At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach Chinese Studies, focusing on cinema, visual culture, and contemporary literature.
- Company: Durham University, a leading institution in Modern Languages and Cultures.
- Benefits: Gain valuable teaching experience and contribute to innovative curriculum development.
- Other info: Fixed term role for 12 months, starting September 2026.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a significant impact in Chinese Studies.
- Qualifications: Fluent in Chinese and English with teaching experience in Chinese Studies.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 € per year.
The School of Modern Languages and Cultures (MLAC) at Durham University seeks to appoint a talented individual to the role of Teaching Fellow in Chinese Studies. The appointment will be on a fixed term full-time (1 FTE) basis for twelve months, starting on 1 September 2026, replacing Professor Qing Cao while he undertakes a Leverhulme Research Fellowship.
We invite applications for those with research expertise in Chinese Studies, particularly from candidates with interests in film studies, visual culture, and contemporary cultural and literary studies. The post offers an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to the development of internationally excellent teaching while allowing you the opportunity to progress and embed your career in an exciting and progressive institution. While independent research is not part of the role, the postholder will be able to participate in the School's research community.
MLAC is one of the largest and most successful such Schools in the UK and is ranked joint 40th (7th in the UK) in the 2026 QS World Rankings by Subject. It brings together research in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hispanic Studies, Italian, Japanese, and Russian Studies. Our reach spans Europe, the Arab world, Russophone Eurasia, Hispanic America, and East Asia, and their mutual socio-cultural, intellectual, and linguistic relations. Our expertise ranges from the medieval and early modern periods through to the contemporary era, with particular strengths in visual arts and culture, the relationship between the sciences and the humanities, textual scholarship, gender and sexuality studies, critical and cultural theory, travel literature, creative writing, and translation.
The Role
Applications are invited for a Teaching Fellow in Chinese Studies. The post is at 1 FTE for a fixed term of 12 months, beginning on 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. As the post is funded by a Leverhulme Trust award, we do not anticipate that it will be extended beyond this fixed term.
The successful applicant will have excellent Chinese and English language skills (L1 language proficiency or near-equivalent in both cases), as well as research expertise and teaching experience in Chinese Studies. You should be able to teach aspects of Chinese cinema, film, visual culture, and contemporary literary and cultural studies. You will be fully integrated into the Chinese Studies team within Durham University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures and you will be expected to contribute to the delivery of teaching on the BA in Chinese Studies and other relevant undergraduate and postgraduate programmes as appropriate, to include curriculum development, the convening of modules, and all aspects of assessment.
Teaching Fellowships offer the opportunity of valuable experience to those early in their academic careers. The post of Teaching Fellow will involve a significant teaching load, which may extend into the summer period, and there may be related scholarship and the opportunity for administrative duties which relate to education and pedagogy.
The post is for a fixed term only, and it is not anticipated that the post will be extended beyond this fixed term. Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Teaching Fellow in Chinese Studies - Durham in Sherburn Hill employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters academic excellence and innovation. As a Teaching Fellow in Chinese Studies, you will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and collaboration within a leading institution renowned for its research and teaching quality. With access to a diverse community of scholars and the opportunity to engage in curriculum development, this role provides a meaningful platform for shaping the future of Chinese Studies while contributing to a globally respected academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Fellow in Chinese Studies - Durham in Sherburn Hill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Durham University, especially in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures. A friendly chat can give us insights into the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Chinese cinema and contemporary cultural studies. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through, so brush up on recent trends and key figures in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teaching style! If you get the chance, share a mini-lesson or discuss your teaching philosophy during the interview. We love seeing how you engage students and make learning exciting.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to contribute to our vibrant academic community.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Fellow in Chinese Studies - Durham in Sherburn Hill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Expertise:Make sure to highlight your research expertise in Chinese Studies, especially if you have a focus on film studies or visual culture. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Teaching Fellow position. Mention your teaching experience and how it relates to the modules you'll be involved in. This helps us see you as a perfect fit for our team.
Language Skills Matter:Since excellent Chinese and English language skills are crucial, make sure to emphasise your proficiency in both languages. We’re looking for candidates who can communicate effectively in both, so let that shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials properly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our vibrant community at Durham.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Chinese cinema, visual culture, and contemporary literary studies. Be ready to discuss specific films or texts that relate to your expertise, as this will show your passion and depth of understanding.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous teaching experiences, especially in relation to curriculum development and module convening. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged students or adapted your teaching methods to suit different learning styles.
✨Engage with the Research Community
Even though independent research isn't part of the role, express your enthusiasm for participating in the School's research community. Mention any collaborative projects or interdisciplinary work you've been involved in, as this can highlight your team spirit.
✨Practice Your Language Skills
Since excellent Chinese and English language skills are crucial, consider doing a mock interview in both languages. This will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your proficiency and ability to communicate effectively in both languages during the interview.
