Assistant Professor, Second Language Acquisition

Job Description Summary

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

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Benefits Summary

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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

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