Language Lecturer in Japanese

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – School of Languages

SCHOOL: School of Languages

DEPARTMENT: Japanese Division of Modern Languages Centre

LOCATION: Suzhou, Jiangsu, China

POSITION OPEN DATE: 1st September 2024

ADVERTISEMENT CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

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

About XJTLU

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was established in 2006 by the University of Liverpool (UK) 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 provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to secure careers in the global marketplace. XJTLU currently has over 25,000 enrolled students in both Suzhou (China) and Liverpool (UK), with plans to grow to 28,000 students by 2025. There are currently approximately 2,000 staff, including 1,000 academics, with an almost even split between citizens of the People’s Republic of China and international passport holders. XJTLU offers over 100 programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

XJTLU is entering a new and exciting phase of its development as part of its strategic priorities for the next ten years. Adopting an innovative higher education model based on the concept of Syntegrative Education (SE), XJTLU has recently opened the Entrepreneur College in Taicang. 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 initiatives include working partnerships with Xi’an Jiaotong University, the continued development of the four new Academies, and the exploration of potential locations to develop the SE model.

With a focus on innovative learning and teaching, and research, XJTLU draws on the strengths of both its parent universities, and plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to China for the UK and other institutional partners. At the same time, XJTLU is exploring future education by blending the educational theory, best practice and culture from both the East and West.

For further information about the university, please visit www.xjtlu.edu.cn.  

About SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES

The School of Languages is a growing, dynamic and international centre, currently with over 200 full-time teaching staff from twelve different countries. We are involved in the teaching of English for Academic Purposes (EAP), and Modern Languages (currently Chinese, Spanish, and Japanese).

Both the centre and the wider university have a strong commitment to the professional development of School of Languages teaching staff. At the university level, new staff are enrolled free-of-charge on a University of Liverpool postgraduate certificate programme, completion of which leads to Fellowship of the UK Higher Education Academy (HEA). The School of Languages also holds regular professional development events and training days. While the School of Languages is a teaching centre, with no specific research remit, some funding is available for staff to present at conferences that are relevant to the work of the centre, provided that this does not interfere with teaching duties. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Applications are invited for Japanese language teaching positions in the School of Languages at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU). Candidates are sought as soon thereafter as possible. Interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis.

There will be opportunities for Japanese language lecturer to be involved in a range of different types of delivery, including:

• Compulsory credit-bearing Japanese language modules on the university’s “International Business with a Language” BA degree programme, which allows students to study Japanese continuously through their degree up to CEFR B1 level 
• Optional credit-bearing Japanese language modules available to undergraduate students
• Out-of-class Japanese language support activities
• Non-credit bearing summer course

As we expand the Japanese language offering at XJTLU we would also look to offer the following in future:

• Japanese language courses that are an optional component of postgraduate degrees
• Content modules, introducing culture, societies, etc. in or related to Japan 

There will also be the opportunity for a member of the Japanese teaching team to take on a managerial role with responsibility for the coordination and leadership of the Japanese teaching programmes. Additionally, there are opportunities for all staff to develop their careers by taking on wider managerial and administrative roles, as well as by contributing to both School of Languages and university-level committees. All managerial, administrative and committee roles are appointed to on a fixed-term basis, thus providing all staff members with a range of options to take on responsibilities in areas that interest them. 

QUALIFICATIONS

ESSENTAIL QUALIFICATION/EXPERIENCE

Successful applicants should be educated to Master’s degree level in a relevant area (e.g. Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language), and should have at least two years of post-master’s relevant teaching experience, preferably at university level. Additionally, applicants should have a good standard of written and spoken English, as this is the working language of the university. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

We are particularly interested in receiving applications from teachers with experience of coordinating Japanese language modules or programmes. Applicants who can demonstrate an interest in the following areas: Technology enhanced learning; Assessment; Syllabus and materials design are also particularly welcome. 

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 60 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 training sessions are provided. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

BASIC SALARY: Highly competitive salary (299,000 –392,000 RMB per year before tax)

BENEFITS

1. Allowance: XJTLU provide various monthly/annual/one-off allowances as

• Housing allowance/monthly
• Travel allowance/annual
• Relocation allowance/one-off
• Children’s Education allowance/eligible 

2. Comprehensive International Health Insurance: international health insurance plans (including dental and optical care) customized for staff and their family member/s (for details refer to the University Policy). 

3. Paid holidays:

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

4. Working visa and residence permit in China:
XJTLU sponsors working visa and residence permit in China for staff. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application online via the Apply button.

*Please submit your application online and upload a single PDF file that includes 3 parts in the order of below to ”Resume” section in the system. 

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

1. A cover letter specifying your suitability for the role
2. A current CV, including country of citizenship and highest degree level
3. Contact details for three references (at least a reference from current or most recent employer. Preferably current employer *and* last employer. Referees are contacted only after you have received an offer of employment from XJTLU.) 

For specific enquiries relating to the position, please email Head of Japanese Division at Mika.Takewa@xjtlu.edu.cn. Please quote the position and job ID in your enquiry. For specific enquiries relating to online application, please email HRBP at Jia.Xu@xjtlu.edu.cn.