English - Assistant Professor, 1-year term (American Literature)

Trent University invites applications for a limited term 1-year faculty position in American Literature in the Department of English Literature at the rank of Assistant Professor to start August 15, 2025. The Department of English Literature is seeking an outstanding teacher and promising scholar with expertise in American Literature and demonstrated capacity to teach a range of undergraduate courses in literary studies. This position is located at Trent’s Peterborough Campus and is subject to budgetary approval.

Trent University is the top-ranked primarily undergraduate university in Ontario, Canada with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research. The Department of English Literature offers research-informed, pedagogically-innovative, and community-engaged undergraduate and graduate programs in Trent’s faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The successful candidate will contribute to the Department’s areas of strength in Anglophone literary histories and/or social justice literatures. Information about the Department of English Literature is available at https://www.trentu.ca/english/

Candidates must have a Ph.D. (or be close to completion by the date of appointment) in English or a closely related discipline. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience and potential for excellence in research, teaching, and service commensurate with the Assistant Professor rank. Responsibilities will include maintaining a research project; teaching at almost all levels of our undergraduate program to majors and non-majors; and supporting the life of the department through collegial service.

This is a teaching intensive position, and responsibilities will include contributing to course delivery and curriculum development in the Department of English.  The successful candidate’s course load will likely include ENGL 1001H: Truth, Lies, and Storytelling, ENGL 2805H: How Poetry Works, ENGL-ERST 2705H: Literature and the Environment, ENGL 3301H: American Literature, ENGL 3601H: Modern Literary Theory and Criticism, ENGL 4301H: Studies in American Literature, and an additional course during the summer (topic to be determined).

Qualified candidates are invited to submit applications in PDF format by email to [email protected], specifying “American Literature” in the subject heading. Applications should include a cover letter and a curriculum vitae (including confirmation to legally work in Canada);  a research statement (approximately 1000 words); a writing sample (max. 9000 words); a teaching portfolio including a teaching philosophy statement and evidence of teaching effectiveness such as syllabi and a summary of teaching evaluations; and the names and contact information of three (3) references familiar with the candidate’s academic career who may be contacted to support the application. Applicants may also submit a self- identification form as part of their application package.

Review of applications will begin on May 31, 2025.

Trent University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Preference will be given to candidates from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous People (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, or racialized groups and LGBTQ2+ people.

Trent University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process or require an accessible version of a document/publication, please contact [email protected].

While all applicants are thanked for their interest and applications to this position, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For further information about this position, please email Joel Baetz, Chair, Department of English Literature ([email protected]).