Writing, Critical Research, and Research-Creation (as defined by SSHRC). The anticipated start date is July 1, 2026.

We seek a colleague whose research, teaching, and creative practices centre Indigenous literatures, knowledges, and cultural expressions. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching (which may include courses such as ENGL 212: Critical Writing and Indigenous Literatures; ENGL 251 Literature and Society [dedicated section for the Indigenous Student Access Program]; ENGL 376: Indigenous Literatures of Turtle Island; and ENGL 493: Global Indigenous Literatures). The candidate will also supervise students; maintain an active program of research/creation; and participate in service at the departmental, faculty, and university levels. The regular workload in the research stream is 40% research, 40% teaching, and 20% administration/service.

The Department of English and the Faculty of Arts are firmly committed to ii' taa'poh'to'p, the University's Indigenous Strategy, with its recommendations and foundational concepts relating to ways of knowing, doing, connecting, and being; ethical space; transformation and renewal. This position is a grounded expression of that commitment and aligns also with the Faculty of Arts' priorities of Connection, Community and Culture, and Justice, Equity, and Transformation. The Department of English is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and to advancing intercultural dialogue. By supporting Indigenous literary works and creative practice, we aim to contribute to decolonial justice and to advance the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Qualifications:

• PhD preferred in English or a closely related field with a focus on Indigenous Literatures and Cultures
• Evidence of excellence (or clear potential) in research-creation, creative practice, and/or critical scholarship commensurate with career stage. Outputs may include research-creation works (integrated creative and scholarly forms), creative publications (e.g. poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, performances, digital storytelling), and/or critical scholarship (e.g. peer-reviewed articles, monographs, edited volumes)
• Demonstrated commitment to Indigenous and intercultural pedagogies with a strong record of teaching effectiveness commensurate with career stage
• Evidence or strong potential for securing external research funding and building community-engaged scholarship

About the Department of English: We offer the successful candidate an opportunity to join a collegial community of researchers, instructors, and writers. We have thriving undergraduate and graduate programs as well as established and emerging strengths across Indigenous Literatures; Canadian and Global Anglophone Literatures; Black Literatures; Creative Writing; Historical and Popular Forms; and Digital, Print, and Cultural Studies.

We look forward to welcoming a new colleague whose research, teaching, and creative practices will enrich our community, contribute to the ongoing renewal of our department and discipline, and strengthen our connections to Indigenous communities. For more information about the Department of English, please visit https://arts.ucalgary.ca/english.

How to Apply: Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online via the 'Apply Now' link on our UCalgary Careers webpage: https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/16998852-assistant-professor-in-indigenous-literatures-and-intercultural-understanding.

Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments, which may require you to merge documents.

Applications must include the following:

• Cover letter detailing how you meet the requirements of the position
• Current curriculum vitae
• Teaching dossier including statement of teaching philosophy, sample syllabi, and evidence of teaching effectiveness (suggested length: 10 pages)
• A statement outlining your conscious contributions to Indigenous engagement and intentions on how to advance Indigenous engagement within a culture of diverse excellence, equity, and inclusion respectful of multiple ways of knowing, doing, connecting, and being
• Names and contact information for three referees (letters will be requested for short-listed candidates only)
• Writing sample: representative selection of your best creative and/or critical work (suggested length: 30 pages)

Materials and questions should be directed to:

Dr. Jenny McKenney, Professor (Teaching) and Head
Department of English
Faculty of Arts
englhead@ucalgary.ca

Closing Date: December 10, 2025

The selection committee will begin reviewing applications after this date and will continue until the position is filled. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.