At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research and teaching in Chinese language education.
- Company: Department of Education and St Antony’s College, pioneering a Centre of Excellence.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape the future of Chinese learning in the UK.
- Why this job: Be a trailblazer in transforming Chinese language education across schools.
- Qualifications: Expertise in Chinese language teaching and research experience.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to impactful educational initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Department of Education and St Antony’s College intend to appoint a Professor of Learning and Teaching of Chinese who will provide leadership in teaching and research at the highest level in Chinese learning and teaching. The Department of Education is currently in the process of establishing a Centre of Excellence for Learning and Teaching Chinese as a result of a generous donation from John Swire & Sons Ltd. This Centre will support and expand on the work of The Swire Chinese Language Foundation which has widened the learning of Mandarin Chinese in Britain over the last several years.
The successful appointee will be the inaugural endowed Chair and Director of this Centre. The aim of this initiative is to transform the study of Chinese (Mandarin) in the school system across the UK. The Centre will provide initial and continuing teacher education and the successful appointee will undertake associated world-leading research in collaboration with a network of schools across the country. It is expected to become fully operational in 2026.
The Centre will be an important addition to the Department’s work on how learners develop in the areas of language, literacy and related cognitive and development capabilities. Two other appointees will work with the Director of the Centre in the first instance: a Departmental Lecturer in Mandarin Learning and Teaching (who has already been appointed), and an Associate Professor in Chinese Language Education who will be recruited in 2026.
The successful candidate, as the inaugural Director, will play a key role in the development of the Centre of Excellence for Learning and Teaching Chinese and will carry out international level research in the field of Chinese language learning and teaching. They will pursue a research agenda that situates Chinese language learning and teaching within wider social, cultural, and political contexts. They will be expected to engage critically with the global rise of Chinese as a world language and to explore the socio-cultural and policy dimensions of language education as they operate across multiple scales — from transnational and national frameworks to local communities and families.
They will be expected to supervise doctoral students and to participate in the work of the Centre. They will also be expected to contribute to teaching in the Department as the integration of Chinese language offerings in our programmes evolves, such as PCGE (Modern Languages), MSc in Learning and Teaching (Modern Languages), and PGDip in Learning and Teaching Mandarin. The Department would particularly welcome applicants with a research focus that has applications to Chinese language learning and teaching in schools in order to fulfil the Centre’s aim of bridging research knowledge and good pedagogical practices.
Professorship in Learning and Teaching of Chinese in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Professorship in Learning and Teaching of Chinese in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to colleagues, attend conferences, and engage with professionals in the field of Chinese language education. Building connections can lead to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can highlight your research, teaching philosophy, and any innovative projects you've been involved in. This will make you stand out when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by anticipating questions related to your vision for the Centre of Excellence. Think about how you can contribute to transforming Chinese language education in the UK and be ready to share your ideas.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Professorship in Learning and Teaching of Chinese in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Chinese Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for teaching and learning Chinese shine through. We want to see how you can inspire others and contribute to the Centre's mission of transforming Chinese language education in the UK.
Highlight Your Research Experience: Make sure to detail any relevant research you've done in the field of Chinese language learning and teaching. We’re looking for someone who can engage critically with the socio-cultural aspects of language education, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to customise your application to align with the specific goals of the Centre of Excellence. We appreciate when candidates connect their experiences and skills directly to our vision for enhancing Chinese language education.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to hit that 'Apply' button on our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us smoothly. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and research in Chinese language education. Brush up on the socio-cultural and policy dimensions of language teaching, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for transforming Chinese language learning in the UK. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with communities or schools to promote Mandarin, and be ready to discuss your vision for the Centre of Excellence.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the Department’s goals and the Centre’s future. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the role aligns with your aspirations.
✨Highlight Collaborative Experience
Since the role involves working with other educators and researchers, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative projects. Share how you’ve successfully led teams or worked alongside others to enhance language education.