THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
With over 85 years of rich heritage, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has evolved alongside society and made pivotal contributions to the development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The University pursues world-class excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer to nurture socially responsible leaders and professionals, as well as to drive impactful research and innovation. PolyU will strive to continually excel as an innovative world-class university that makes a positive impact on society, living up to the University’s motto: “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”.
Ranked among the top 100 universities globally by well-known ranking organisations such as Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE) and U.S. News & World Report, PolyU offers a wide range of world-class educational and research programmes in seven faculties (including the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences to be established on 1 January 2025) and three independent schools. PolyU has furthermore achieved remarkable results in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 - it is ranked in the global top 20 for five subjects, is first in Hong Kong for four subjects, and is in the global top 100 for 21 subjects.
For further details about the University, please visit PolyU’s website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/.
LANGUAGE EDUCATION INSTITUTE
[To be established on 1 July 2025]
The Language Education Institute (LEI), a new academic unit to be established on 1 July 2025, will formulate policies, design curricula and deliver teaching activities for the education of languages among students at PolyU, focusing mainly on the Chinese and English languages. LEI will strive to become a regional and international leader in language education, particularly in the application of the latest technologies in language learning, teaching and assessment. It will drive scholarship and best practices in language education among the PolyU community.
LEI will comprise the Chinese Language Centre (CLC), English Language Centre (ELC) and Technology-Enhanced Language Education Centre (TELEC), which are constituent units with their own Directors. CLC and ELC will offer service teaching in Chinese and English for all students in the University while TELEC will undertake service language teaching using digital learning platforms and technological tools such as artificial intelligence and immersive technologies. In addition, LEI will support the University in developing language education policies and curricula, mainly for the Chinese and English languages and develop best practices and tools for technology-enhanced pedagogies.
Director of Language Education Institute (Ref. 241029004-IE)
The successful candidate will be appointed to a senior academic position at the Professor or Chair Professor level with appropriate terms, commensurate with his/her qualifications and experience, and will hold a concurrent directorship appointment, which is normally for a three-year term of office on a renewable basis.
Job Functions
The position calls for a visionary and inspiring leader with a strong drive for excellence. Reporting to the Vice President (Education), the appointee will be required to assume the following responsibilities:-
(a) provide visionary and innovative leadership and oversee the planning, operation, initiatives and strategies of LEI to ensure effective language learning, teaching and assessment at PolyU;
(b) develop and implement language education policies and curricula, mainly for the Chinese and English languages, in alignment with the University’s mission;
(c) ensure high-quality teaching to nurture students as effective communicators within a whole-person educational framework;
(d) advance pedagogical approaches, particularly those enabled by digital learning platforms and technological tools, including artificial intelligence and immersive technologies, for effective language learning, teaching and assessment;
(e) collaborate with departments and units in the University to bridge pedagogical approaches and practical needs in language teaching, learning, and assessment;
(f) ensure effective communication with LEI staff and other stakeholders that leads to transparent decision-making;
(g) ensure optimal deployment of human, financial and other resources in LEI; and
(h) undertake other duties as assigned by the Vice President (Education) or the Central Management Team of the University from time to time.
Qualifications
Applicants should have:
(a) a PhD degree in Applied Linguistics, Language Education, or a related field;
(b) a distinguished record in research and scholarship in language education or a related discipline, and a strong track record as an excellent teacher;
(c) attainment of an academic rank of full professor or above at an internationally recognised university;
(d) a track record of driving educational innovation through the application of digital learning platforms, artificial intelligence and other emerging educational technologies for language teaching and learning;
(e) strong leadership in education policy development, curriculum design and pedagogical best practices that leverage technological tools to enhance language education;
(f) a demonstrated commitment to excellence in language teaching, educational research and innovations, quality assurance and programme evaluation; and
(g) excellent communication, interpersonal, resource management and team-building skills.
Conditions of Service
Terms of appointment and remuneration package are negotiable and highly competitive. For general information on terms and conditions for appointment of academic staff in the University, please visit the website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/docdrive/careers/doc/Prof.pdf.
Application and Nomination
The University invites applications and nominations for this appointment. Please submit an application through PolyU’s career website (https://jobs.polyu.edu.hk/deans_heads). Candidature may also be recommended by nominations via email to the Chairman of the Search Committee for recruitment of Director of Language Education Institute at hrsclei@polyu.edu.hk. Consideration of applications and nominations will commence on 9 December 2024 until the position is filled. General information about the University is available at http://www.polyu.edu.hk or from the Human Resources Office [Tel: (852) 2766 5305]. The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/careers/pics_for_recruitment.
PolyU is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering an environment that embraces diversity and demonstrates inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and experiences where all members of the University are treated with fairness, dignity and respect. To learn more about the University’s “Statement on Equal Opportunities, Diversity, and Inclusion”, please visit our website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/equal_opportunities_diversity_and_inclusion/.
