​​Vacancies​​

Keyword

Location

Assistant Professor and Language Programme Coordinator

Entity

Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations

Location

London, United Kingdom

Introduction

The Aga Khan University (International) in the United Kingdom is recruiting a full-time position for leading its upcoming Language Centre. The incumbent will have proven leadership skills with experience of establishing and managing successful revenue-generating programmes. The position will involve full academic duties including research, teaching and administration of language programmes.

Responsibilities

Main Duties

Research

  • Undertake research activities in the field of specialisation consistent with the interests of AKU-ISMC and in consultation with the Dean and Head of Research, AKU-ISMC.
  • Pursue in-depth, independent research with important contributions to the field.
  • Establish informal links and research contacts with peers at other institutions in the UK and internationally.
  • Apply for external research funding independently and/or in collaboration with colleagues.
  • Share research findings with colleagues within and outside AKU-ISMC.
  • Publish research through peer-reviewed journal articles and/or book chapters in English.
  • Supervise PhD students, as required.
  • Actively engage in research activities within AKU-ISMC.

 

Teaching

  • Organise, plan and deliver the Institute’s current and future language programmes.
  • Teach Arabic and Persian on the Institute’s MA in Muslim Cultures (a minimum of 2 courses per semester), short courses (minimum of 2 per academic year), summer programme and other activities, as required.
  • Ensure consistent high standard in teaching.
  • Contribute to the activities aimed at improving teaching quality at AKU-ISMC.
  • Work towards obtaining HEA (Advance HE) fellowship.
  • Supervise students on AKU-ISMC’s Masters programme.

 

Service

  • Take responsibility for the development, management and administration of language programme for MA, short courses, summer programme and other educational activities
  • Develop and implement appropriate standards, develop and review curriculum, pedagogical and assessment requirements for the language programme
  • Develop and coordinate evaluation of language programme at the end of each semester. Discuss outcomes and recommendations with the Head of Educational Programmes
  • Plan and coordinate language assessments for students before the start of each academic year, and as required, during the year
  • Plan and organise language immersion programme for MA students. Coordinate administrative aspects of the programme including liaison with partner institutions and dealing with Programme Administrator and Student Services Officer for logistics arrangements
  • Participate in committee work within AKU and AKU-ISMC, as required.
  • Actively contribute to AKU-ISMC’s academic programmes and activities.
  • Undertake specific projects or activities, as required, from time to time by the Dean and Senior Management Team of AKU-ISMC.

Requirements

 

Requirements

Essential

• PhD in a related discipline

• Strong knowledge of Arabic and Persian texts and historical contexts of the language with demonstrated ability to teach students at an advanced level

• Ability to develop short courses in national and regional languages spoken in Muslim societies 

• Excellent pedagogical skills and substantial teaching experience; including designing and delivering courses to non-native speakers at post-graduate level 

• Experience of teaching and supervising a culturally diverse group of students

• Strong commitment to excellence in teaching, advising, and working in a multicultural environment that fosters diversity and dedication to quality/development of student learning 

• Track record of planning and administration of language programme(s), with excellent organisational skills

• Sensitivity to the challenges and opportunities of teaching a second language

• Demonstrable familiarity with a range of approaches to language teaching and language assessment

• Excellent command of English with excellent communication and leadership skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels 

• High quality publications appropriate to the candidate’s years of experience


Desirable

• Familiarity with language centres abroad for the teaching of Arabic and Persian

• Ability to motivate students and to adopt/develop innovative methods of language teaching

• Experience of managing a team of language instructors

• Strong team working skills with good self-motivation and the ability to work autonomously 

• Evidence of public engagement 

Considerable knowledge of contemporary debates concerning Muslim societies, and willingness to engage in public discussions about such issues

 

To Apply

Please email your CV and cover letter to ismc.personnel@aku.edu

Applications should be submitted latest by November 4, 2020