Assistant Professor, Second Language Acquisition

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

Job summary

The Graduate Program in Second Language Acquisition within the University of Maryland, College Park, invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor starting Fall 2027. Preference is given to second-language processing and related areas.

The successful candidate will teach two courses per semester, advise graduate students, and collaborate to build the new UG major in Multilingual Applied Studies, while advancing an innovative research program in an interdisciplinary

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in SLA or closely related field by start date.
• Evidence of (or potential for) a strong publication record.
• Evidence of (or potential for high-quality teaching and mentoring.
• Evidence of potential to obtain extramural funding.
• Native or near-native proficiency in English.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Teach two courses per semester and advise graduate students.
• Collaborate with SLLC units, especially on the new UG major in Multilingual Applied Studies.
• Develop an innovative scholarly research agenda with emphasis on open science.
• Contribute to ARHU pillars through teaching, mentoring, and service.

Skills

Publication record

Teaching & mentoring

Fundraising potential

Communication

Collaboration

Leadership

Education

PhD in SLA or closely 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

• Ph.D. in SLA or closely related field must be in hand at the time of employment.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Best Consideration Date

October 26, 2026

Posting Close Date

N/A

Open Until Filled

Yes

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

ARHU-School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty

Salary Range

$90,000 - $95,000

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.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice Resources

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