"Associate Lecturer / Lecturer - Creative Writing & Publishing Studies - School of Literature, Language and Media"

Job Title

Associate Lecturer / Lecturer

Location

Johannesburg, ZA

Organization Name

Creative Writing & Publishing Studies - School of Literature, Language and Media

Department Description

The Department of Creative Writing and the Division of Publishing Studies (which is nested in the Department of African Literature) in the School of Literature, Language and Media at Wits University invite applications for a joint academic position in Creative Writing and Publishing Studies, with a focus on African language writing and publishing. This role is designed for a versatile candidate who can effectively navigate the unique challenges of a dual-position appointment, contributing to both Creative Writing and Publishing Studies. While academic experience is valued, we also welcome applications from committed early-career scholars, writers and publishing practitioners who demonstrate a strong creative and intellectual foundation, and a willingness to grow into the full scope of the role. The successful applicant will be responsible for teaching and supervising postgraduate students at the Honours, Masters, and possibly PhD levels, while also contributing to the broader intellectual and creative landscape of the university.

Brief Description

Key Responsibilities

• Teach and coordinate courses in both Creative Writing and Publishing Studies, which are exclusively postgraduate programmes (Honours and Masters levels). This includes delivering specialised Publishing Studies content in areas such as proofreading, text editing, sales and marketing, or the financial and/or legal management of authors’ intellectual property.

• Supervise students across the Honours and MA programmes, ideally in both Creative Writing and Publishing Studies, including Honours research essays and/or research reports, MA practice-led creative research, and/or research and coursework research projects, as well as the facilitation of peer-led research clusters and workshops. The ability to supervise research projects conducted in the African languages of South Africa will be regarded as a strong advantage.

• Play a leadership role in developing African language creative writing options and a research focus on independent South African publishing and publishing in African languages, demonstrating direct experience or a strong commitment to this area.

• Lead and contribute to the newly launched Honours in the field of Creative Writing, Translation and African Languages.

• Forge stronger links and collaboration between the Department of Creative Writing and the Publishing Studies Division to enhance interdisciplinary engagement and innovation.

• Contribute actively to research and creative practice through regular, quality publication, public engagement, and participation in scholarly discourse.

• Collaborate across disciplines and contribute to the broader intellectual and public life of the university through seminars, workshops, symposia, and partnerships with the literary and publishing communities.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree (MA) in Creative Writing, Publishing, Literature, African Languages, or in a related field is required. A PhD in a relevant discipline will be a strong advantage for Lecturer applicants.

Additional requirements differ by position level:

For Associate Lecturer position (3 years contract):

• Attained the degree of Masters (MA) within the last six years.
• A commitment to completing a PhD within three years of appointment.

For Lecturer position:

• A PhD is required, along with experience in university teaching.
• If the highest qualification is an MA, the applicant must demonstrate:
• Willingness to register and begin with their PhD studies on the commencement of the post.
• At least three years of substantial creative or professional experience; and/or
• A research profile with evidence of peer-reviewed publications and/or creative research; and/or
• At least three years of university teaching experience.

Desirable Qualities

• Proficiency and experience in writing and/or publishing in African languages, or a strong and demonstrable commitment to developing African language writing and publishing.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising, teaching or mentoring in a higher education or professional setting.
• A track record of collaboration with writers, editors, and publishers.
• An interdisciplinary approach to writing, publishing, and literary studies.
• A dynamic and engaged approach to both creative and academic work.
• A strong commitment to community engagement.

Detailed Description

Job Requirements

Additional Details

How to Apply

To apply, submit a letter of motivation – clearly indicating which position you are applying for – detailed CV and the names and contact details of three referees (including e-mail addresses).

Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits / Self Service application / “Apply for a job”

External applicants are invited to apply by registering a profile on the Wits i-recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting your application.

The university is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the under-represented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the university. Designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, means black people, women and people with disabilities.

Wits Employment Equity Policy: https://www.wits.ac.za/media/wits-university/footer/about-wits/transformation-office/documents/Policy%20-%20Employment%20Equity.pdf

Closing Date: 23 June 2025

NB: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please note that only applications via the website will be considered for shortlisting.

The university reserves the right to verify all information provided by candidates and to verify credit standing. Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with short-listed candidates.

The university reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.