Assistant Professor, Second Language Acquisition

University of Maryland; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland, College Park invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Graduate Program in Second Language Acquisition (SLA). The position begins Fall 2027, with a focus on second-language processing. You will teach two courses per semester and advise graduate students.

We seek an innovative researcher with an empirical background who can collaborate across SLLC to support the new Multilingual Applied Studies major and promote graduate education.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in SLA or closely related field by start of employment.
• Strong publication record or demonstrated potential.
• High-quality teaching and mentoring.
• Ability to obtain extramural funding.
• Native or near-native English; strong communication and leadership skills.
• Desirable: teaching experience and mentoring; proficiency in languages taught in SLLC.

Responsibilities

• Teach two courses per semester and advise graduate students.
• Collaborate with other units in SLLC, especially for the new Multilingual Applied Studies major.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Leadership

Education

Ph.D. in SLA or related field

Job description

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:

The Graduate Program in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) in the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC) at the University of Maryland, College Park, invites applications for a full-time (40 hours) tenure track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning Fall 2027. The area of research specialization within SLA is open, with a preference for second-language processing (e.g., phonological, lexical, syntactic). The successful candidate will be expected to teach two courses per semester and advise graduate students in the candidate's areas of expertise. In addition, the candidate will be expected to collaborate with other units in SLLC, especially in building the new UG major in Multilingual Applied Studies.

The Second Language Acquisition Program seeks a candidate with an innovative scholarly research agenda, a solid background in empirical research, the ability and desire to work on collaborative projects in an interdisciplinary environment, and a commitment to graduate education and open science. We are interested in a candidate whose research promotes the understanding of second language acquisition from cognitive perspectives.

We seek candidates whose research, teaching, and service have prepared them to contribute to all of the pillars of the ARHU Strategic Plan: Transformative Thinking; Boundless Creativity; Expansive Empathy; and Meaningful Futures. Contributions toward those goals and values might include leadership in teaching, mentoring, research, or service towards building an equitable and inclusive scholarly environment and/or increasing access or participation of all individuals equitably and fairly.

This search is contingent upon the availability of funds.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in SLA or closely related field must be in hand at the time of employment
• Experience:
  • Evidence of (or demonstrated potential for) a strong publication record
  • Evidence of (or demonstrated potential for) high-quality teaching and mentoring
  • Evidence of (or demonstrated potential for) the potential to obtain extramural funding
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSAs):
  • Native or near-native proficiency in English
  • Evidence of strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
• Preferences:
  • Evidence of classroom teaching experience and research mentoring is desirable.
  • Proficiency or research experience in one or more of the languages taught in the SLLC

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• Current CV
• Research Statement
• One-page statement of teaching philosophy
• Sample syllabus for a graduate course
• Three Writing Samples (published or unpublished research papers)
• Upload all documents as one PDF
• After initial screening, candidates will be asked to provide the names and contact information for three references.

Best Consideration Date: October 26, 2026

Posting Close Date: N/A

Open Until Filled: Yes

Financial Disclosure Required No For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website .

Department: ARHU-School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Worker Sub-Type: Faculty Regular

Salary Range: $90,000 - $95,000

Benefits Summary: For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link .

Background Checks: Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility: The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement: The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

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