The Institute of English Studies at the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, is looking to hire a full-time assistant / doctoral student for a four-year teaching and research position, with the possibility of a fifth year. The candidate will be expected to teach between two and four hours a semester, and write a dissertation under the supervision of Prof. Patrick Vincent.
Profile
Candidates should have completed an MA degree in English or Comparative Literature, or be near completion. They should have an excellent track record in literary studies and a demonstrated ability to write in English. They should also be highly organized, able to work independently, and passionate about literature.
We especially encourage candidates with a demonstrated research interest in one of the following, or similar areas: the long Romantic period; Wordsworth; Byron; Romantic women writers; 19th century American literature (especially Thoreau and the Transcendentalists); travel literature; cultural exchanges between Great Britain, Europe and America; cultural history of the Alps; literature and political theory; literature and environment; 20th century American poetry.
Responsibilities
Half of our assistants’ workload is dedicated to the research and writing of a doctoral thesis. They are required to teach one or two sections of our first-year “Literature and Writing Workshop” per semester (2/h week), which focuses on close analysis of texts and composition. They are also expected to participate in light administrative duties such as book orders and planning of academic and social events.
Conditions
Save in exceptional circumstances, candidates cannot apply more than five years after obtaining their MA. The position is renewed yearly, based on the successful fulfilment of work duties and the satisfactory progress of the thesis. The starting monthly salary is CHF 5’381.50.
Workplace
The Institute of English Studies at the University of Neuchâtel is a small but vibrant community of researchers, teachers, and students devoted to the study of English linguistics and literature. We offer BA- and MA-level programs in English, and we participate in the Swiss CUSO doctoral school. For more on the Institute, click here.
Neuchâtel is a pleasant town in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, tucked in between a lake and the Jura mountains. For more on the University and town of Neuchâtel, click here.
Application
- a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position, and indicating your research interests
- a CV, with an academic reference who can be contacted
- an academic transcript
- a writing sample (e.g. an academic essay or, if relevant, a published article)
Please submit your application before 15 November 2020
For questions and to submit your application, please write to Patrick Vincent (patrick.vincent@unine.ch)