With over 85 years of rich heritage, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has evolved alongside society and made pivotal contributions to the development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The University pursues world-class excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer to nurture socially responsible leaders and professionals, as well as to drive impactful research and innovation. PolyU will strive to continually excel as an innovative world-class university that makes a positive impact on society, living up to the University’s motto: “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”.

Ranked among the top 100 universities globally by well-known ranking organisations such as Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE) and U.S. News & World Report, PolyU offers a wide range of world-class educational and research programmes in six faculties and three independent schools. PolyU has furthermore achieved remarkable results in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 – it is ranked in the global top 20 for five subjects, is first in Hong Kong for four subjects, and is in the global top 100 for 21 subjects.

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND COMMUNICATION

Research Assistant Professor in Language Teaching and Learning (specialising in Generative AI’s teaching and research applications) (Ref. 240812001)

The Department of English and Communication within the Faculty of Humanities has a long history of conducting cutting-edge research in language and communication and producing high quality graduates for the professional workplace. With a team of around 27 full-time academic staff, our focus areas are professional communication and applied language studies, and we provide teaching to undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. More information can be obtained through the departmental homepage at http://www.engl.polyu.edu.hk/, including information about our key areas of research at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/engl/research/research-overview/.

The Department is now inviting applications for the captioned position. Priority will be given to applicants with demonstrated record of research in Language Teaching and Learning, specifically in applying Generative AI technologies (e.g. ChatGPT, Midjourney) to English language education and the broader domain of educational technology.  Expertise related to Generative AI and materials design, assessment and evaluation, and spoken/written development in the classroom and beyond will be preferred.

Duties

The appointee will be required to:

(a) conduct research as the main duty and actively pursue external research grants, such as General Research Fund, as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator; 

(b) provide quality teaching at undergraduate or postgraduate level; 

(c) contribute to departmental service; and 

(d) perform any other duties as assigned by the Head of Department or his/her delegates.

Qualifications

Applicants should:

(a) have a doctoral degree in (Applied) Linguistics, Language Education, Educational Technology, or a related discipline;

(b) preferably have at least two years of postdoctoral research experience;

(c) have demonstrated promise of a high level of creative ability in research and teaching in some subdivisions of their field; 

(d) be able to demonstrate effective classroom teaching skills; and 

(e) be highly proficient in written and spoken English.

Conditions of Service

A highly competitive package including a medical benefits plan and a gratuity payable upon completion of the term which is normally for two to three years initially, with possibility of extension.

Application

Please submit an application through PolyU’s career website (https://jobs.polyu.edu.hk/rap).  Consideration of applications will commence on 12 September 2024 until the position is filled.  The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/careers/pics_for_recruitment/.

PolyU is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, ethnicity, nationality, family status or physical or mental disabilities.