ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR TIER 2 CRC IN TRANSLATION AND CREATIVE WRITING STUDIES

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ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR TIER 2 CANADA RESEARCH CHAIR (CRC) IN TRANSLATION AND CREATIVE WRITING STUDIES

Date posted: September 24, 2025

Simon Fraser University (SFU), Canada’s engaged university, sits at the intersection of innovative education, cutting-edge research, and community outreach. Designated Canada’s top comprehensive university in the 2025 Maclean’s University Rankings, SFU has ten Faculties and 37,000 students. SFU is one of Canada’s fastestgrowing research universities, with a 35% increase in sponsored research income over the past 10 years, reaching $158.7 million in 2024.

The Department of World Languages and Literatures and the Department of English in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences invites applications for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Translation and Creative Writing at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. This position has an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027 and is contingent upon the applicant being awarded a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair.

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
With three campuses located in beautiful British Columbia’s largest municipalities—Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey—our students, faculty and staff are privileged to live, work, and play on the traditional unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy ̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵw x̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ ilw̓ ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q ̓ íc̓ əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ ̓ əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen Peoples. SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University.

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) is one of the founding faculties at SFU and a leader in education and research. Consisting of 30 departments and programs, the Faculty is currently the largest and the most diverse at the university. The faculty includes 15 research centres, 12 members of the Royal Society, 10 Distinguished Professors, 2 Burnaby Mountain Chairs, 7 Canada Research Chairs (CRCs), a Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC), and 14 endowed chairs/professorships. FASS prioritizes innovation, interdisciplinarity and equity in its five-year Strategic Plan. Three priority areas include enhancing research activity and reputation, building vibrant and inclusive research communities, and integrating teaching and research. Across all three areas, FASS is committed to advancing reconciliation, EDI, and global engagement (FASS Strategic Academic Plan 2025-2030).

The Department of World Languages and Literatures (WLL) adopts an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to the study of world languages and literatures that emphasizes collaboration across linguistic and disciplinary lines. Featuring a tight-knit team of colleagues engaged in innovative research and teaching in languages and literatures across cultures, WLL promotes a dynamic and innovative approach to language and literary study that reflects and supports our diverse society. The candidate will join a group of colleagues specializing in the teaching of ten different languages, and a growing cohort of world literature scholars working in multiple literary traditions, who work collaboratively to offer a Major, Minor, and Honours in World Literatures, as well as a Minor in Italian and Certificates in Chinese, German, Japanese, and Spanish. The only undergraduate department of its kind in British Columbia, WLL offers student-focused programs that focus on providing students with the tools necessary to negotiate the global literary landscape and their own position in it: critical thinking and writing, self-reflexivity, linguistic training, practical research skills, and an awareness of the centrality of translation to all human interaction, whether literary or otherwise. WLL is committed to fostering a practical and creative learning environment and actively centers linguistic and cultural diversity in our scholarship, teaching, and service practice.

The Department of English (English)
In the English Department, the candidate will join colleagues committed to a vibrant culture of research and teaching. The English Department has 24 accomplished faculty, over 500 undergraduate majors and minors, and over 50 M.A. and Ph.D. students working in all areas of English studies, with notable strengths in contemporary Canadian, Indigenous, and diasporic literatures; environmental humanities; print culture; the Digital Humanities; and creative writing, for which the Department offers a Minor Degree, as well as a Research Creation stream in the Graduate Program. We offer classes on three campuses in the metropolitan Vancouver area, joint majors, and opportunities for cooperative education. BC’s lower mainland, including the city of Vancouver, is globally renowned for its cosmopolitanism and livability.

THE POSITION
The Department of World Languages and Literatures in conjunction with The Department of English at Simon Fraser University invites applications for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Translation and Creative Writing Studies with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. This is a full-time tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor level. This opportunity is only open to candidates external to SFU.

The applicant’s research area should primarily align with the mandate of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) as outlined in the Guidelines for Selecting the Appropriate Federal Granting Agency. (https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_FEE7261A). who are more than 10 years from their highest degree with career breaks, including parental leave, extended sick leave, clinical training, etc., may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 CRC assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process; please see the CRC website for eligibility details. (http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx#s2)

This is a joint position in WLL and English. The successful applicant will conduct research at the intersection of literary studies, translation, and creative writing, in areas that may include translation theory and practice, creative writing studies, transnational literature, etc. Additionally, this role will significantly contribute to the teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, postgraduate student supervision, and other important aspects of the Departments’ activities as well as the wider academic community. The successful applicant will enhance the Departments’ respective strengths in translation and creative writing studies, fostering shared interests and a meaningful, collaborative relationship between the two Departments.

The CRC program consists of a two-stage nomination process:
1. Internal selection: Interested applicants submit an application to this CRC job advertisement
2. Institutional nomination: The successful applicant will prepare the required documents, including a proposed research program, to be nominated by SFU to the CRC program and undergo peer review.

THE CANDIDATE
We seek a scholar who engages with research in the fields of literary studies, translation studies and creative writing, and integrates these fields through an interdisciplinary lens. The ideal candidate must understand literary translation and creative writing as dynamically linked fields: translation is an art form, and the practitioners of translation often are themselves practicing creative writers. The practice of writing frequently thrives on difference; translation brings different literary traditions, languages, and cultures into contact, energizing creative practice. The candidate will be versed in literary translation and/or translation studies, which inquire into the philosophy, practice, and methods of translation as well as the intertwined meanings, histories, as well as complexities of linguistic and cultural intersections the practice implies and engenders.

Qualifications

Successful candidates should have:

● a Ph.D. within 10 years* in comparative literature, translation studies, Indigenous studies, literature studies in English and other languages, anthropology, or a related field (Candidates with a Ph.D. in a creative field are expected to have a research portfolio including peer-reviewed academic publications in a related field.).
*This is typically based on the nominee’s first highest degree. Nominees who are more than 10 years from their first highest degree may still be eligible if they have experienced career interruptions. This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
● demonstrated proficiency in one or more languages other than English in their scholarly and/or creative writing work (the committee would welcome a demonstration of the candidate’s interlingual practice).
● demonstrated record of high-quality research commensurate with rank (which includes literary translations), shared through a wide range of outlets influential in the field (e.g. scholarly journals; community-based projects; forms of community engagement, such as research centers; partnership with local nations and communities, etc.).
● a strong research program and projects for future publications.
● demonstrated record of obtaining grants for scholarly, creative and literary projects.
● demonstrated record of creating a learning environment that supports diverse populations and perspectives, and a commitment to creating inclusive learning experiences through non-discriminatory approaches to teaching, curriculum and assessment.
● experience in developing and implementing curriculum.
● demonstrated ability and commitment to mentoring, including marginalized students; and potential to attract, develop and retain trainees, students and future researchers.
● demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively across disciplines and units.
● experience in supporting and advancing inclusivity on campus; appreciative of and responsive to diverse perspectives.

Duties
The successful applicant will be expected to engage in innovative research at the intersection of literary studies, translation theory and practice, and creative writing studies. The successful candidate will teach in both the Departments of World Languages and Literatures and English at the undergraduate and graduate level in areas such as: literary studies, translation theory and practice, and/or creative writing studies, and related fields. As a CRC Tier 2 holder, the Chair will be expected to train and supervise graduate students, as well as mentor junior faculty members. The candidate will build relationships with external community partners, and assume a leadership role that bridges research strengths, and knowledge mobilization. Finally, it is expected that the successful candidate will contribute to the Department, Faculty, University, and the academic community by participating in collegial governance.

This Chair will advance the priorities of both departments by leading research and curricular projects in translation, world literatures and creative writing. Promoting these goals within and across departments will address SFU’s strategic priority areas of “supporting health and wellness of individuals, populations and communities” (Strategic area #2) by enhancing “mutual, respectful and empathetic processes of knowledge production.” The Chair’s interdisciplinary focus on the creative processes of international contact and transfer of literary texts and ideas will, furthermore, contribute to enhancing “democracy, justice, equity and social responsibilities” (Strategic area #4) by fostering “dialogue and relationship building” within and beyond our departments, the Faculty, and the university.

TO APPLY
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. To apply, applicants should provide:

● A cover letter that addresses the full scope of the job requirements
● An up-to-date, full curriculum vitae (include details of research and teaching, scholarly record, funding, and list of collaborations/partnerships)
● A two-page research statement and explanation of how the research aligns with both Departments’ priorities
● A two-page statement of teaching philosophy and experience, and evidence of teaching effectiveness
● A writing portfolio with one refereed published scholarly article, up to 20 pages of original creative writing, and up to 20 pages of literary translation(s)
● The names and email addresses of 5 referees, one of whom should be able to discuss teaching capabilities
● And complete the Applicant Demographic Survey administered by SFU’s CRC lead: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/UHECGrTaBK

SFU recognizes that alternative career paths and/or career interruptions (e.g. parental leave, leave due to illness) can impact research achievements and commits to ensuring that leaves are taken into careful consideration. Candidates are encouraged to highlight in their application how alternative paths and/or interruptions have had an impact on their career. SFU also recognizes the value of mentoring and research training, outreach, professional service, and nontraditional areas of research and/or research outputs; demonstrated experience in increasing diversity in the previous institutional environment, and in curriculum, is also an asset.

All applications should be submitted to:

Dr. Jia Fei
Department of World Languages and Literatures
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC, Canada, V5A 1S6
Email: wll_admin@sfu.ca

Applications received by October 31st, 2025 will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered until the position is filled. We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible; if you require accommodations, please contact edi@sfu.ca. Any general inquiries regarding this posting may be directed to Dr. Jia Fei, Chair of Search committee, Acting Chair/Senior Lecturer, at wll_chair@sfu.ca

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Faculty position is contingent upon the nominee being awarded a Tier 2 CRC through the program’s peer review process. The position is also subject to the availability of funding and to final approval by the University Board of Governors and the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS). The Tier 2 CRC is tenable for five years and may be renewed once, subject to the Chairholder demonstrating that they have achieved their objectives in their first term. The full program requirements for nominating and renewing a chair can be found on the program’s website. (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx)

CRC Program Equity Targets: The program established equity targets based on Canada’s 2016 census as a tool to address the underrepresentation of individuals from the four federally designated groups: women and gender minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and racialized individuals in active CRC positions. Full information on SFU’s CRC equity targets can found on SFU’s CRC public transparency and accountability webpage. ( https://www.sfu.ca/main/research/researcher-resources/fund-my-research/funding-opportunities/canada-research-chairs–crc-/equity-diversity-inclusion.html)

Indigenous Applicants: In the near future, the CRC program will require nominees who identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit), to affirm their Indigenous citizenship and/or membership at the time of nomination using the Tri-Agency Policy (https://www.canada.ca/en/research-coordinating-committee/programs/policies-directives/tri-agency-policy-indigenous-citizenship-membership-affirmation.html) and Directive (https://www.canada.ca/en/research-coordinating-committee/programs/policies-directives/directive-tri-agency-policy-indigenous-citizenship-membership-affirmation.html) on Indigenous Citizenship and Membership Affirmation. The affirmation process will be required in all cases where an individual is Indigenous from Canada (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) and not just in cases where the institution has an equity target for Indigenous Peoples. Individuals who are Indigenous from outside of Canada are encouraged to self-identify as racialized and indicate they are Indigenous as a write-in response.

Salary: Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU

Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role at the Assistant Professor rank is $104,700 – $148,322. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role at the Associate Professor rank is $130,142 – $175,584. The salary ranges for both ranks are subject to experience (dependent on years to experience as defined by Collective Agreement) and inclusive of a Market Differential. The current salary ranges are based on the 2022-25 SFU/SFA Collective Agreement.

Benefits: SFU offers several benefits and services aimed at creating a more inclusive and accessible campus community for faculty; please see the Faculty Relations, Benefits and Service page (https://www.sfu.ca/faculty-relations/benefits-services.html) for more details. If you have questions about SFU benefits, services, accommodations policies, please contact a Faculty Relations Advisor. (https://www.sfu.ca/faculty-relations/contact.html)

Accessibility: SFU is committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. For equity considerations, please contact the Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the SFU Equity Office.

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details see the full Collection Notice.

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