Poet in Residence

Overview

The University of Surrey invites applications for the Surrey Poetry Fellowship and Poet in Residence. This role supports the Surrey Poetry Festival and engages with the department's research culture in contemporary and innovative literature. The postholder will build on the legacy of previous Surrey Poetry Fellows and may participate in other departmental projects.

Responsibilities

• Organise the Surrey Poetry Festival and five to six regular poetry workshops for students and other university members.
• Introduce the guest speaker at the Morag Morris Poetry Lecture and participate in related projects within the Department.
• Write poetry that engages with the department's research culture.
• Convene and teach the 1st Year Understanding Poetry module offered by the Department of Literature and Languages.
• Deliver poetry workshops on campus (five to six across both semesters) and teach the Understanding Poetry module (one to two mornings or afternoons per week in Semester Two, February to May 2026).
• Convene the module, respond to student queries in a timely fashion via email, and hold a regular online office hour for student consultations.
• Support a teaching semester of 11 weeks; total commitments include approximately 65-70 hours for Poetry Fellow work plus approximately 49 hours of module teaching across the academic year.

Qualifications

• Honours postgraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification required.
• Postgraduate qualification or teaching qualification desirable.
• Teaching experience and event management experience essential.
• Good organisational and IT skills; ability to work independently.

Remuneration and Hours

Up to £34 per hour, dependent on qualifications and experience. The role is part-time with a teaching component and on-campus delivery expectations as described above.

Application and Contact

For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the apply online button. Closing date for applications: 31 July 2026. Interviews will take place: 28 August 2026.

Benefits

• Generous pension and relocation assistance where appropriate.
• Flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties).
• Access to world-class leisure facilities on campus and various travel schemes.
• Supportive family-friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

Equal Opportunity

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment with equal opportunities for all. We value diversity and encourage applications from under-represented groups, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Up to £34 per hour dependent on qualifications and experience