Lecturer in Linguistics/Applied Linguistics

The University

The University of the South Pacific (USP) is the premier tertiary institution in the Pacific region. Established in 1968, it is committed to international standards of research and teaching excellence, with an emphasis on key regional issues. USP is jointly owned by 12 member countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Courses are offered face-to-face at the Laucala Campus (where this position is based), as well as by online and blended modes, in order to cater for students who are spread across 33 million square kilometers of ocean on both sides of the international dateline. This location at the heart of the world’s most linguistically diverse region makes USP a fascinating institution in which to work as a linguist. 

The School 

The successful candidate will be based in the School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education (SPACE) which houses the disciplines of Education, Journalism, Languages, Linguistics, Literature and Pacific Studies. SPACE is also host to the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies. SPACE encourages collegiality and is invested in the cultivation of a dynamic scholarly community that responds directly to the priorities of the region.

The Opportunity

SPACE is seeking to appoint a motivated, experienced and talented individual who can make significant contributions to research and teaching in Pacific Linguistics or Applied Linguistics. Applicants must have a sufficient background in general Linguistics to be able to teach introductory courses in phonetics/phonology, morphology and syntax, as well as expertise and experience in one or more of the following fields: language documentation; description of Austronesian languages; corpus linguistics; language technology; multilingual education; second language learning and teaching. Ability to teach and supervise graduate research in one or more of these areas is essential, and experience conducting fieldwork in the region will be a distinct advantage.

The successful applicant will be an active member of the school’s research culture, and will contribute to course development and supervision at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The applicant should be prepared to undertake administrative duties commensurate with their position, and to engage with relevant organisations outside the university. The successful applicant will be located at the Laucala Campus in Fiji, although opportunities may arise for delivery of short-term flexi-schools at other campuses in the region. The appointee must have research publications that meet the University’s Quality of Research criteria at the appropriate academic level.

The Person we Seek

To be considered for this position, applicants must have:

• PhD in Linguistics or Applied Linguistics with relevant tertiary teaching and/or research experience;
• Sufficient background in general Linguistics (evidenced by at least a first degree in the field) to teach introductory courses in phonetics/phonology, morphology, syntax and sociolinguistics;
• Expertise and experience in one or more of the following fields (evidenced by the focus of the PhD and/or subsequent research): language documentation; description of Austronesian languages; corpus linguistics; language technology; multilingual education; second language learning and teaching;
• Research experience within the Pacific region, or a context with comparable features that will enable a candidate to demonstrate how they can apply their expertise in this region;
• Ability to work well with others within both academic and non-academic contexts.

Remuneration

The position is available for a term of 5 years and may be renewed by mutual agreement, subject to successful performance outcomes.

Salary Range: FJ$78,200 to FJ$102,893 per annum

Enquiries and further information: Dr. Fiona Willans, Senior Lecturer, School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education

Email: fiona.willans@usp.ac.fj

Closing date for Application: 28 July 2024 

How to Apply

Click the Apply button to apply for this position online.

The advertisement criteria is available on our University website (www.usp.ac.fj) under Employment Opportunities.

Please include the following documents in your application: Academic Credentials/Transcripts, Cover letter clearly addressing key Selection Criteria and Resume with names of three referees, one of which must be your current or most recent direct work supervisor. Referees will only be contacted if you are selected.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

USP is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. USP encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.