Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Linguistics

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

About The Position

The College of the Liberal Arts at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Linguistics, starting Fall 2027, with flexibility. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, maintain an active research program at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Applied Linguistics, and pursue external research funding. The research program will use conceptual and computational approaches to investigate how AI is reshaping fundamental questions in applied linguistics and how the field can engage with these developments. Potential topics include theoretically informed applications of AI in language teaching, learning, and assessment; computational and AI-supported language research; generative AI and language use; human-AI interaction and communication; AI systems’ linguistic and communicative capacities; and the social, ethical, educational, and professional implications of AI. The standard teaching load is two courses per semester. The appointee will contribute to existing undergraduate and graduate courses, develop new courses related to AI and Applied Linguistics, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, supervise doctoral research, and provide service and leadership to the Department, College, University, and relevant professional communities. The Department offers a collaborative and intellectually diverse setting, with opportunities for interdisciplinary work with Penn State scholars, centers, and initiatives focused on AI and its applications and implications. Complete applications include a detailed letter describing the candidate’s research and teaching trajectory and future plans, a CV, a relevant writing sample or publication, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and contact information for three references. Review begins November 20, 2026, and continues until the position is filled. Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics, Computational Linguistics, Linguistic Anthropology, Educational Linguistics, Second Language Studies, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
An established or emerging research profile at the intersection of AI and Applied Linguistics.
Evidence of or potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring.

Responsibilities

Maintain an active research and scholarly publication program at the intersection of AI and Applied Linguistics.
Pursue external funding to support the research program.
Contribute to shaping the Department’s engagement with AI in research, teaching, and curriculum development.
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses, with a standard load of two courses per semester.
Contribute to existing courses and develop new courses related to AI and Applied Linguistics.
Mentor undergraduate and graduate students and supervise doctoral research in areas related to the appointee’s expertise.
Contribute service and leadership to the Department, College, University, and relevant professional communities.