Assistant Professor – English (Digital Narratives) at Cape Breton University

• Location: CBU
• Competition Number: 177
• Deadline: January 19, 2026 at 11:00 pm

The Department of Literature, Folklore, and the Arts in the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Cape Breton University (CBU) invites applications for a tenure-track position in English at the rank of Assistant Professor. This is a full-time position commencing July 1, 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter). Subject to budgetary approval.

One of Canada’s youngest and most ambitious universities, CBU recognizes its location on Cape Breton Island as part of Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. CBU offers a comprehensive set of liberal arts, science, and professional programs and a unique commitment to community, economic development, aboriginal learning, and research into many aspects of environment and culture. Currently home to approximately 5000 students, CBU’s vision of higher education allows students to pursue diverse fields of study in programs with national reputations in final year student satisfaction, faculty-student interaction, and employability.

CBU delivers an authentic multicultural experience to all who become part of its academic community. Surrounded by pristine natural landscape, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities on Canada’s stunning east coast, CBU attracts students from more than 50 countries around the world. Our faculty bring passion to their teaching and research and we are known for our friendly and inclusive culture. Strong community involvement and a spirit of entrepreneurship enhance CBU’s position in post-secondary education.

We are looking for a candidate who can: introduce digital literacies to students in English and across the university; create courses that connect literary approaches to studies of media; and provide additional teaching at the first-year level, and in one area of specialization (Long Eighteenth Century; or American).

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to providing students with an exceptional first-year English experience. The successful candidate will regularly teach two courses at the 1000-level, with a standard course loading of 2-3.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate potential and commitment with regard to teaching, research/creative/scholarly activities, and service to Cape Breton University, community and profession. The successful candidate is expected to undertake appropriate service activities within the university community.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a PhD in English (exceptional candidates who are very near completion of their doctorate may be considered).
• Teaching experience with digital narratives.
• Experience in teaching undergraduate students, with particular emphasis on the first-year experience
• Demonstrated research in the area of digital narratives (storytelling meditated though technology, examining digital objects as ‘texts’)
• Demonstrated research and teaching experience (or teaching potential) in the area of Secondary expertise (i.e., either the Long Eighteenth Century, or American literature).

Applications for the successful candidate will include a:

• cover letter describing the expertise of the applicant
• statement of teaching philosophy
• evidence of effective teaching
• statement of research accomplishments and research program plans
• statement of how they incorporate equity, diversity and inclusiveness in their work and services
• complete CV including a list of publications
• list of at least three references. (Short-listed candidates will be required to submit three reference letters.)

Please upload all required documents to Additional Documents if no designated area is listed. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

The union affiliation of this position is with the Cape Breton University Faculty Association.

Applications must be received by January 19, 2026

Cape Breton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply but applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

CBU is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and applicants are encouraged to self-identity if they are part of a marginalised community, or have experience working with Indigenous communities.

If we contact you for an interview and you are a person with a disability who requires technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance.

Cape Breton University

Human Resources Dept.

[email protected]

1250 Grand Lake Road,

Sydney, NS B1M 1A2

Unama’ki espi-kina’matno’kuom etek Mi’kma’ki, wla na no’kamanaq aq maqamikewminu mena’qiknmuetuk.

Cape Breton University is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw People.