The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is the largest government-funded tertiary institution in Hong Kong, with a total student headcount of about 28,655, of which 15,350 are full-time students, 8,485 are part-time students, and 4,820 are mixed-mode students.  It offers programmes at Doctorate, Master's, Bachelor's degrees and Higher Diploma levels. The University has 27 academic departments and units grouped under six faculties, as well as 2 independent schools and 2 independent research institutes.  It has a full-time academic staff strength of around 1,400.  The total consolidated expenditure budget of the University is in excess of HK$4 billion per year.  

The Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies is strong in applied Chinese language studies. It offers bachelor, master, and doctoral programmes in the following areas: Translation, Interpreting, Bilingual Studies, Chinese Linguistics, Chinese Language teaching, and teaching Chinese as a second language. The Department's mission is twofold: first, to educate preferred graduates with high levels of biliterate and trilingual abilities who can apply their skills effectively in profession-based areas; and second, to conduct applied research that contributes to the study of Chinese in a bilingual context as well as bilingualism in a Chinese context, incorporating modern theoretical perspectives and new methods. The Department incorporates three additional units: a Centre for Translation Studies, a Testing Unit, and a Chinese Language Centre which provides training in Chinese language for the whole university. The Department has a total of 70 academic staff members.  Information on the Department can be obtained through its departmental homepage at http://www.cbs.polyu.edu.hk.

The Department is now inviting applications or nominations for a Chair Professor of Linguistics and Bilingual Studies.  The appointee may also be offered a concurrent appointment as Head of Department.  The position is tenable immediately.

The appointee will be required to (a) provide academic leadership for programmes related to his/her field in the Department; (b) provide leadership in promoting research collaboration and grant-seeking, improving research publication output; (c) facilitate the Department to gain and increase its visibility and international connections; (d) conduct lectures and seminars at undergraduate and graduate levels including PhD coursework; (e) engage in the supervision of research students of the Department (e.g., MPhil and PhD students); and (f) contribute to academic and departmental administration.

If also appointed as Head of Department, the appointee will be required to ensure the smooth and successful operation and sustainable development of the Department; to provide effective leadership to the Department; to inspire excellence in teaching, research and services; to foster strong academic partnerships and collaborations with external organizations in joint projects and new service initiatives for the society; and to implement an effective mechanism to acquire donations and other forms of sponsorship to support the University's pursuits and long-term development.  Head of Academic Department in the University is not a substantive rank but a secondary appointment made by the President for the University for a fixed term of office.

Applicants should have (a) academic qualifications at doctoral level in a relevant academic discipline; (b) attainment of an academic rank of full professor or above at an internationally recognized university; (c) an international reputation in scholarship and research in Linguistics and/or Bilingual Studies; (d) a strong record in attracting research funding; (e) a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching; (f) proven qualities of leadership; and (g) an excellent knowledge of Chinese and English.  Experience in fund-raising will be an additional advantage.

Remuneration

Initial appointment will be made on a fixed-term gratuity-bearing contract.  Re-engagement thereafter is subject to mutual agreement.  Remuneration package will be highly competitive. 

Application

Applicants are invited to send detailed curriculum vitae with names and addresses of two referees, the names of five publications that best reflect their research work in Linguistics and Bilingual Studies to the Human Resources Office, 13/F, Li Ka Shing Tower, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (Fax: (852) 2764 3374; E-mail: hrstaff@polyu.edu.hk). The applicant should also submit a self-evaluation statement stating why the applicant believes he/she is well qualified for the position. The statement should further outline his/her plan for developing the Department's teaching and research in Chinese Linguistics and Bilingual Studies.

Recruitment will continue until the position is filled.  Initial consideration of applications will commence on 1 April 2010.  Candidature may be obtained by nominations.  The University reserves the right not to fill this post or to make an appointment by invitation.  General information about the University is available on the University's World Web Homepage http://www.polyu.edu.hk, or from the Human Resources Office (Tel: (852) 2766 5007). Details of the University's Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at http://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/jobpics.htm.