As part of The Ohio State University’s Provost’s Tenure-Track Fellow to Faculty Program, the Department of English and the American Indian Studies Program in the College of Arts and Sciences invite applications for an assistant professor position. We seek a scholar whose research agenda focuses on Native American literature and culture. The following areas are particularly desirable complements to the larger university research initiatives in this field: settler colonialism, decolonization, genocide, Indigenous epistemologies, sovereignty, social movements and activism, ecocriticism and environmentalism, gender and sexuality, and community engaged research. Candidates with research agendas that deliberately and explicitly consider the role of culture and cultural productions in dismantling systems of oppression or structural inequalities are particularly appealing. Both English and American Indian Studies value interdisciplinary research and teaching and welcome interest from candidates with research agendas that will find linkages and connections with faculty and university research initiatives in the sixteen colleges at Ohio State and in the local tribal communities.

The Department of English boasts a strong group of faculty whose research and teaching is situated within U.S. ethnic and postcolonial studies, which will offer a supportive environment as well as opportunities for mentoring and professional development. English studies at Ohio State covers a wide range of sub-disciplines and interdisciplinary approaches to analytical studies and the development of logical thought. It is a lively, intellectual home to innovative academic programs and curriculum that consistently receive national recognition. The American Indian Studies (AIS) program is an interdisciplinary program that strives to further the long and ongoing traditions of American Indians in Ohio through its programming, course offerings, undergraduate minor, and collaborations with the Center for Ethnic Studies. AIS has strong connections to the Newark Earthworks Center on the Ohio State-Newark campus and to the American Indian Council student organization. There are seventeen federally recognized tribes with historic ties to Ohio.  OSU Department of English Land Acknowledgement: https://english.osu.edu/about/land-acknowledgment

This hire in the Department of English is part of a cluster hiring collaboration with the Department of Comparative Studies, the Department of Linguistics, The Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures, and the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies which will each hire an Assistant Professor in Indigenous Studies.

The Provost’s Tenure-Track Fellow to Faculty Program is a two-year program that assists early career scholars as they transition to the tenure track. Provost Fellows will receive research funding and participate in career development programs to support their transition to assistant professor and their long-term career success. In addition, Provost Fellows will focus time on research for up to two years allowing for an in-depth start on scholarship, with limited teaching requirements (although Fellows may teach one course per year if they choose), participate in the activities within the Department of English, and have a designated faculty mentor. Following the fellowship period, which is an instructor rank appointment, Provost Fellows will then transfer to the rank of assistant professor within the Department of English and the tenure clock will begin. 

The program is particularly interested in recruiting scholars who will contribute to a climate that values diversity and inclusion in the areas of scholarship, creative expression, and/or community engagement.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have earned a Ph.D. in English, Ethnic Studies, or a related field by the start date of the position which is planned to be August 15, 2023. Academic achievement and promise of continued scholarly excellence in candidate’s field of study is expected, as well as a commitment to teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels and to working with a diverse student body and community. Experience working in indigenous communities is preferred. Appointment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check.

About Columbus:

The Ohio State University campus is located in Columbus, the capital city of Ohio. Columbus is the Midwest’s fastest-growing city and the nation’s 14^th largest city. Columbus offers a diverse array of welcoming neighborhoods and a vibrant arts and culture scene. Additional information about all that the Columbus area has to offer is available at https://visit.osu.edu/experience.

Application Instructions:

Apply to Academic Jobs Online at: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/22233. Initial interviews will be conducted via Zoom (video conferencing). Finalists will be invited to campus for a second interview. A complete application consists of:

·       a cover letter that includes a statement addressing interest in the position, current research (including dissertation), any work in progress, and plans for publication (maximum two pages single-spaced)

·       a statement on teaching philosophy, experience, and future teaching interests (maximum one page single-spaced)

·       a statement on the candidate’s prior and potential contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom, in program/event development, and in Native communities (maximum one page single-spaced)

·       a curriculum vitae

·       a writing sample no longer than 25 pages

·       a list of three references (names and contact information).

Review of applications will begin on October 11, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to Search Committee Chair Professor Simone Drake at Drake.194@osu.edu.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. In support of this, The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has created the Office of Dual Careers and Faculty Relocation (DCFR) to focus on supporting new and prospective faculty. This support includes dual careers services, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available to support the partners of new and prospective faculty as they are considering The Ohio State University and throughout their transition.

The Ohio State University is committed to establishing a culturally and intellectually diverse environment, encouraging all members of our learning community to reach their full potential. Over the next few years, The Ohio State University is committed to welcoming 350 new faculty hires, many of which will contribute to growing our role as a premier research university equipped to answer and interrogate the critical domestic and global societal challenges that deter equality and inclusion. We are responsive to dual-career families and strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies. 

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.