Open Rank Faculty Position in Linguistics

School: Humanities and Social Sciences

Contract Type: Fixed-term, renewable, 3rd contract open-ended

ABOUT XJTLU 

In 2006 Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was created by the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University – a top ten university in China. Offering a unique international education experience, XJTLU brings together excellent research practice and expertise from both institutions and gives students the skills and knowledge they need to secure careers in a global marketplace. XJTLU now has over 25,000 enrolled students in both Suzhou and Liverpool in the UK, with plans to grow to about 28,000 students by 2025. There are currently about 2,000 staff, among which about 1,000 academic staff, with an almost even split between citizens of the People’s Republic of China and international passport holders. XJTLU offers our undergraduates and postgraduates over 100 programmes with a diverse spectrum of courses.

XJTLU is entering a new and exciting phase of its development as part of its strategic priorities for the next ten years. Adopting a new higher education model based on the concept of Syntegrative Education (SE), XJTLU is currently opening a new Entrepreneurial Education site in Taicang, part of wider Suzhou, where the Entrepreneur College (Taicang) is located. The Taicang site will be a pioneer of, and educational model for, the future campus in addressing challenges arising from the 4th Industrial Revolution. Other new initiatives include new working partnerships with Xi’an Jiaotong University, the continued development of the four new Academies, and exploration of further potential locations to develop the SE model.

With a focus on innovative learning and teaching, and research, XJTLU draws on the strengths of its parent universities, and plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to China for UK and other institutional partners. At same time, XJTLU is exploring future education by blending the educational theory, best practice and culture from west and east.

For detailed information about the university, please visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (HSS)

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) is dedicated to developing and delivering the most attractive humanities and social science degree programmes for Chinese and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. We are committed to developing a centre of research excellence in humanities and social sciences that is recognised within China and internationally. The School also aims to develop outreach and partnerships with domestic and international universities.

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences researches and educates across different disciplines in humanities and social sciences. The School, supported by over 90 staff from more than 15 countries, consists of five academic departments: China Studies, International Studies, Media and Communication, Applied Linguistics, Literary and Translation Studies.

The School delivers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD programmes, The School organises collaborative and collective research projects to explore interactions and dialogues between China and the rest of the world. The School also proactively engages with the wider academic, business and policy-making communities in the Yangtze River Delta region, as well as nationally in China and abroad.

More details about the School of HSS can be found here: https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/study/departments/school-of-humanities-and-social-sciences

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED LINGUISTICS (LNG) 

The Department of Applied Linguistics is a research-intensive environment with two MA programmes: the MA in TESOL and MA in Applied Linguistics (with a Specialisation in Multilingualism), which also contributes a Linguistics pathway on four UG programmes. We also have a Language and Cognition Research Laboratory, for Psycholinguistic and Phonetic research, with eye tracking technology. 

Linguistics at XJTLU is a rapidly expanding area. We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Assistant Professor/Associate Professor (Teaching and Research Track) with excellent research, teaching, and supervision qualifications who will contribute to the department’s research profile. The research area is left open, but applicants who can complement our existing strengths are particularly welcome. These include: 

• Sociolinguistics
• Multilingualism
• Discourse Analysis
• Corpus Linguistics
• Cognitive Linguistics
• Psycholinguistics
• TESOL 

We welcome applications from candidates interested in interdisciplinarity and collaboration within the Department and School. Please see https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/study/departments/academic-departments/department-of-applied-linguistics/ for further details of our existing colleagues and research strengths.   

RESPONSIBILITIES

The appointee will be expected to contribute to the department’s research profile and should have an excellent track record of publication in their research area, appropriate to their stage of career. An ability and willingness to contribute to or lead collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects would be a strong advantage. 

In terms of teaching, the successful candidate must be able to contribute widely to the Undergraduate or PG curricula, including at least three from the following (either PG or UG) 

UG: Introduction to Linguistics: Grammar, Introduction to Linguistics: Discourse, English as a Global Language, History of English, Sounds of English, Language and Society, Semantics and Pragmatics, Syntax, Psycholinguistics, and Language and Gender. 

PG: Introduction to Multilingualism, Multilingualism in Society, Linguistics for Language Teachers, Methods in English Language Teaching, Principles of Course and Materials Design, Second Language Acquisition, Language Testing and Assessment, Speaking and Listening, and Research Methods. MA Dissertation (TESOL or MA Applied Linguistics). 

In addition, the ability to contribute a new module in either Forensic Linguistics or Computational Linguistics would be an advantage. 

Staff typically teach 1-1.5module(s) per semester, depending on student numbers. The typical contact hours are around 6 hours per week. A contribution to academic administration will also be expected.  

Further information on the School, University, and Suzhou may be found at the university website: http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn  

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCES:

• A Ph.D. degree or equivalent in Linguistics, or a related discipline is essential.
• A strong track record or high potential of research, appropriate to stage of career is essential.
• Experience of teaching in a Higher Education environment is essential
• Experience of teaching and supervision at the Postgraduate level is highly desirable
• Experience of Technology Enhanced Learning is desirable.
• Experience of a sigificant academic service role is necessary for Associate Professor appointments
• Experience of significant curriculum development is necessary for Associate Professor appointments
• Experience of gaining research funding is necessary for Associate Professor appointments 

CITIZENSHIP AND VISA REGULATIONS

Employment at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is regulated by Chinese Labour Laws, and must comply with the regulations of the provincial government. These regulations stipulate who is eligible for legal employment with regard to obtaining work permits and visas.  Please be advised candidates over 65 may be not eligible for a work visa in the P.R. China.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

1. Clear career development path with annual review.
2. Professional development trainings are provided. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

SALARY: Competitive salary in the market

BENEFITS

1. Allowance: XJTLU provide various month/annual/one-off allowances as

• Housing allowance
• Travel allowance
• Children’s education allowance
• Relocation allowance 

2. Commercial insurance: international insurance plans customized for XJTLU staff and family members. (details refer to the University Policy)

3. Paid holidays:

• Statutory Holidays (11 days)
• Annual Leave (36 days)
• Family Matters Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Marriage Leave
• Paternity Leave
• Parental Leave 

4. Working visa and residence permit in China: XJTLU sponsors working visa and residence permit in China for the staff. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application on our university website

Applications must be submitted in a single pdf file that includes 3 parts in the order of:

• A cover letter
• A current CV, including country of citizenship, and highest degree level
• Contact Details for Three References

For specific enquiries relating to the position, please email Head of Department Dr. Penelope Scott at Penelope.Scott@xjtlu.edu.cn.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to HR at Wenyu.Pu@xjtlu.edu.cn. 

Please quote the position and JR 3684 in your enquiry.  

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