Academic Associate - Creative Writing and Literature

York St John is an ambitious, modern university at the heart of historic York. As one of the fastest growing universities in the UK over recent years, we have a new strategy for the next decade, emphasising our commitment to widening opportunity through the power of education and contributing our talents to creating a fairer world, and a more prosperous region. We are putting inspirational learning and impactful research at the heart of this strategy, recognising our academic expertise as our greatest asset.

Creative Writing and Literature sits within the School of Humanities at York St John University. Our core undergraduate programmes include BA Creative Writing and BA Literature with joint honours pairings with a range of other subjects, along with postgraduate programmes in Creative Writing, Literature, Publishing and Creative Industries.

Across our programmes we emphasise research-informed teaching, inclusive practice, and the development of employability skills through applied learning and placement opportunities.

The department has a number of dedicated research groups including the York Centre for Writing, the Hauntology and Spectrality Research Group, the Research Unit for the Study of Satire and the Interdisciplinary Witches Research Group. We also maintain active links with external partners across the creative and cultural sectors in the city and beyond, including the York Literature Festival.

We are seeking to appoint an Academic Associate in Creative Writing and Literature to start in February 2027. As an Academic Associate you will undertake a PhD within the School of Humanities whilst also being employed by the University to support teaching and assessment on our undergraduate programmes (0.5 FTE).

The Academic Associate is a fixed-term position for four years and includes a tuition fee waiver/scholarship for a full-time PhD. A condition of the post is full-time study.

Timetabled teaching duties during our two semesters will not exceed six contact hours per week on two working days, and may include delivery of seminars, workshops and tutorials. Training is provided to support Academic Associates develop their teaching-related skills and professional competencies alongside their doctoral research.

We are inviting Academic Associates to propose research in the following areas:
- Publishing cultures, literary industries and contemporary reading communities.
- Hauntology and spectrality in contemporary literature and culture.
- Satire/public engagement with satire.

Applicants may wish to contact Professor Robert Edgar, Professor of Writing and Popular Culture and School Research and Knowledge Transfer Lead ([email protected]) before applying to seek guidance in developing a 1,500-word research proposal (not including references) as part of the application.

Your research proposal will show us that you understand current thinking in your chosen topic and are equipped with the knowledge and some of the skills needed to get started on a large research project. Any appointment will be conditional upon acceptance to a PhD programme at York St John University.

Required skills and experience:
- UK undergraduate degree in Creative Writing, Literature, Publishing, English, or a related subject with first-class or upper second-class honours, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution.
- A Masters degree in Creative Writing, Literature, Publishing, or a closely related discipline is an essential requirement. Applications are welcome from candidates close to completing a Masters degree, provided that their results/final award are received before commencement of the PhD at York St John University.
- High level of proficiency in English, sufficient to undertake doctoral research, teaching and administrative activities and to communicate effectively with staff and students.

Please be aware that this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Graduate visas are also not accepted, as the role includes a mandatory study component that is not permitted under this visa route. Candidates offered the position will need to provide evidence of an alternative right to work in the UK, or a visa under another applicable immigration category.