Assistant Professor - Tenure Track (Indigenous Literature)

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Department of English and Film Studies at the University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track appointment in Indigenous Literatures. This position centers on the critical, historical, and theoretical study of Indigenous literatures, oralities, and textual production across Turtle Island/North America, emphasizing First Nations, Métis, Inuit, or Native American literary traditions. The successful applicant will deliver undergraduate and graduate coursework focused on literary critique, scholarship, and Indigenous methodologies. This appointment is at the level of Assistant Professor with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.

About the Department

Located on the traditional territory of Treaty Six and Region 4 of the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Department of English and Film Studies has a more than 100-year history of research and teaching, and we are excited to have a new colleague join us. We offer degree programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels, with courses in English, Film Studies, Creative Writing, Research Creation, and Writing Studies. The department is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We particularly welcome applications from women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Teaching: 4 courses per year. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active program of scholarly research leading to publication and external grants, graduate supervision, and service.

• Have a PhD in English or a closely related field. ABD will be considered if there is clear indication that the PhD will be completed by July 1, 2027.
• Demonstrate a record of, or potential for, high- quality research.
• Demonstrate a record of, or potential for, strong teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Demonstrate potential for service to the department and university community.
• Have experience with diverse students and a record of welcoming a diverse student body.

Application Instructions

To have your application considered, please select the Apply Online icon below and submit the following:

• Cover Letter (2-3 pages) that addresses teaching, research, service, and demonstrated commitment to the principles of Access, Community + Belonging, otherwise known as EDI.
• CV including the names of three referees; letters of reference will only be requested for selected candidates. Referees should be prepared to send their letters by late November.
• A writing sample (15-25 MS pages, double spaced). This may be published work, work under consideration, or an excerpt from your dissertation.

A teaching dossier will only be requested of selected candidates at a later date.

To ensure full consideration, all materials should be received by November 6, 2026, when review of applications will begin. All qualified applicants are welcome to apply. Specific questions about this position can be addressed to Jill Ehnenn, Chair, Department of English and Film Studies, at [email protected] with Indigenous Lit job search as the subject line.

The successful candidate will be offered a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

Working at the University of Alberta and Living in Edmonton

Edmonton and the University of Alberta are situated on Treaty 6 territory, homeland of the Métis, and traditional meeting ground and home for many Indigenous Peoples, including Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Dene, and Nakota Sioux. Founded in 1908, the University of Alberta is one of Canada's largest and most-respected research universities. It serves over 41,000 students in more than 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate and professional programs. In 2022, the University’s Indigenous
Strategic Plan was implemented, reflecting an important step in our institution’s commitment to reconciliation in post-secondary education and research, addressing the historical legacy of the residential school system and Canada’s colonial history. The University’s principles and actions and its Access, Community, + Belonging (ACB) Strategic Plan are underpinned by respect for the dignity, rights, and full participation of all those who live, work, and learn within the university.

The Faculty of Arts is the oldest and most diverse faculty on campus and is one of the largest research and teaching centres in Western Canada.

With a metropolitan area population of approximately 1.5 million people, Edmonton has a thriving cultural scene including music, visual arts, theatre, festivals, and dining, and boasts the largest system of urban parkland in North America. It has the second largest Indigenous population and the fourth largest Black population of any Canadian city. It has a large population of people of South Asian background. The Edmonton public school system offers bilingual education for children in Hebrew, French, German, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Ukrainian, and American Sign Language. For more information about the University of Alberta and Edmonton, please visit http://www.ualberta.ca and http://www.infoedmonton.com.

The Faculty of Arts is a diverse and inclusive academic community spanning the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Through innovative research, teaching, creative expression, and strong community partnerships, the Faculty of Arts advances knowledge and drives positive societal change. It provides students with the tools to think critically, engage meaningfully, and contribute to a more just and thoughtful world.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.