Tesol Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Applied Linguistics at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a full‑time Lecturer or Assistant Teaching Professor position in the department’s English for Professional Purposes Intercultural Center (EPPIC), starting as soon as possible. EPPIC is an established university center in Penn State’s highly‑ranked Department of Applied Linguistics that provides advanced English language communication support services to multilingual students, scholars, faculty, and staff across Penn State’s global community and conducts research on language-in-use across academic and professional units of the university. EPPIC draws on in research in applied linguistics, language for specific purposes (LSP), Vygotskyan sociocultural theory, and move‑step analysis of academic discourse.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leading workshop series for multilingual undergraduate students, graduate students, and scholars from diverse disciplines on advanced writing and speaking in academic and professional English.
• Leading weekly speaking‑group sessions focused on both formal and informal oral communication in a university setting.
• Designing and implementing customized workshops by request from departments and programs across Penn State.
• Offering individual consultations on spoken and written academic English communication to multilingual students, scholars, faculty, and staff at Penn State.
• Providing training and mentorship to graduate teaching assistants assigned to EPPIC.
• Initiating and contributing to research projects related to disciplinary genre analysis, the design and content of new language support programming, assessment of the impacts of EPPIC’s language‑related services on student and scholar development, and related topics.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• An M.A. in Applied Linguistics, TESOL, Linguistics, or a related field emphasizing the teaching of English as an additional language and/or English for specific purposes.
• At least three years of experience working with matriculated graduate students on discipline‑specific research reading, writing, presentations, and informal academic and professional communication.
• Specific training, expertise, and experience in teaching speaking - including pronunciation and specific‑purpose oral genres such as research presentations, discussions, conversations with one’s advisor, networking interactions, and oral examinations.
• Superior command of written and spoken English.
• Outstanding professional, interpersonal, and intercultural communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Ph.D. in Second Language Studies, Applied Linguistics, TESOL, or a related field is preferred.

Information on faculty ranks and progression can be found at https://policy.psu.edu/policies/ac21.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• A cover letter that addresses the candidate’s fit with EPPIC’s mission and the responsibilities described above, including the candidate’s approach to teaching advanced academic and professional speaking and writing and how that approach is informed by relevant theory and research.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• A statement of teaching and consultation philosophy that articulates how the candidate supports multilingual graduate students and scholars across disciplines, with particular attention to the teaching of speaking (pronunciation and specific‑purpose oral genres).
• Representative instructional materials that demonstrate experience and expertise relevant to the role - for example, workshop or speaking‑group plans, sample syllabi or session outlines, and materials developed for individual consultations.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness, such as student or participant evaluations and peer or supervisor observation reports.
• The names and contact information of three references who may be asked to provide letters of recommendation.

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.

For more information on the position, contact Meredith Doran (mcd15@psu.edu), chair of the search committee.

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.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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