Soka University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position in the World Language Center, with shared teaching in the TESOL Master’s Program. Duties include graduate TESOL education, undergraduate English language education, and applied linguistics research. Start: April 2027.
Soka University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position in the World Language Center (WLC), with significant shared teaching responsibilities in the International Language Education: TESOL Master’s Program within the Graduate School of Letters. The successful candidate will contribute to graduate TESOL education, undergraduate communicative English programs, and research in applied linguistics or language education. The appointment will begin in April 2027.
Program Information
The World Language Center (WLC) coordinates the university’s communicative English curriculum. Courses include general English communication, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), English for Specific Purposes (ESP), test preparation, and content-based language courses designed in collaboration with faculty across academic departments.
For more information:
https://www.soka.ac.jp/en/wlc
The International Language Education: TESOL Master’s Program is a two-year graduate program designed to prepare teachers for diverse international educational contexts. The program enrolls both Japanese and international students twice annually (April and September), with cohorts of approximately 6–7 students each. All courses are conducted in English.
For more information:
https://www.soka.ac.jp/en/academics/graduate/grad-let/tesol/
Faculty members in the ILE: TESOL Program may also have opportunities to participate in the English-medium track of the Applied Linguistics and English Language Pedagogy Doctoral Program by supervising doctoral research and serving on dissertation examination committees.
For more information:
https://www.soka.ac.jp/en/academics/graduate/grad-let/doctoral-programs/...
Position Responsibilities
Responsibilities include:
- Teaching a combination of graduate TESOL courses and undergraduate communicative English courses in the World Language Center
- Supervising MA theses and curriculum development projects
- Contributing to graduate program administration and curriculum development
- Maintaining an active research profile and presenting at national and international conferences
- Opportunities to participate in the Applied Linguistics and English Language Pedagogy doctoral program (e.g., supervising doctoral students or serving on dissertation committees)
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Applied Linguistics, Language Education, TESOL, or a closely related field preferred (Master’s degree with extensive relevant experience may be considered)
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed research publications
- Experience teaching EFL/ESL in higher education contexts
- Demonstrated proficiency in English sufficient for university-level teaching, scholarly research, publication, and academic collaboration
- Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and students in both graduate and undergraduate programs
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience teaching graduate TESOL courses such as Second Language Acquisition, Pragmatics, Testing and Assessment, Technology in Language Education, Pedagogical English Grammar, or Philosophy of Education
- Experience supervising MA thesis or research projects
- Experience supervising teaching practicums in communicative English courses
- Experience supervising doctoral research (doctoral degree required)
- Functional proficiency in Japanese sufficient to participate in university administrative activities
Soka University values linguistic and cultural diversity. Being a native speaker of English is not required, and qualified applicants representing diverse Global Englishes are encouraged to apply.
Tenure-Track Appointment
This position is a tenure-track appointment within the World Language Center. The initial contract is three years, with the possibility of two additional one-year renewals (maximum five years). Tenure and contract renewal decisions are based on faculty performance, institutional needs, and recommendations from relevant university committees.
Salary will be determined according to university regulations and based on qualifications and experience.
Application Materials
Application deadline: August 30, 2026
Applicants should submit the following materials electronically:
Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
Samples of significant publications
All application materials must be submitted as a single link to a clearly organized document folder (e.g., Google Drive) containing all required documents. Send the document folder link to Richmond Stroupe, richmond@soka.ac.jp
Two letters of recommendation (signed PDF versions attachments) should be sent directly by referees to Richmond Stroupe, richmond@soka.ac.jp
Please note that mailed application materials will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Hiring Timeline
Application deadline: August 30, 2026
Shortlisted candidates notified: by September 12, 2026
Interviews: September 20, 2026 (Soka University, Hachioji, Tokyo)
Final decision: late October / early November 2026
Position start date: April 2027
Interviews will normally be conducted on campus. Travel expenses are not reimbursed. Online interviews may be arranged for international applicants or applicants residing outside the Kanto region.
Contact
For questions regarding the position or the application process, please contact:
Richmond Stroupe, Ph.D.
TESOL Program Chair
Graduate School of Letters / World Language Center
Soka University
1-236 Tangi-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-8577 Japan
Email: richmond@soka.ac.jp
Richmond Stroupe, richmond@soka.ac.jp
