Title of post: Assistant Professor in Spanish

Location: University of Limerick

Reports to: Head of Department

Contract type: Permanent

Salary scale: €49,424 - €67,221 p.a.

Portal for applications: University" target="_blank">https://universityvacancies.com/universi... of Limerick Vacancies

Job Synopsis:

The School of Modern Languages and Applied Linguistics (MLAL) at the University of Limerick (UL) invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Spanish. Research and teaching within MLAL spans a wide range of areas, including cultural studies (with particular strengths in cinema, graphic narratives, and digital cultures), Hispanic politics and society, Spanish language pedagogy, second language acquisition, digital technologies, and the pedagogical and scholarly use of artificial intelligence in language learning. MLAL’s research profile is characterised by a strong commitment to rigorous scholarship with demonstrable social relevance, supported by a robust track record of securing competitive national and international research funding. The school hosts several interdisciplinary research centres, including the Centre for Applied Language Studies, the Centre for European Studies, the Centre for Irish German Studies, and the Ralahine Centre for Utopian Studies. These affiliations provide a rich intellectual environment and foster interdisciplinary collaboration across the University. Spanish at MLAL is committed to offering students an intellectually challenging and engaging educational experience that combines disciplinary knowledge with the development of transferable skills. Our high-quality curricula promote in-depth language learning alongside critical thinking, intercultural competence, and sustained engagement with contemporary social, political, and cultural issues. Teaching within the School is research led, and our pedagogical practices are designed to empower students as active, reflective, and independent learners. In addition to a vibrant portfolio of undergraduate programmes, the school supports a growing community of postgraduate students across taught Master’s and doctoral pathways, providing an excellent foundation for the development of early career researchers in Hispanic Studies and related fields. If you are passionate about advancing in the field of Hispanic Studies within a leading academic institution, we encourage you to apply or this exciting opportunity. Candidates should have a PhD in Hispanic Studies or a closely cognate discipline. The school seeks to strengthen its expertise in emerging fields and particularly welcomes applicants whose work engages with Digital Humanities, Translation Studies (particularly at the interface between translation and digital technologies), and AI in language learning.

Qualifications:

• A doctoral degree (NFQ Level 10 or equivalent) in Hispanic Studies or a cognate discipline.

University of Limerick is a research-led, energetic and enterprising institution with a proud record of innovation and excellence in education and scholarship. We value creativity, curiosity and excellence in our inclusive community which is committed to social good. Our motto Eagna chun Gnímh translates as Wisdom for Action, reflecting our mission to contribute to the discovery of new knowledge for a better world.

Research, Scholarship, and Innovation

The School of Modern Languages and Applied Linguistics at the University of Limerick seeks candidates who can show evidence of quality research outputs with impact, both within and beyond academia. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in their discipline with the potential to grow as a future research leader. Impact or prospective impact in one’s research, aligned with international standards is essential. Evidence of excellence in research and scholarship is expected, commensurate with their career stage. This includes but is not limited to the following:

• A proven track record of research outputs, including publications in leading peer-reviewed international journals and with reputable academic presses (books/monographs), commensurate with career stage.


• Evidence of publication in leading peer-reviewed international journals, presentations at international conferences, and publication of peer-reviewed book chapters, books and/or monographs as appropriate to disciplinary norms.


• Evidence of a coherent strategy for future research dissemination.


• Experience or collaborations with international networks in the discipline domain are highly desirable. We especially encourage applicants with drive and ambition to apply for external research funding and create impact through research. The preparation and submission of applications for extramural research funding will be expected as part of the Assistant Professor role.


• Knowledge of the external funding environment or engagement with the process of initiating external research funding and preferably demonstrating the potential of achieving competitively won national or international funding as principal investigator or co-investigator.


• Experience in supervision of student research projects at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.

Mentorship and Career Planning

The appointee may be assigned a mentor within or outside of the School of MLAL, under the UL Mentorship programme, to guide their career development. A range of supports for career advancement is available. Working with their mentor and Head of School during their first year of service, the Assistant Professor will develop a career plan as part of professional development. The plan will foster a long-term career orientation that will set the faculty member on course for developing an international profile in their discipline and carving out a rewarding and satisfying academic career.

University of Limerick has a range of research resources in place across the ecosystem, from proposal development, post-award, technology transfer, research impact, ethics, and research integrity, together with administrative support at School, Faculty, and University levels.

Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

The University of Limerick encourages scholarship and research in teaching and learning to help ensure that effective teaching is valued, supported, and developed and to encourage innovation in teaching and learning activities. Enhancing the learning and development experience for both academics and students is a vital consideration for the University and is supported by the Centre for Transformative Learning.

University of Limerick offers pedagogical training to support faculty for a career in academia. In the first years of the role, the appointee should undertake University of Limerick’s Post-Graduate Certificate in Learning, Teaching & Assessment in Higher Education. This is not necessary if the applicant has already fully completed a similar qualification at another university. The appointee will be assigned relevant teaching modules by the Subject Head and/or Head of School. 

• Contributions to the delivery of modules (e.g. student assessment, delivery of lectures)


• Engagement in curriculum design and innovation.


• Participation in continuous professional development in university teaching and learning.


• Engagement with student learning, including the supervision of students (e.g. undergraduates and masters’ students)

Academic Service & Contribution to Society

The successful candidate will demonstrate a proactive, collegial approach and will actively contribute to advancing the strategic goals of the University and Faculty. While prior experience in service roles is advantageous, it is not required at the Assistant Professor level. Relevant Service contributions may include:

• Active contribution to the effective administration and functioning of the university, for example, serving on school/faculty/institute/university committees or boards.


• Participation in on-campus open days, student recruitment drives, and other appropriate outreach activities that contribute to the mission of the School/Department.


• Undertaking appropriate administrative and managerial tasks that benefit the discipline & institution


• Involvement in relevant academic & professional associations.

Candidates should hold a PhD in Hispanic Studies or a closely cognate discipline. The school seeks to strengthen its expertise in emerging fields and particularly welcomes applicants whose work engages with Digital Humanities, Translation Studies (particularly at the interface between translation and digital technologies), and AI in language learning. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver Spanish language modules alongside specialised content across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Essential Criteria:

• A doctoral degree (NFQ Level 10 or equivalent) in Hispanic Studies or a cognate discipline.


• A record of high-quality research outputs, appropriate to career stage.


• Evidence of publication in leading peer-reviewed international journals, and/or publication of peer-reviewed book chapters, books and/or monographs as appropriate to disciplinary norms in Hispanic Studies or closely related fields.


• Evidence of ability, or strong potential, to secure external competitive research funding.


• A minimum of two academic years’ experience teaching Spanish and/or Spanish Studies at university level (Level 8NFQ or equivalent).


• Demonstrated excellence and innovation in Hispanic Studies and/or Spanish language teaching, including the effective use of digital technologies and technology‑enhanced pedagogical approaches.


• Native or near‑native proficiency in both Spanish and English, written and spoken (CEFR C2 or equivalent).


• Demonstrated versatility in teaching across a range of Spanish language and content modules, including willingness to teach outside the candidate’s primary area of research specialism.


• Evidence of effective administrative and organisational skills within an academic environment.


• Demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively as a committed member of an academic team.


• Willingness to engage in public outreach, recruitment, and broader civic engagement activities.

Desirable Criteria:

• Specialisation in Translation Studies and/or technology in language learning, aligned with School priorities.


• Experience of PhD supervision and/or evidence of the capacity to provide high‑quality doctoral supervision.


• A recognised university teaching qualification and/or sustained engagement in continuing professional development in teaching and learning in higher education.


• Demonstrated awareness of translation practice and the translation industry, including experience with real‑world translation technologies, and/or experience as a practising translator.

Further Information for Candidates:

Pension Abatement

If an appointee has previously been employed in the Civil or Public Service and that appointee is entitled to or in receipt of a pension from the Civil or Public Service or where a Civil/Public Service pension comes into payment during the appointee’s re-employment that pension will be subject to abatement in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012.

Please note: In applying for this position you are acknowledging that you understand that the abatement provisions, where relevant, will apply. It is not envisaged that the employing Department/Office/Body will support an application for an abatement waiver in respect of appointments to this position.

Recruitment Procedures used at the University of Limerick (UL)

The University of Limerick uses a three-stage recruitment procedure: screening, shortlisting and interview. 

Screening: Initially applications for an advertised position are screened to determine if applicants have met the ‘Essential Criteria’ as outlined in the advertised job description. Only candidates who meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ will progress beyond this stage.

Shortlisting: Depending on the number of applications remaining, it may not be possible to interview every candidate who has passed the screening process. Therefore, at this stage the Selection Board for this position may review the applications which have passed screening and will select a final shortlist of candidates who in their view were most closely aligned to the post as advertised.

Interview: Once a shortlist has been finalised, all applicants will be notified of the status of their application.  The final shortlist of candidates will then be invited to interview. We aim to provide at least two weeks’ notice to all candidates.  The interview process may take the format of a standard interview and will include a presentation –you will be provided with details of this in your invitation to interview letter. Candidates may interview in person or also via video link – Microsoft Teams.

Benefits at the University of Limerick

Employees of the University of Limerick receive a variety of benefits including:

• Supported professional development under the https://www.ul.ie/hr/research-staff/rese... target="_blank" rel="noopener">Researcher Development Programme and https://www.ul.ie/hr/current-staff/learn... target="_blank" rel="noopener">Staff Training Programmes.


• Membership of the Public Sector https://www.ul.ie/hr/current-staff/pensi... target="_blank" rel="noopener">Single Public Service Pension Scheme.


• Membership of the https://www.ul.ie/sites/default/files/hr... target="_blank" rel="noopener">Income Continuance Plan


• The opportunity to join the University’s https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlo... target="_blank" rel="noopener">Additional Life Cover plan.


• Coverage in the UL https://www.ul.ie/hr/current-staff/hr-pr... target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sick Leave Scheme (available under “S” on the HR A-Z)


• Flexible working practices such as the https://www.ul.ie/hr/sites/hr/files/user... target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shorter Working Year Scheme.


• Preferential rates for https://www.ul.ie/hr/current-staff/pay-b... target="_blank" rel="noopener">health insurance.


• Employee wellness is a priority and a number of initiatives take place each year for the benefit of UL employees, see more athttps://www.ul.ie/hr/current-staff/be-we... target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Be Well at UL.


• Preferential rates for access to the https://www.ulsport.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UL Arena swimming pool and fitness centre.


• Equal opportunities at the University of Limerick

The University of Limerick holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advancing equality in higher education. The University of Limerick is an equal opportunities employer, is committed to selection on merit, welcoming applicants from all sections of the community. UL is committed to developing and maintaining a positive working environment, in which all employees are treated with dignity & respect. In pursuit of this, it is the policy of the University to provide all employees with an environment, which is free from bullying, harassment or victimisation of any form.  You can read more about UL’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion https://www.ul.ie/equality-diversity-inc... target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.

Additional Links:

https://www.ul.ie/UL_Strategic_Plan_2019... target="_blank" rel="noopener">Link to the University of Limerick’s Strategic Plan

https://www.ul.ie/vacancies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joint the Team in UL

https://www.ul.ie/hr/new-ul-staff-roadma... target="_blank" rel="noopener">Link to website for new staff

Culture Charter: The values and behavior’s outlined in the https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlo... target="_blank" rel="noopener">Culture Charter should guide how we act, interact and connect with one another in the challenges and successes of university life.

Qualifications: Please take note of the essential qualifications for this position as listed in the job description, if you are successful in being offered this position, the offer will be made pending the Chair of the selection committee, verifying your qualifications. Therefore, after the interview you will be required to forward your transcripts to the Chair by email. No contract of employment will be issued until all required documentation is received.