Lecturer/Assistant Professor/ Associate Professor in Translation and Interpreting

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – Department of Translation and Interpreting

ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE: Translation and Interpreting Studies

POSITION TITLE: Lecturer/Assistant Professor/Associate Professor (Open Rank)

ADVERTISEMENT CLOSING DATE: open until filled

VACANCIES: Two

CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed-Term/3-year contract, renewable. 3rd contract is open-ended. 

University Overview

Located in Suzhou, China, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a young, dynamic and EMI university founded in 2006, and is a unique collaborative institution and first joint-venture university in China to offer both UK (University of Liverpool) and Chinese (Ministry of Education) accredited undergraduate degrees for more than 100 programmes. XJTLU also aims to become truly research-led and has committed significant investment into research development and the expansion of master’s and PhD student numbers on campus. The university has over 18,000 students and nearly 1000 academic staff representing in excess of 90 nationalities. For detailed information about the university, please visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn

Department Overview

The Department of Translation and Interpreting is an integral part of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. It is among the newest and most vibrant departments at XJTLU. Established in September 2020, the Department brings together experts from across the world and encourages and promotes research in such areas as culture translation, drama translation, media translation, translation education, translation technology and interpreting studies, aiming at fostering a teaching and research culture of excellence, integrity and professionalism in translation and interpreting. 

As an education unit, the Department owns a BA Translation and Interpreting programme and teaches the translation pathway modules in the four BA English programmes. Staff in the Department supervise PhD projects on topics related to their research in the areas of translation and interpreting studies. The Department is also operating two laboratories with the most advanced equipment and facilities designed for professional training in translation, consecutive interpreting and simultaneous interpreting. In addition, the Department offers students a range of opportunities to hone their translation and interpreting skills by doing translation and interpreting practices both within and outside the University. It is working to produce high calibre translators, interpreters and effective cultural negotiators who will bring China to the world and the world to China. 

Please read further about the Department’s research, teaching, and staff profiles by exploring this site: https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/study/departments/academic-departments/translation-and-interpreting/ 

Responsibilities and Duties

The successful applicants for the advertised positions will be expected to coordinate and deliver modules in the fields of translation and interpreting studies; to supervise students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels; to contribute to the further development of a high-quality curriculum and assessment practices in the department; to produce high quality research and publications of international excellence; and to participate in the administration and development of the Department of Translation and Interpreting, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, or the University. Successful applicants to more senior professorial ranks are expected to also provide leadership at departmental, school and university levels in teaching, research, and service.

The main duties and responsibilities of the post holder are as follows:

• To deliver undergraduate modules in the areas of practical translation, translation theory, specialised translation, and/or interpreting. Specially, the successful candidates should be able to contribute to at least two of the following modules:
  • Introduction to Translation and Interpreting; Essentials of Translation and Interpreting; Basic Translation Skills; Language Studies for Translation; Translation: Theory and Practice; Literary Translation; Translation and Culture; Translation and Journalism; Sight Translation; Liaison Interpreting; Interpreting; Conference Interpreting.
• To contribute to the design, development, planning and implementation of a high-quality curriculum and assessment activities.
• To supervise or assist with supervision of undergraduate and/or research graduate (PhD) students.
• To produce research and publications of international excellence.
• To obtain internal and external research funding support.
• To engage with the broader scholarly and professional communities.
• To take on administrative responsibilities in the Department and/or School.
• To contribute to departmental, School, or University-wide committees or working groups as requested.
• To maintain own continuing professional development.
• To actively follow and promote XJTLU policies. 

Personal Attributes

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Evidence of departmental citizenship and teamwork.
• The ability to adapt to institutional changes, identify desirable outcomes and achieve goals with a specified timeframe. 

Essential Qualifications/Experiences

• PhD in Translation and Interpreting Studies, or a relevant related discipline.
• A strong knowledge of the subject area combined with a broad subject background enabling contributions to teaching programmes.
• Evidence of ability to teach and design modules at undergraduate and postgraduate level in areas offered by the department.
• Proven record of ability to conduct good quality research in translation and interpreting studies, or interdisciplinary areas.
• Evidence of a clear research, funding, and publication strategy.
• Additionally, candidates seeking the position of Associate Professor will have published in leading journals, will have a track record of PhD supervision to completion, and will demonstrate evidence of successful research grant applications and networking. A willingness to take a leading role in the department will be viewed favourably. 

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with academic programme management and curriculum design.
• Experience of practical translation and interpreting experience.
• Cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Familiarity with China and Chinese higher education.
• Familiarity with the British system of higher education.
• Capacity and willingness to engage with the broader scholarly and professional communities. 

Compensation Package

Range of Annual Base Pay:

Lecturer: 280k – 320k RMB

Assistant Professor: 360k – 400k RMB

Associate Professor: 450k – 490k RMB 

Members of Academic Staff are entitled to subsidies for accommodation, travel, and children’s education, medical insurance, and a one-time relocation allowance is provided. Overseas staff may receive a tax “holiday”, depending on nationality and personal circumstances. 

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 not be eligible for PRC work visa.

To Apply

Please send your application online. Please click Apply button. 

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 

Applications should be received by the closing date stated above. 

For specific enquiries relating to the position, please email Head of Department, Dr Wan Hu at Wan.Hu@xjtlu.edu.cn. Informal enquiries may be addressed to HRBP Wenyu Pu at Wenyu.Pu@xjtlu.edu.cn. Please quote the position and job ID (2723) in your enquiry.