Assistant Professor - Game Studies

Date Posted: 09/04/2026
Closing Date: 11/02/2026, 11:59PM ET
Req ID: 48803
Job Category: Faculty - Tenure Stream (continuing)
Faculty/Division: University of Toronto Mississauga
Department: University of Toronto Mississauga: English & Drama
Campus: University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

The at the (UTM) invites applications for a full-time tenure stream position in the field of Game Studies. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1st, 2027.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (). 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 English, Media Studies, Comparative Literature, Cinema Studies, or a related area by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter, with a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching in Game Studies. We seek candidates whose research and teaching interests complement and enhance our existing .

Candidates will have a dynamic humanities-based approach to research and teaching that focuses on storytelling and world-making in digital and analog games and virtual environments. We seek applicants whose work connects the critical analysis of games with the theory and practice of game design. We welcome applicants whose work engages games from critical perspectives including narrative theory, game history, literary studies, media studies, cultural studies, critical race studies, gender and sexuality studies, disability studies, critical technology studies, or related fields. A creative practice in narrative design would also be of value.

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; and strong endorsements from referees. Candidates are also welcome to submit relevant samples of creative work.

Evidence of excellence in teaching will be demonstrated through teaching accomplishments, the teaching dossier (including the required materials outlined below), and strong letters of reference.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will be expected to pursue innovative and independent research, and to establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program. In addition, the successful candidate will be assigned a teaching and service load.

The successful candidate will hold an undergraduate appointment at UTM and will also become a full member of the graduate faculty of the , housed on the St. George campus, which consists of colleagues from the University’s three campuses (UTM, U of T Scarborough, and U of T St. George). Duties will consist of research; teaching undergraduate courses at the Mississauga campus and graduate courses at the St. George campus; the supervision of PhD dissertations; and service contributions at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The successful candidate will also be expected to play a significant role in the development and administration of our programs in future years.

HIRING SALARY RANGE

The expected salary range is $120,000 to $140,000 CAD per annum, depending on experience. Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.

ABOUT US

The successful candidate will join a vibrant intellectual community of world-class scholars at Canada’s leading university. UTM is part of the tri-campus University of Toronto, which actively encourages innovative scholarship, and offers a vibrant research community in Game Studies, a wide range of opportunities for collaborative and interdisciplinary research and teaching, and the excitement of working with a highly diverse student population. UTM is the home of the Syd Bolton Collection, one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of gaming-related research materials.

The Greater Toronto Area offers amazing cultural and demographic diversity, one of the highest standards of living in the world, and access to one of the world’s most innovative and dynamic game development industries. For further information on the UTM Department of English and Drama and on the tri-campus Graduate Program in English, see and .