Assistant Professor of Literature

Date Posted: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 10/15/2026, 11:59 PM ET
Req ID: 48738
Job Category: Faculty - Tenure Stream (Continuing)
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Department of French
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Position Description

The Department of French in the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Toronto invites applications for a full-time tenure stream position in African and/or Caribbean Francophone Literature. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Requirements and Qualifications

Candidates must have earned a PhD degree in Francophone Literature or in a French-related specialization in Cultural Studies, Media Studies, Gender Studies, or Digital Humanities by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter, with a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching French language and Francophone studies courses. We seek candidates whose teaching interests complement and enhance our existing departmental strengths.

Candidates must provide evidence of research excellence, which can be demonstrated through:

• A record of publications in top-ranked and field-relevant journals or forthcoming publications that meet high international standards.
• The submitted research statement.
• Presentations at significant conferences.
• Awards and accolades.
• Strong endorsements from referees.

Evidence of excellence in teaching and a commitment to excellent pedagogical inquiry will be demonstrated through:

• Teaching accomplishments.
• A teaching dossier (including the required materials outlined below).
• Evidence of superior performance in other teaching-related activities.
• Strong letters of reference.

Other teaching-related activities can include:

• Performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor.
• Experience leading successful workshops or seminars.
• Student mentorship.
• Excellent conference presentations or posters.

Native or near native fluency in French together with a strong command of English is expected from the successful candidate.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Pursue innovative and independent research.
• Establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program.
• Undertake assigned teaching and service responsibilities.
• Collaborate with the Center for African Studies, the Center for Caribbean Studies, or the Center for Diaspora and Transnational Studies.
• Teach and supervise graduate students in the academic units involved.

Hiring Salary Range

The expected salary range is $120,000–$160,000 CAD per annum, depending on experience. Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.

About Us

The University offers the opportunity to conduct research, teach and live in one of the most diverse cities in the world. The University also offers opportunities to work in a range of collaborative programs and centers of research.

For additional information on the University of Toronto and the Department of French and its Graduate Department, please visit their respective websites.

Application Process

All application materials, including recent reference letters, must be received by October 15, 2026.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply online. Applicants must submit the following materials in French or in English:

• Cover letter.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Research statement outlining current and future research interests.
• One recent publication (of no more than 30 pages).
• Teaching dossier, including:Statement of contributions to equity and diversity (as outlined below).
  • Teaching statement.
  • Sample course syllabi of 100 or 200 level courses.
  • Teaching evaluations.
• Name and contact information of three references.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. We seek candidates who value diversity and whose teaching and service bear out our commitment to equity. Candidates are therefore also asked to submit a 1–2 page statement of contributions to equity and diversity, which might cover topics such as (but not limited to):

• Teaching that incorporates a focus on underrepresented communities.
• The development of inclusive pedagogies.
• The mentoring of students from underrepresented groups.

The University of Toronto’s recruiting tool will automatically solicit and collect letters of reference from each referee within 48 hours of an application being submitted. Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that referees submit recent letters (on letterhead, dated and signed) by the closing date. Submission guidelines and details on the automatic reference letter collection, including timelines, are available in the candidate FAQ.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Contact

For questions about this position, please contact:

Professor Emmanuel Nikiema
Email: franco.search2027@utoronto.ca

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com