Assistant Professor - Department of Applied Linguistics

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POSITION SPECIFICS

The College of the Liberal Arts at The Pennsylvania State University at University Park, PA, USA, invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Linguistics to begin Fall 2027, with flexibility. 

The Assistant Professor will be expected to perform undergraduate and graduate teaching, pursue an active research program at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Applied Linguistics, and secure external research funding.  Duties related to the research program will include applying conceptual and computational approaches to advance understanding of how AI is reshaping questions fundamental to applied linguistics and how the field can engage with these developments.  The areas of research may include, but are not limited to, theoretically informed applications of AI in language teaching, learning, and assessment; computational and AI-supported approaches to language research, generative AI and language use; human-AI interaction and communication, the linguistic and communicative capacities of AI systems, and the social, ethical, educational, and professional implications of AI. 

Responsibilities

• Maintain an active program of research and scholarly publication at the intersection of AI and Applied Linguistics and pursue external funding to support their research program. 

• Contribute to shaping the Department’s evolving engagement with AI in research, teaching, and curriculum development.  

• Contribute to the Department’s existing undergraduate and graduate courses and develop new courses related to AI and Applied Linguistics. The standard teaching load is two courses per semester (2-2). 

• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students and supervise doctoral research in areas related to their expertise.  

• Contribute service and leadership to the Department, College, University, and relevant professional communities. 

Required Qualifications 

• Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics, Computational Linguistics, Linguistic Anthropology, Educational Linguistics, Second Language Studies, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.  

• An established or emerging research profile at the intersection of AI and Applied Linguistics. 

• Evidence of or potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring. 

The Department of Applied Linguistics is an intellectually diverse community committed to advancing understanding of language use and language learning across social, cultural, educational, and professional contexts. The Department offers a B.A. and minor in Applied Linguistics, an M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language, a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics, and related certificates and programs. Its faculty pursue research across a broad range of theoretical, methodological, and substantive areas. This vibrant intellectual environment is further enriched by programming and research activities undertaken by several centers associated with the Department, including the Center for Language Acquisition (CLA) and the English for Professional Purposes Intercultural Center (EPPIC). Opportunities also exist for interdisciplinary collaboration with scholars, centers, and initiatives across Penn State working on AI and its applications and implications. Please visit https://aplng.la.psu.edu/for more information about the Department of Applied Linguistics. Inquiries can be sent to the search committee chair, Xiaofei Lu, at [email protected]. 

Interested individuals must submit an online application at Penn State’s Job Posting Board. Anyquestions or concerns with the online application can be directed to Kaylee Keller at [email protected].Complete applications will include a detailed letter of application describing the candidate’s research, teaching trajectory, and future plans; a CV; a highly relevant writing sample or publication; evidence of teaching effectiveness; and the names and contact information for three references. The Search Committee will not contact references without informing the candidate. System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit. Review of applications will begin on November 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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