Assistant Professor of English Linguistics (1.0 FTE)

Assistant Professor of English Linguistics (1.0 FTE)

Job description

The Department of Languages, Literature and Communication of Utrecht University invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for an Assistant Professorship (‘universitair docent’ or UD) in English Linguistics, to be appointed with effect from 1 August 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter. The post is full-time, of which 65% shall be allocated to teaching activities, and 35% to research. A part-time appointment is negotiable.

 

Overview
The Assistant Professor of English Linguistics will work within the English Language and Culture Section, a multidisciplinary and international group that combines expertise in English linguistics, literature, and cultural studies of English-speaking countries.

 

Our BA programme offers a foundational training in the study of English linguistics and the study of literature in English, and offers the opportunity for students to specialize in language learning and development, in the social life of English, in the historical study of literature, and in theories of writing and intermediality.

 

Our staff members also contribute their expertise to a number of one and two-year Master's programmes, including the Research Master (RMA) Linguistics, the MA Multilingualism and Language Acquisition, the MA Literature Today, the RMA in Comparative Literary Studies, and the MA in Intercultural Communication, as well as to the MA teacher training programme of Utrecht University (Graduate School of Teaching). Depending on their research profiles, members of staff are formally affiliated with either the Utrecht Institute of Linguistics (UiL-OTS) or the Institute for Cultural Inquiry (ICON).

 

Particulars
The successful candidate will have a research specialisation in one or more of the following areas: proficiency teaching in EFL classrooms, English phonetics, phonology, prosody, syntax, pragmatics, acquisition of English as a first or a second language, and production and comprehension of the English language. They will be expected to have a proven ability to teach on language proficiency-related courses such as pronunciation, accents, academic writing and speaking, both within the Section's BA programme and the University’s language programmes to which the section contributes. Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates whose research takes an experimental or psycholinguistic approach. Candidates who can teach North American English pronunciation are especially welcome.

 

The main tasks of the position are as follows:

• offer lectures, seminars and supervisions at undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as engaging in related activities such as assessment and ongoing curriculum development;
• contribute to the on-going development of teaching and learning practices within the section through a commitment to self-reflexive teaching and co-teaching;
• pursue original and societally relevant research within the context of the Utrecht Institute of Linguistics in connection with the University’s strategic research themes and focus areas;
• contribute to enhancing the quality of the research environment in the faculty, the wider university and the international field of research through collaborative research activity. Develop clear plans for the pursuit of suitable national and international funding opportunities to support research;
• demonstrate a willingness to contribute to the administrative work, and collegial values of the section and the department through service on committees and other associated duties;
• enhance the section’s commitment to its vibrant and international undergraduate culture.

Qualifications

Your application will be judged against the expectations set out below; you should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet these criteria:

Candidates should have received an undergraduate degree in English Studies and a PhD in linguistics, psycholinguistics, or a relevant cognate area, by the advertised closing date for this position, or, in exceptional circumstances, have submitted a completed doctoral thesis for examination by this date. Candidates who are native speakers of English and have received an undergraduate degree in linguistics or a related discipline will also be considered if they have demonstrable knowledge of English linguistics and meet the requirement concerning their PhD training.

Experience in undergraduate teaching, including the ability to develop and use student-centered, activating teaching strategies that foster an independent, academic approach to learning in a diverse student population. Be in possession of the Dutch “University Teaching Qualification” (BKO) or the willingness to pursue this qualification within two years of the appointment.

Experience in postgraduate teaching and supervision, along with the personal qualities needed to encourage a high level of achievement in graduate students.

Native or near-native competence in English, and a willingness to become proficient in Dutch within two years of the appointment.

A record of original and substantial published research, consistent with the candidate’s career stage.

Experience in, or potential for, securing external funding for research appropriate to the applicant’s career stage.

Experience in, or potential for, participating effectively in the other work required by the section and/or department, such as course coordination and managerial tasks.

Experience of, or potential for, contributing effectively to the future development of the subject area(s), and in public engagement, knowledge exchange and impact activities.

 

The Appointment Committee recognizes that candidates can satisfy these criteria in many different ways and will use its professional judgement, based on the evidence available, to decide how successfully candidates could make such contributions, bearing in mind the specified needs of the English Section, and the Department of Language, Literature & Communication. Utrecht University strives towards enhancing the diversity amongst its staff and students, and we encourage applications from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

 

If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose the reasons for this in your application, the Appointment Committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your published research may be reduced as a result.

Offer

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for the duration of 18 months. In case of a good performance, an indefinite employment is one of the possibilities. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €3,821 and €5,230 (scale 11-12 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions  (multiple choice model). For more information: working at Utrecht University .

About the organization Utrecht University strives for excellence in teaching and research. This also holds for the clearly defined research profiles with respect to four core themes: Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences, and Sustainability. Utrecht University has a strong commitment to community outreach and contributes to answering the social questions of today and tomorrow. 

The Faculty of Humanities  has around 6,000 students and 900 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city center of Utrecht, where the faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.

Additional information

For more information about this position, please contact:
Prof Aoju Chen (Professor), via [email protected] .

Apply To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation via the ‘apply’ button below.
The application deadline is 01/06/2022