Applications are invited for three positions in the Department of China Studies at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. A lectureship in Chinese Literature is available from February 2016. A Lectureship/Associate Professorship in China’s International Politics is available from July 2016. A Lectureship/Associate Professorship in Chinese Society is available from July 2016.
Successful applicants will have a PhD and be able to demonstrate appropriate professional experience. Applicants should have good teaching experience and evidence of the ability to produce high quality research publications. Applicants are expected to have good language skills in both English and Chinese, and be able to teach in English, the language of instruction at the university. Successful appointees will be expected to teach; to undertake research in their area of specialisation on both individual and group projects, and to be actively engaged in the publication of the results; and to participate in the administration and development of the new department of China Studies. Candidates for the role of Associate Professor should also have a strong track record in teaching and academic supervision, as well as an international research profile in their field and a successful record of research funding.
The Department’s focus is on China, its history and culture, society and politics. While Chinese language is an essential part of its teaching and learning programs, these are delivered by the university’s Language Centre. The Department runs a BA in China Studies with two specialisations: Teaching Chinese as an International Language and Contemporary China Studies. It also has students studying with it on the year-long Visiting Students Program, and runs a very successful travelling Summer School every July.
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a unique collaborative institution, the first and currently the only university in China to offer both UK (University of Liverpool) and Chinese (Ministry of Education) accredited undergraduate degrees. Formed in 2006, the first cohort of students graduated in August 2010. The University now has 7,000 students studying on campus. The language of instruction is English. XJTLU aims to become truly research-led, and has recently committed significant investment into research development and the expansion of PhD student numbers on campus.
XJTLU is located in the Higher Education Town of Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), well-connected via nearby airports to cities such as Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, and Taipei, and via high-speed rail to other major cities in China. SIP is a major growth zone, including operations run by nearly one-fifth of the Fortune 500 top global companies. Greater Suzhou is now the fourth largest concentration of economic activity in China in terms of GDP ($195 billion in 2012). The broader Suzhou area encompasses the spirit of both old and new in China, with the historic old town’s canals, UNESCO World Heritage Site gardens, and the I.M Pei-designed Suzhou Museum attracting millions of tourists annually. SIP offers an excellent quality of life with high environmental standards. The nearby Jinji Lake provides attractive views, by day and by night, and there is a variety of shopping facilities, international and local restaurants, entertainment hubs and nightlife. Suzhou is also home to four international schools.
The salary range for the Lecturer positions (equivalent to Assistant Professor in the US system) is 23,850 – 29,222 RMB/month; and for Associate Professor is 30,000-40,000 RMB/month. In addition, members of academic staff are entitled to accommodation and travel allowances, medical insurance, and relocation expenses. Overseas staff may receive a tax “holiday” of up to three years, depending on nationality, residence and personal circumstances.
Applications should be made online (http://hr.xjtlu.edu.cn/) and received by 19 October.
Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae together with a statement about their teaching experience in higher education; their research experience, publications to date, and future plans; and any evidence of administrative and managerial competence.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to David Goodman, Professor of China Studies (Email: david.goodman@xjtlu.edu.cn).