Associate Professor/Senior Associate Professor/Professor in Computational Linguistics

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – Department of Applied Linguistics

School: School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Discipline: Computational Linguistics and AI

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

Advertisement End Date: Open until filled (early submission of applications is encouraged)

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 DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED LINGUISTICS 

The Department of Applied Linguistics is a research-intensive environment with two MA programmes, which also contributes a Linguistics pathway on four UG programmes. We have recently established 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 an enthusiastic Associate/Senior Professor with excellent research, teaching, and supervision qualifications who will contribute to the department’s research profile. We are specifically looking for candidates who would bring knowledge and insights from the fields of Computational Linguistics and Natural Language Processing.  The focus or direction of Computational Linguistic research is open, and the successful candidate would demonstrate innovative approaches and be able to foster interdisciplinary engagement. 

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 details of our existing colleagues and research strengths, which include Sociolinguistics, Multilingualism, Discourse Analysis, Corpus Linguistics, Cognitive Linguistics, and Psycholinguistics. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES 

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 new elements to existing modules related to Computational Linguistics, and develop new modules in Computational Linguistics and related fields. In addition to their specified area, the successful candidate must be able to contribute widely to the Undergraduate Programme, including in least two of the following: Introduction to Linguistics: Discourse, English as a Global Language, History of English, Language and Society, Semantics and Pragmatics, Language and Gender, Health Humanities, Intercultural Communication, or Language Documentation. A contribution to academic administration will also be expected.  

Staff typically teach 1-1.5module(s) per semester, depending on student numbers. The typical contact hours are around 6 hours per week.

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

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE: 

• 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.
• Willingness to engage with AI in pedagogy is essential. 

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 

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

4. Paid holidays:

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

5. 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, by clicking the 'Apply' button

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

• A cover letter that explains how you fulfil the criteria specified in this job description, including specifying which of the three highlighted areas you can contribute to, and which modules you would be able to teach.
• A current CV, including country of citizenship, and highest degree level
• Contact Details for Three References 

For enquiries relating to the position, please email to HR Ms. Xinyun Yang Xinyun.Yang@xjtlu.edu.cn

Please quote the position and JR 3789 in your enquiry.