Location: York, United Kingdom
Salary: £39,355 to £48,149 per annum
Contract Duration: 12 months
Closing Date: Thursday, 24 April 2025 (midnight)
Interview Date: Tuesday, 13 May 2025
Reference: 051-25
Position Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term
Introduction to York St John University
York St John University (YSJ) is a dynamic, forward-thinking institution located in the heart of historic York. Over recent years, YSJ has grown rapidly, becoming one of the fastest-growing universities in the UK. With a commitment to widening access to education and fostering social change, the university is embarking on a new strategy for the next decade. This strategy places a strong emphasis on inspirational learning and impactful research, positioning YSJ as a leader in academic excellence.
As part of this exciting phase of growth, YSJ is looking for a Lecturer in Creative Writing to join the School of Humanities and contribute to the university’s commitment to high-quality teaching and research.
About the School of Humanities
The School of Humanities at YSJ is a thriving academic unit with a growing national and international research profile. Creative Writing is one of the key subjects within the school, where students benefit from a rich academic environment and personalized support. The school consistently achieves outstanding results in the National Student Survey (NSS), with 98% of students rating Academic Support positively and 90% praising the quality of Teaching.
The school offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including BA, MA, MFA, and PhD programs, all of which encourage creative exploration and intellectual development in a supportive and inclusive setting.
Role Overview: Lecturer in Creative Writing
YSJ is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Lecturer in Creative Writing to contribute to the delivery of the university’s vibrant undergraduate and postgraduate Creative Writing programs. This is a 12-month maternity cover role, providing an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team of academic professionals.
As a Lecturer, you will be responsible for:
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Teaching and Assessment: Delivering high-quality teaching through a variety of settings, including lectures, small group tutorials, and seminars. You will assess student work and provide constructive feedback to help students achieve their full potential.
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Pastoral Support: Offering academic and personal guidance to students, ensuring that they feel supported in their learning journey and personal development.
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Research and Development: Developing your own research profile in Creative Writing. While areas such as prose fiction, short fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction are central to the program, YSJ is open to new and innovative research specialisms.
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Curriculum Development: Contributing to the ongoing development of the Creative Writing curriculum to ensure it remains engaging, relevant, and forward-looking.
Key Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
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Academic Qualifications: A postgraduate qualification (MA or PhD) in Creative Writing or a closely related field.
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Teaching Experience: Proven experience in teaching Creative Writing at undergraduate level. Experience in postgraduate teaching is desirable but not essential.
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Research Track Record: While a strong research profile in Creative Writing is advantageous, applicants are also encouraged to develop their own research during their time at YSJ. A track record in securing research grants would be a plus but is not mandatory.
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Subject Expertise: A strong understanding of Creative Writing, particularly in prose fiction, short fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. Applicants with expertise in other writing genres are also encouraged to apply.
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Commitment to Student Success: A passion for teaching and a commitment to ensuring students succeed academically and personally.
Our Offer
At York St John University, we pride ourselves on providing a supportive and rewarding environment for our staff. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your work-life balance and career development:
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Salary: £39,355 to £48,149 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.
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Annual Leave: Excellent annual leave entitlement, including five discretionary closure days over the Christmas period.
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Family-Friendly Policies: Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies, including disability leave and paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists.
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Pension Scheme: Comprehensive pension benefits.
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Health Benefits: Health Cash Plan after six months of service, plus access to an Employee Assistance Programme for personal and professional support.
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Professional Development: On-campus courses, one-to-one tutorials, and online resources to help you develop your digital skills and work with new software.
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Relocation Support: Relocation expenses for eligible candidates, helping to make your transition to YSJ as smooth as possible.
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Visa Support: For international applicants, the position is eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. YSJ offers reimbursement of visa application fees and access to a Visa loan scheme for additional costs (if applicable).
Why York St John University?
Joining YSJ means becoming part of a vibrant academic community that is dedicated to both teaching and research excellence. The university is committed to promoting a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration across all aspects of university life. Our location in York, one of the UK’s most historic and beautiful cities, provides a unique and inspiring setting in which to live and work.
As a Lecturer in Creative Writing at YSJ, you will have the opportunity to teach and mentor a diverse group of students, support their academic and personal development, and contribute to the growth and success of the university’s Creative Writing programs.
Application Process
We welcome applications from individuals with a passion for Creative Writing and a desire to contribute to the academic success of our students. The application process involves submitting your details via our online portal. Please ensure you complete all required fields and answer the work-related questions in your own words.
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Closing Date: Thursday, 24 April 2025, at midnight
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Interview Date: Tuesday, 13 May 2025
Please note that CVs are not accepted in place of the application form. If you require any support or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please contact vacancies@yorksj.ac.uk.
Support and Inclusivity
At YSJ, we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process or at the interview stage, please inform us in advance. We also provide support for job share or flexible working arrangements where possible.
Further Information
For informal inquiries, please contact Prof. Vybarr Cregan-Reid at v.creganreid@yorksj.ac.uk. For more information about life at YSJ, including our culture, achievements, and employee benefits, please visit our candidate brochure.
Conclusion
York St John University is offering an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Lecturer in Creative Writing to join its growing and dynamic team. With competitive pay, a supportive academic environment, and comprehensive benefits, this role provides an ideal setting for individuals passionate about creative writing and teaching. Whether you are an experienced academic or an emerging talent, we encourage you to apply and contribute to our commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and student success.
Apply now and join a university that’s shaping the future of creative writing education in the UK!