Postdoc in AI-Enhanced English Language Teaching

The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, University of Verona (Italy) invites scholars to present expressions of interest in applying jointly with Roberta Facchinetti for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF) on TEACHING ENGLISH IN THE ERA OF AI.

Research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in English Language Teaching (ELT) has gained significant attention due to the transformative impact of AI‑powered tools on language teaching and learning practices. Current ELT research increasingly focuses on how educators can effectively integrate AI into pedagogical practices while fostering critical thinking and responsible digital literacy among learners. While AI technologies may enhance learners’ language proficiency thanks to personalized instruction and adaptive learning experiences, scholars warn about the challenges related to the changing role of teachers. Prospective research may investigate both the effect and the effectiveness of AI across diverse educational contexts, age groups, and proficiency levels, so as to develop pedagogical frameworks that balance technological innovation with human interaction.

We are looking for applicants for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship to be presented with the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures as main host institution.

Roberta Facchinetti is Full Professor of English language and linguistics at the University of Verona, Italy, where she is also head of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. Her main research interests, which are supported by the use of computerised corpora of both synchronic and diachronic English, focus on media linguistics, ESP, ELT, and the language of international negotiations. She has authored, co‑authored and edited various books, articles and special issues of journals; she has also given lectures by invitation at universities and research centres in Italy and abroad (China, Cuba, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Russia, and Switzerland, among others). She is co‑editor of the Class A journal Iperstoria and an editorial board member of international journals. She has received two awards respectively in 2005 and 2015 (“Premio por la alta calidad de su trabajo”, awarded by the Minister of Science, Technology and Environment of Cuba 2015, First Prize “Artemisia Gentileschi” for Academic excellence, given by the International Students Union in 2005) and a sign of honour awarded in 2025 by Association Universitaire Francophone.

Selected candidates will be offered both academic and administrative support from the Department and the University of Verona Grant Office with regard to the proposal preparation.

ELIGIBILITY

Candidates must be eligible according to the criteria established by the 2026 MSCA Postdoctoral fellowship call:

• To have a PhD at the call deadline (September 9, 2026)
• To have up to 8 years research experience after PhD
• To be citizens of an EU State or of an Associated Country or long‑term resident in Europe (only for Global Fellowship)
• Not to have resided or carried their main activity in Italy for more than 12 months in the 36 months before call deadline (September 9, 2026) – for European Fellowship
• Not to have resided or carried their main activity in the country of the Host Institution in the third country for more than 12 months in the 36 months before call deadline (September 9, 2026) – for a Global Fellowship.

Besides, candidates should be fluent in English, should have excellent teamwork attitude, organisational skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

• A short CV including personal data (name, date of birth, present position, the name of a referee who has agreed to send a reference letter for you)
• A two‑page research proposal
• One reference letter should be sent by a referee at the same address

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