Job profile

About the role

Are you an accomplished writer and academic leader ready to inspire the next generation of creative minds? The University of Plymouth is seeking an Associate Professor in Creative Writing with a strong professional profile in long-form fiction and the expertise to lead programmes and teams in this dynamic field.

About the Role

You will:

• Teach across specialist areas of Creative Writing and contribute to the wider undergraduate and postgraduate English and Creative Writing curriculum.
• Engage with multiple literary forms at all levels of study.
• Play a key role in shaping the research culture within a high-performing REF unit ranked in the top 10% nationally for Impact.

Our School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences fosters a vibrant, multidisciplinary environment, bringing together inspiring teachers and researchers across English, Creative Writing, Law, Education, and Social Sciences.

What We’re Looking For

• Leadership: Proven Associate Professor-level leadership experience with evidence of successful goal-setting and team performance.
• Academic Excellence: A PhD (or equivalent expertise) in English and/or Creative Writing (or related subject).
• Professional Profile: A strong track record of long-form publications with markers of quality and esteem.
• Research Impact: A clear research trajectory with professorial potential.
• Teaching Expertise: Ability to teach across undergraduate and postgraduate Creative Writing, and co-supervise PhD projects.
• Digital Skills: Confidence in using emerging technologies and AI tools for creative teaching.
• Student Support: Commitment to excellent academic and pastoral care.
• Collaboration: Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively within teams and with external partners.

Additional Information

• Due to the nature of the role remote working is not available.
• An ATAS Certificate may be required prior to research activity.

For more details about the School, visit: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools

For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

For an informal discussion, please contact james.goulbourn@plymouth.ac.uk Associate Head of School, Humanities and Political Studies or via the School Office (+44) 01752 585119

Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Anticipated Interview Date:  Friday 27 February 2026

Our Offer

When joining us, you will receive:

• Generous annual leave: 35* Days Annual Leave (pro rata if part-time) plus Bank Holidays* & Closure Days*
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On-site nursery

*Pro rata if part-time/fixed term contract

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages.