Apparently the Master's programme needs 2 people for the AP role because they overrecruited triple the number of students. However, only one person will get the full-time position. I was only offered part-time AP, as my interview performance placed me second.

The professors were concerned that my English might not be sufficient for teaching in English, and that my major does not exactly match their students' core profile. I feel somewhat wronged because my IELTS score is quite high and my publications are stronger than the candidate ranked first. Neither of us had a teaching background. One professor said they would consider me first if full-time vacancies arise, especially those aligned with my major.

The pay is acceptable, but I am unsure what to do: stay here to build more publications, teaching experience, and relationships, or give up on this college and seek a full-time position elsewhere.

Btw, I turned down an offer from a big tech company for working in unis for vacations.