Department: East Asian Languages and Literatures  

Position:  Contemporary Japanese Literature and Culture   

Rank:  Assistant Professor         

Description:

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures (DEALL) at The Ohio State University invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in Japanese contemporary literature and culture, with interdisciplinary research and teaching interests in manga and animé. A successful candidate will actively contribute to cross-disciplinary research and teaching and be responsible for designing and teaching undergraduate General Education courses in, for example, literature in translation and in culture and media, including manga and animé; and for teaching graduate-level courses in modern and contemporary Japanese literature, media, and cultural studies. They will have a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring a diverse body of students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The department seeks candidates who can ideally utilize and amplify Ohio State resources such as the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum and its signature manga collection. Ability to articulate and work toward realizing a vision for program building, in cooperation with departmental colleagues, is highly desirable. Applicants are welcome who would create synergy with other programs within DEALL or other units on campus—such as the East Asian Studies Center and its Institute for Japanese Studies; the Department of English’s Popular Culture Studies (including Comics Studies) program; the Center for Languages, Literatures and Cultures’ Translation and Interpretation program; and the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts’ Film Studies program. In line with the university (see below), the department values diversity and is committed to building a culturally diverse, equitable, and inclusive intellectual community.

Qualifications:

PhD in Japanese Literature or related field in hand by August 15, 2024, with a specialization in one or more areas such as Japanese literature written after 1945; visual narrative media such as manga and animé; and history of popular media and impact on cultural imagination and values. Native or near-native fluency in English and Japanese is required. 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.

Application Instructions:

Apply to the Careers at Ohio State website at https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Assistant-Professor_R87408. A competitive application consists of the following required elements: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, separate research and teaching statements, writing sample, and three letters of reference. We also invite candidates to consider providing an optional statement that reflects upon their experiences and endeavors related to OSU’s Shared Values (see below).

You will be presented with the opportunity to attach up to FIVE documents in the Application Documents section. Please include the following:

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
• Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, and publications. A section of your CV should include a list of all courses you have taught.
• Attachment 3: A Research Statement and a Teaching Statement (two separate statements combined into one document).  The research statement is a summary of your past research accomplishments, current work/research, and proposal for your future research plan as a faculty member. The teaching statement is a statement of your approaches, experience and philosophy regarding your teaching, learning, and mentoring.
• Attachment 4: A writing sample of up to 50 pages.
• Attachment 5 (optional): Values Statement: Description of efforts that reflect Ohio State’s Shared Values.

References: You will be sent an email with instructions to provide names and contact information for three reference letters following submission of your application materials.

For candidates who advance to a round of ZOOM interviews, we reserve the right to request additional materials (dissertations, book manuscripts, teaching evaluations, etc.). For candidates subsequently invited to a campus interview, we also reserve that right.

Screening of applications will begin on November 1, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. The position will begin August 15, 2024. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Patricia Sieber (Japanese Search Committee Chair) at sieber.6@osu.edu.

The Ohio State University’s Shared Values include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect. Our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression. We define diversity broadly and value multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to demographic, religion, country of origin, perspective, ability status, and background. 

Ohio State prides itself on welcoming a wide range of viewpoints and providing opportunities for all to deepen and develop their intellectual curiosities. As a land-grant university, we recognize and understand that a diverse faculty, staff, and student body in which all may engage in open dialogue, be exposed to new ideas and perspectives, belong, and feel valued and included is essential to our efforts in meeting our mission of academic excellence and public service. 

Please share your own demonstrated efforts in your research, teaching, and/or outreach and engagement that reflect Ohio State’s Shared Values and that might further advance our mission and institutional excellence.

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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.

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 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.