"Postdoctoral Fellow, Creative Writing"

•  494378
•  Cairns
•  Other
•  Townsville
•  Research
•  Full time
•  Closing on: Feb 1 2026

College of Arts, Society and Education | James Cook University

• Fixed term to December 2029
• Part-time (20%), increasing to 60% by 2027 
• Located at either the Cairns Nguma-bada campus or Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus in Tropical North Queensland. Remote Work may be considered.  
• ACAD Level A $80,371 - $107,395 p.a. + up to 17% employer superannuation contributions 

About the position 

The Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing is hiring a postdoctoral fellow in creative writing beginning in February 2026 for a four-year term. Designed to explore the interventions of writing and literature in areas of research strength at JCU—the environment, mental health, and human rights (including but not limited to Indigeneity), this position supports the development of a proposed new masters in creative writing aligned with these themes.

The role is a practice-led creative writing appointment that models the connection between writing, research, pedagogy, and engagement, and contributes to the development and delivery of a creative writing degree with aligned research outputs.

What you can bring to the role 

• Completion of a PhD in an appropriate area of creative writing or literary studies (in relation to at least two of the following areas: environmental writing, mental health themes, human rights and/or Indigeneity, Australian literature).
• A track record of publication.
• Some experience in successful grant writing.
• Some experience in presenting, publishing, or developing practice-based or reflexive practice research related to creative writing pedagogies.
• A capacity to work and publish independently as well as collaboratively.
• A capacity to build, foster, and participate in collegial research networks.
• A capacity to work with teams of interdisciplinary scholars, including but not limited to research scientists, literary scholars, and creative writers.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Why JCU? 

JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Employee wellbeing is at the core of our values, and we support our people through the provision of flexible working conditions and many other benefits including;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave and 15 days of paid sick/personal/carers leave per year (pro-rata for part-time)
• Cultural leave and Flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development support
• Well-equipped campus facilities including medical, cafes and sporting fitness.

What matters to us at JCU? 

Our People – Our staff, students, and the communities we serve

Our Education – Knowledge has the power to change lives

Our Place – the Tropics and beyond

Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

How to Apply

If you are excited by the opportunity to teach and conduct research that makes a real difference for biodiversity in a rapidly changing world, we would love to hear from you.

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form.
2. Upload your current resume.
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role. 
4. Upload a separate document in response to the selection criteria as found in the duty descriptor. 

Applications close on Sunday 1 February 2026 at 11:55 PM AEST.

For enquiries, please contact the Head, Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing, victoria.kuttainen@jcu.edu.au . 

James Cook University is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.