Chair/Reader in Educational Linguistics

Job Purpose

The Department of Education and Social Justice, within the School of Education, is pleased to be able to offer this Chair/Readership in Educational Linguistics.

This prestigious post will be associated with the MOSAIC Group for Research on Multilingualism. The post holder will work with the Group in consolidating and taking forward the significant achievements of the MOSAIC Centre for Research on Multilingualism (2008-2018) in research, in research capacity building at doctoral and early careers levels and in research impact and engagement activities.S/he will also take a lead in developing new research of a sociolinguistic and/or applied linguistic nature in the field of education, taking account of the changing linguistic composition of current student populations (in different sectors of education) and/or taking account of the changing language and literacy landscape of educational institutions in the twenty first century.

Scholars working in one or more of the following areas of research are welcome to apply for the post: Language-in-education policy-making; multilingualism and contemporary diversities in education; the study of literacy as a social and cultural practice; English-as-an Additional Language; and/or language, literacies and identities.In addition, the post holder will make a significant contribution to the external engagement, dissemination and impact activities of the MOSAIC Research Group and to the University's internationalisation strategy. Candidates will be established experts in their respective fields and will have a key role in building on the established research profile of the MOSAIC Centre (2008-2018) and charting future directions.

Main Duties

• To build on the established tradition of engaging in research in one or more areas such as, language-in-education policy-making; multilingualism and contemporary diversities in education; the study of literacy as a social and cultural practice; English-as-an Additional Language; and/or language, literacies and identities, adopting a sociolinguistic or applied linguistic perspective, and carrying out new research that is world-leading in character
• To lead on key funding bids which take the research that has been undertaken in the MOSAIC Centre thus far in new directions, taking account of key lines of new theory-building within the sociolinguistics of multilingualism, literacies and diversities
• To provide research leadership by assuming the role of Director of the MOSAIC Centre
• To participate in the development of innovative new programmes that appeal to international markets in particular.
• To maintain research links with other similar research centres, (e.g. the Multi-Ling Centre at the University of Oslo, Norway; the Centre for Applied Language Research at the University of Jyväskylä; the Centre for Multilingualism and Diversities at the University of Western Cape, South Africa; the Centre for Research on Bilingualism at Stockholm University; the Babylon Centre at Tilburg University and the Consortium on Research on Language Policy and Practice at the University of Hong Kong).
• To provide strategic research advice and guidance to staff in the Language-in-Education Research and Teaching Group and in MOSAIC, regarding publications and research funding bids.
• To supervise and examine dissertations at postgraduate Masters and PhD levels.
• To take full part in the Schools' overall research and teaching activities, as well as contributing to those of other Schools and Departments, where beneficial.
• To contribute to the development of academic leaders within the University, where appropriate.
• To contribute to the determination of the academic quality standards framework throughout the University.
• To ensure that the teaching activity achieves the educational quality standards of the School and University.

Person Specification

• An international reputation in one or more of the areas of educational linguistics listed above.
• A significant range of publications in the above research area/s, ideally in top-tier outlets.
• Active research interest in one or more of the areas of educational linguistics listed above, with significant experience in these areas to be able to contribute to building on the established research profile of the MOSAIC Centre (2008-2018) and charting future directions.
• Academic leadership in the following ways:
• To provide strategic leadership for the Language-in-Education Research and Teaching Group
• To exercise leadership internally and externally both in their field of knowledge and, as leading educationists, applying their generic knowledge and skills as researchers and scholars.
• To draw upon expertise in their own field of knowledge and as leading educationists to give leadership in developing and sustaining the scale and quality of teaching and learning in the full range of programmes offered in the language-in-education field within the School.
• To undertake leadership roles in ways that ensure that the School maintains its position as a leading centre for research and teaching and, taking account of the contemporary emphasis on lifelong learning, extending its work into new areas.

The person appointed will:

• Deliver research-led teaching and learning that contributes to an exceptional student experience;
• Deliver top quality research outputs that contribute to impact and innovation;
• Play a significant leadership role in the organisation of the School in terms of teaching, learning and research

Essential

• Specific knowledge in one or more of the areas of educational linguistics specified above.
• Expert knowledge of the complexities of practice in relation to education and learning.
• Expertise in working co-operatively with external agencies and other research communities.
• A high level of critical analysis when managing data and literature.
• Familiarity with educational and academic management processes. Academic ability as demonstrated through publications of international significance and international excellence.
• An established track record in research capacity building and in the support and training of doctoral and early career researchers
• Leadership and organisational skills as demonstrated through the ability to inspire others, prioritise workloads and work autonomously as well as part of a team.
• A high level of communication skills in a range of media within both an academic and non-academic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ample experience of supervision of students in post-graduate taught programmes and ample experience of supervision of doctoral researchers to successful completion
• Supervision and educational skills to meet the learning needs have professionally and non-professionally qualified staff.
• Evidence of developing and delivering excellence and enhancement in design and delivery of teaching, both undergraduate and postgraduate, which delivers research-intensive teaching that engages students and leads to excellent outcomes
• Extensive experience of leading and managing research projects
• Experience of a range of publication media, and of publishing work of international standing.
• Experience of supporting a range of academic activities commensurate with a national reputation e.g. editorial activity, research project advisor, advisor to organisations in their development, invited speaker.
• Experience as an educationalist in higher education.
• Experience of conducting research and / or education in partnership with service users.
• A PhD in a related field.

Desirable

• A professional qualification may be advantageous. Willingness to assume a wider leadership role within the School.

Additional Information

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to thrive academically and make a contribution to a dynamic School, which is recognised globally for the quality of its research and programmes. We are happy to discuss flexible working.

As part of our senior recruitment process your application may be shared in confidence with two external assessors (these will typically be professors within a related academic field, but external to the University of Birmingham). Therefore your application may need to be sent outside the EEA. Their views may be sought on your suitability for shortlist and they will also be invited to be involved in electoral

board interviews. If you have any queries or concerns please contact workhere@bham.ac.uk to discuss further.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to thrive academically and make a contribution to a dynamic School, which is recognised globally for the quality of its research and programmes. We are happy to discuss flexible working.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Professor Julie Allan, Head of School j.allan.1@bham.ac.uk

Closing Date: 30 Jun 2019