Post-Doctoral Fellow (South Asian Studies)
Top Benefits
About the role
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is more than just a place to learn; it's a university powered by the people who live and work here—students, staff, and faculty alike. As one of BC’s Top Employers, we strive to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning. Join us today and transform your future!
Competition ID:
4349
Internal Closing Date:
October 29, 2025
External Closing Date:
October 29, 2025
# of Openings:
2
- Salary Information:
Casual Employee - Hourly Rate
Employment Type:
Temporary Full Time
Workplace Type:
Hybrid
Travel Frequency:
Employee Group:
Casual Employee
Days of Work (BCGEU):
Hours of Work (BCGEU):
Hours per Week (BCGEU):
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:
This role reports to Dr. Asma Sayed, Canada Research Chair in South Asian Literary and Cultural Studies.
SUMMARY:
The Canada Research Chair in South Asian Literary and Cultural Studies at KPU, located in Metro Vancouver, is looking to hire1-2 post-doctoral fellow/s for 1 year with a possibility of renewal for 1 more year.
In this role, the post-doctoral fellow works with and reports to Dr. Asma Sayed. Dr. Sayed’s team is currently working on a number of projects focused on South Asian literature and film. The post-doctoral position will involve collaboration with a research team to oversee the development of Pakistani and/or Bangladeshi and/or Sri Lankan literature and cinema portion of the project. This can involve team management, participant recruitment, researching, writing, organizing events, manuscript and conference paper writing with the supervisor, community outreach, and other knowledge sharing. The fellow will be responsible for conducting research, analyzing data, writing research papers, and contributing to grant proposals. The role involves collaborating with faculty and other researchers, participating in seminars and conferences, and mentoring students. The candidate will be mentored in publishing, while also receiving career mentoring and opportunities for independent research, teaching, and professional development. The fellow is expected to contribute to the university’s research goals and maintain the highest standards of academic excellence.
This is a full-time position (up to 35hrs/week) that will initially be set to a one-year contract with the possibility to renew the contract for one additional year. Part-time work will be considered. This is a hybrid position with some time on KPU Surrey campus required. While the start date is flexible, we hope to start this position as soon as possible.
Time allocation: 25 hours per week for work related to the project, 10 hours per week for own research.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Researching and co-writing multiple entries on Pakistani/Bangladeshi/Sri Lankan diaspora literature and/or film
- Assisting with organizing conferences, workshops, and symposiums
- Co-authoring articles and/or books with the supervisor
- Mentoring undergraduate students regarding research-related skills (writing, researching, editing, etc.)
- Maintaining regular office hours virtually
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ph.D. in English, Comparative Literature, or Cultural Studies
- Knowledge of / expertise in South Asian diaspora, South Asian literature especially with a focus on Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan; Comparative literary studies; South Asian diaspora in Canada
- Knowledge and experience with writing and publishing
- Experience working with undergraduate students
- Ability to work independently and in groups
- Ability to manage and mentor teams of students
- Strong writing and communication skills
APPLICATION:
Please include your CV and up to three publication samples with your application.
SALARY INFORMATION:
Anticipated hourly rate: $33 - $36
Total Rewards
As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!
Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.
Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.
Note to Applicants
Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.
If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
As Canada’s only polytechnic university, KPU is committed to providing learners with opportunities to develop hands-on, applied skills, in addition to traditional academics. Established in 1981, the university has five campuses across Metro Vancouver (Surrey, Richmond, Langley, Cloverdale, and Surrey Central City). KPU currently offers a range of degrees, diplomas, certificates, and citations in 120 diverse programs, many of which are unique to the university. Students graduate career-ready and prepared to make a positive impact in their community thanks to a well-rounded education, where thought meets action.
Post-Doctoral Fellow (South Asian Studies)
Top Benefits
About the role
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is more than just a place to learn; it's a university powered by the people who live and work here—students, staff, and faculty alike. As one of BC’s Top Employers, we strive to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning. Join us today and transform your future!
Competition ID:
4349
Internal Closing Date:
October 29, 2025
External Closing Date:
October 29, 2025
# of Openings:
2
- Salary Information:
Casual Employee - Hourly Rate
Employment Type:
Temporary Full Time
Workplace Type:
Hybrid
Travel Frequency:
Employee Group:
Casual Employee
Days of Work (BCGEU):
Hours of Work (BCGEU):
Hours per Week (BCGEU):
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:
This role reports to Dr. Asma Sayed, Canada Research Chair in South Asian Literary and Cultural Studies.
SUMMARY:
The Canada Research Chair in South Asian Literary and Cultural Studies at KPU, located in Metro Vancouver, is looking to hire1-2 post-doctoral fellow/s for 1 year with a possibility of renewal for 1 more year.
In this role, the post-doctoral fellow works with and reports to Dr. Asma Sayed. Dr. Sayed’s team is currently working on a number of projects focused on South Asian literature and film. The post-doctoral position will involve collaboration with a research team to oversee the development of Pakistani and/or Bangladeshi and/or Sri Lankan literature and cinema portion of the project. This can involve team management, participant recruitment, researching, writing, organizing events, manuscript and conference paper writing with the supervisor, community outreach, and other knowledge sharing. The fellow will be responsible for conducting research, analyzing data, writing research papers, and contributing to grant proposals. The role involves collaborating with faculty and other researchers, participating in seminars and conferences, and mentoring students. The candidate will be mentored in publishing, while also receiving career mentoring and opportunities for independent research, teaching, and professional development. The fellow is expected to contribute to the university’s research goals and maintain the highest standards of academic excellence.
This is a full-time position (up to 35hrs/week) that will initially be set to a one-year contract with the possibility to renew the contract for one additional year. Part-time work will be considered. This is a hybrid position with some time on KPU Surrey campus required. While the start date is flexible, we hope to start this position as soon as possible.
Time allocation: 25 hours per week for work related to the project, 10 hours per week for own research.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Researching and co-writing multiple entries on Pakistani/Bangladeshi/Sri Lankan diaspora literature and/or film
- Assisting with organizing conferences, workshops, and symposiums
- Co-authoring articles and/or books with the supervisor
- Mentoring undergraduate students regarding research-related skills (writing, researching, editing, etc.)
- Maintaining regular office hours virtually
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ph.D. in English, Comparative Literature, or Cultural Studies
- Knowledge of / expertise in South Asian diaspora, South Asian literature especially with a focus on Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan; Comparative literary studies; South Asian diaspora in Canada
- Knowledge and experience with writing and publishing
- Experience working with undergraduate students
- Ability to work independently and in groups
- Ability to manage and mentor teams of students
- Strong writing and communication skills
APPLICATION:
Please include your CV and up to three publication samples with your application.
SALARY INFORMATION:
Anticipated hourly rate: $33 - $36
Total Rewards
As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!
Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.
Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.
Note to Applicants
Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.
If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
As Canada’s only polytechnic university, KPU is committed to providing learners with opportunities to develop hands-on, applied skills, in addition to traditional academics. Established in 1981, the university has five campuses across Metro Vancouver (Surrey, Richmond, Langley, Cloverdale, and Surrey Central City). KPU currently offers a range of degrees, diplomas, certificates, and citations in 120 diverse programs, many of which are unique to the university. Students graduate career-ready and prepared to make a positive impact in their community thanks to a well-rounded education, where thought meets action.