Professorship of Language and Communication, endowed by News UK

The Faculty of English Language and Literature and Worcester College intend to appoint to the Professorship of Language and Communication, endowed by News UK, with effect from 1 September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

The Professor will promote the study of English Language and Communication in Oxford at all levels and stimulate interest in the subject in the wider academic community and beyond. This post will help the Faculty to engage with current developments in research in language and communication, broadly conceived. We are seeking applications from scholars working on any aspect of English language and communication. We also hope to appoint a candidate who could provide leadership for innovation in research in language and communication studies. Interdisciplinary interests are particularly welcome, as are applications from candidates who work on other languages in addition to English. 

You should be a scholar of the highest international standing with an outstanding record of research and publication and the academic stature and intellectual drive to shape the study of English language and communication at the University of Oxford for the next generation. You will be able to demonstrate an ability to teach, guide, and inspire students at all levels, including the capability and readiness to lead and oversee the Faculty’s teaching on English Language topics. You will possess the capacity and willingness to advise and mentor early career researchers and other colleagues; and have the ability to attract funding and manage funded projects. You will also have a demonstrated aptitude and readiness to undertake senior leadership duties and to play a role in the formation of academic strategy. 

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon UK time on Monday 13 January 2025. Interviews are expected to be held in Oxford on 3 and 4 March 2025. 

Informal enquiries are welcome and may be made in strict confidence to Professor Simon Horobin, Chair of the English Faculty Board (chair@ell.ox.ac.uk).

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