Vacante UGent: Professor in Translation Studies focused on Translation History and/or Translation Ethics

Discipline: Translation Studies focused on Translation History and/or Translation Ethics. 100% Assistant professor tenure track at the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy.

About the role

The Department of Translation, Interpreting and Communication offers a Bachelor degree in Applied Language Studies (German, English, French, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Spanish, Turkish), three one-year Masters degrees (Translation, Interpreting, Multilingual Communication), one two-year Master of Education, and three one-year postgraduate degrees (Conference Interpreting, Computer Assisted Language Mediation, Dutch and Translation).

The successful candidate will engage in academic teaching, research, and services, with an earliest starting date of 1 September 2021.

Responsibilities

Academic Education

• Lecture various course units in Dutch, English, German, Italian, or Spanish at Bachelor, Master, or Postgraduate level, aligned with the needs of the assigned language section.
• Supervise Bachelor papers and Masters’ theses of students in the Department of Translation, Interpreting and Communication.

Academic Research

• Conduct research within the TRACE research group at Ghent University, in collaboration with the Centre for Literature in Translation (CLIV), an association research group with the Free University of Brussels (VUB).
• Focus research on Translation History and/or Translation Ethics, examining the role of translation and ethical decisions by translators in historical and/or current social contexts to reveal social criticism and power relationships.
• Coordinate research projects and attract funding for innovative initiatives in Translation History and/or Translation Ethics.
• Disseminate research findings in peer-reviewed journals, monographs, tier I conferences, and to non-academic audiences.

Academic Services

• Participate in internal and external service provision for the Department of Translation, Interpreting and Communication.

Requirements

• Hold a thesis-based doctorate or an equivalent recognized diploma (article V.20 Codex Higher Education). For non-EU diplomas, a certificate of equivalence from NARIC may be required by the appointment date.
• Have at least two years of postdoctoral experience by 1 September 2021.
• Be a native speaker of Dutch or willing to reach C1 proficiency within three years of recruitment. Academic English must be at C1 level.

Qualifications

• Conducted eminent academic research in Translation Studies, demonstrated by publications in high-quality journals and peer-reviewed books.
• Proven ability to initiate, supervise, and secure funding for academic research.
• Didactic skills to teach university students and develop academic competencies.
• International mobility, such as research stays at external institutions, is recommended.
• Positively evaluated experience in academic lecturing is advantageous.

Skills

• Initiative-driven and innovative in approaching translation studies.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within and across research groups.
• Flexibility to engage in departmental tasks and commitments.

Appointment Information

This is a temporary tenure-track appointment for five years. Upon positive evaluation by the University Board, the position will convert to a permanent appointment as an associate professor. The earliest possible recruitment date is 1 September 2021.

Benefits

• Career and evaluation policy focused on talent development, vision, and strategy.
• Comprehensive career support, coaching, and training opportunities, including basic teacher training and language courses.
• Employee benefits such as bike allowance, public transport reimbursement, daycare, sports facilities, and EcoCheques.
• Support for international staff, including housing options, relocation bonus, assistance with administrative procedures, and discounted tuition at the International School for school-aged children.
• Starting Grant of €210,000 for newly appointed academic staff (minimum 50% appointment) to support research team establishment.

Selection Procedure

Applications will be evaluated by a faculty assessment committee based on education, research, and scientific service. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for further selection, including interviews, presentations, or test lectures. The committee will rank suitable candidates and present recommendations to the Faculty Board and University Board for approval. Candidates should highlight their top 5 academic publications or achievements, including knowledge transfer activities.

International mobility is broadly evaluated, considering gender perspectives and various forms of international engagement. Absences such as parental leave or sick leave are accounted for in evaluating academic output.