FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

ACADEMY OF LANGUAGE AND CULTURE (LAC)

The Academy of Language and Culture (LAC), launched 1^st July, 2024, is a dynamic institution, initially comprising three departments: English Language and Literature (ENG), Humanities and Creative Writing (HMW), and Translation, Interpreting, and Intercultural Studies (TIIS). Our vision is to be a leading centre of excellence fostering linguistic diversity, creative expression, and intercultural communication. We empower students and scholars to bridge cultural divides and innovate in literary and translation arts, contributing to a globally interconnected world. The Academy offers multidisciplinary programmes, including the long-standing BA (Hons) in Humanities and BA (Hons) in Translation (since 1990), along with a range of postgraduate offerings. Our faculty boasts international expertise, reflecting our commitment to a globally connected academic environment. Recognised for excellence, TIIS achieved top rankings in the 2020 Research Assessment Exercise for research environment and impact, with HMW also receiving high marks for its research environment. Our commitment to creativity-inspiring education is reflected in our bilingual, interdisciplinary curricula.

Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor (two to three positions) (23241113)

The Academy invites applications for tenure-track positions at Assistant, Associate, and Professor levels. We seek candidates committed to transdisciplinary research and teaching collaborations, both within the Academy of Language and Culture and across the Faculty. A particular focus will be given to candidates whose work bridges language and translation studies with the digital humanities. We encourage applications from individuals with substantive expertise in the arts and humanities, particularly those with experience in language, translation, and interpreting technologies, including AI. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong international research record in these areas, such as computational linguistics, digital text analysis, and AI applications in language learning and translation.

We welcome applicants with diverse expertise, including applying AI and digital technologies to translation and interpreting studies, translation technology, digital humanities methodologies, natural language processing, linguistics, audiovisual translation (with a focus on innovative assistive technologies like AI-enhanced audio description), technologically enhanced conference or community interpreting, and the use of digital platforms for intercultural studies and the preservation of minority cultures.

Candidates should demonstrate an active research programme that engages with the digital transformation of language and cross-cultural practices, including successful grant capture or well-developed grant proposals ready for incubation.

While not strictly required, bilingual proficiency in English and a second language (preferably Chinese) would be advantageous, given the Academy’s course offerings. This linguistic expertise will be particularly valuable in exploring how digital technologies are shaping translation practices in Chinese-English language pairs.

Appointees will undertake undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, actively participate in research and publication, and supervise undergraduate honours projects and postgraduate dissertations (at master’s and doctoral levels as appropriate). They will also undertake administrative duties appropriate to their level of appointment.

Requirements:

• Possess a PhD in Translation Studies, Digital Humanities, Computational Linguistics, or a closely related field;
• Degrees combining translation with areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, or Human-Computer Interaction are particularly relevant; and
• Strong candidates will demonstrate expertise in applying digital technologies and AI to translation and interpreting studies, as well as a deep understanding of the intersection between technology and intercultural communication.

The initial appointment will be offered on a fixed-term contract of three years. Re-appointment thereafter will be subject to mutual agreement and availability of funding.

The remuneration package includes retirement/gratuity benefits, annual leave, medical and dental scheme, housing assistance and relocation allowance wherever appropriate.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Procedure:

Applicants are invited to submit their applications via the HKBU e-Recruitment System. Applicants are requested to send in samples of publications, preferably the three best ones out of their most recent publications, and teaching evaluation results. Applicants should also request three referees to send in confidential letters of reference, with Job Identification number (stated above) quoted on the letters, directly to the Human Resources Office (Email: recruit@hkbu.edu.hk). Those who are not invited for interview 4 months after submission of application may consider their applications unsuccessful. All application materials including publication samples of scholarly/creative works will be disposed of after completion of the recruitment exercise unless otherwise requested. Details of the University’s Personal Information Collection Statement can be found at https://hro.hkbu.edu.hk/en/worklife-at-hkbu/employee-favourable-environment.html#privacy-policy.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment for the advertised post, and the appointment will be offered according to the terms and conditions applicable at the time of offer.

Review of applications is ongoing until the position is filled.