Dean of the Faculty of Modern Languages, University of Warsaw invites applications for the position of assistant professor (research academics) at the Faculty of Modern Languages

WNF-120/28/2024

Dean of the Faculty of Modern Languages, University of Warsaw invites applications for the position of assistant professor (research academics) at the Faculty of Modern Languages

Number of positions – one

Job status – full time

Type of contract – time-limited contract, 36 months

Total gross salary: up to PLN 7300 – 8800

Envisaged job starting date – October 1^th, 2024

Project and Action description:

The recruited research post doc will perform activities in the OPUS LAP project entitled: “Digital tools for vocabulary acquisition in L2 and L3. A cross-linguistic investigation” carried out in cooperation with the University of Fribourg in Switzerland.

The project aims to deepen knowledge about the mechanisms of acquiring second language (L2) and third language (L3) vocabulary. In particular, we will use digital tools to examine the mechanisms of incidental and intentional word acquisition. To better understand these processes, the project will cover several languages in two countries: Poland and Switzerland. In the first part of the project, we will investigate vocabulary learning while writing essays in which learners are asked to use academic words that are unfamiliar to them. We will closely monitor the writing process using

a keylogger and, partially, eye tracking. We will measure what learners pay attention to and what they try to understand. In the second part of the project, we will check how words are learned incidentally while watching English-language films with or without subtitles. We will also use an eye tracker to track eye movements while watching films. We will measure the effectiveness of word learning and use an eye tracker to examine how selected words are processed by viewers and how this processing affects their learning.

Competition requirements:

The successful candidate shall comply with the requirements specified in art. 113 of The Law on Higher Education and Science of 20 July 2018 (Journal of Laws 2018, item 1668 with amendments), and will present the following:

• hold a PhD in the discipline of social sciences in the field of psychology or a PhD in the discipline of humanities in the field of linguistics, or a related field (e.g. cognitive science);
• scientific achievements documented by publications in renowned international journals (the candidate should be the first author of at least one published paper in a journal from the JCR list);
• experience in the use of the eye-tracking systems including the EyeLink and experience in using eye tracking in linguistic or psycholinguistic research; 
• knowledge of experimental research methods and documented experienced in conducting such research;
• research experience with audiovisual data (and subtitling)
• advanced knowledge of statistical analysis software (SPSS and/or R) and skills in data analysis (in R and/or SPSS);
• proficiency in English (written and spoken) at the C2 level (proficiency in other languages of the project is welcome);
• documented ability to work in research teams (e.g. NCN-funded projects, or projects funded by international agencies);
• excellent organizational and time management skills;
• excellent computer skills, including MS Office (Word, Excel).

Additionally, the following are appreciated:

• ability to carry out linear mixed effects modelling;
• intermediate-level proficiency in Polish.

Main duties of the position:  

• conducting eye-tracking research tasks in the project
• preparing experimental stimuli in cooperation with other members of the research team;
• preparing protocols for EyeLink 1000 Plus/ EyeLink Portable Duo eye tracker;
• piloting the stimuli in Poland and Switzerland;
• conducting the eye-tracking part of Track 1 and Track 2 studies in Poland and Switzerland;
• processing the eyetracking data;
• conducting statistical analyses on the data;
• taking part in data interpretation and dissemination of the results;
• taking part in other tasks necessary to carry out the project as requested by the Principal Investigator.

Candidates are asked to submit the following documents:

1. Letter of application to His Magnificence Rector
2. Information on the processing of personal data (the form is available at the University of Warsaw webpage: https://bsp.adm.uw.edu.pl/bsp-druki-do-pobrania/)
3. Statement on reading and accepting the rules for job applications for a position of an academic teacher at the University of Warsaw (the form is available at the Faculty of Modern Languages webpage: https://neofilologia.uw.edu.pl/konkursy-i-procedury-awansowe/formularze…)
4. PhD of the diploma
5. Professional CV in English with a publications list
6. Cover Letter in English
7. PDFs of up to 5 publications most relevant for the project
8. Filled-in personal data form (the form is available at the University of Warsaw webpage: https://bsp.adm.uw.edu.pl/bsp-druki-do-pobrania/)
9. Letter of reference from a professor or a person who holds a certificate of habilitation degree or habilitation-equivalent qualification in Humanities
10. Other important information and documents regarding the candidate’s interests and qualifications (at the candidate’s discretion)

The call is the first stage of the procedure for recruitment to the position of academic teacher specified in the Statutes of the University of Warsaw, and its positive outcome constitutes the basis for further proceedings.

Interviews with the selected candidates are scheduled between 10 and 22 May 2024.

The University of Warsaw reserves the right to cancel the competition without giving any reason.

Applications should be sent by email to: a.otwinowska@uw.edu.pl(with the subject line: „Post-doc/OPUS/2024”). The deadline for submitting documents is(08.05.2024). The expected date of the competition result is (07.06.2024). The Competition Committee reserves the right to respond only to selected applications by e-mail and to record the interview in minutes. The competition is the first stage of the employment procedure for academic teachers under the Statute of the University of Warsaw.