Global Black Popular Musics

Department of Comparative Studies (75%)/Department of African American and African Studies (25%)

College of Arts and Sciences

Position Overview

Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Global Black Popular Musics: We seek a scholar and educator who brings the intellectual resources, archives, and methods of Black study to the analysis of the cultural and political significance of Global Black Popular Musics. We are particularly interested in comparative work combining in-depth analyses of local conditions with a broad understanding of the flows of sounds, people, capital, and technology. The departments of Comparative Studies and African American and African Studies have a strong partnership based on their shared commitments to interdisciplinary scholarship and teaching, to the value of Black study as an organizing framework for academic work, and to the importance of public-facing scholarship. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a record of contributions to collaborations and community building in alignment with Ohio State’s shared values and a record of advising/mentoring a diverse body of students, as is commensurate with the candidate’s experience.

This position is a part of an Ohio State University Race, Inclusion and Social Equality (RAISE) initiative and an interdisciplinary hiring cluster of three tenure-track faculty in the area of Global Black Music Studies. The two other positions, who joined Ohio State in Autumn 2023, are in the School of Music and the Department of African American and African Studies. The successful candidate will be expected to engage with other faculty in the Global Black Music Studies cluster. To learn more about RAISE please visit: RAISE Initiative | Office of Faculty Affairs (osu.edu)

Education and Experience Requirements

Required: This appointment will begin August 15, 2024, and the successful applicant must have PhD in hand by the start of employment. The PhD may be in any relevant field of study; ABDs are welcome to apply. We seek candidates whose teaching and research addresses the cultural and political significance of Global Black Popular Musics.

Desired: While we are predominantly interested in contemporary analyses, candidates whose work includes a significant historical context are also invited to apply. Work on any geographic area is welcome. We invite applications from candidates whose work addresses audiences both within and beyond the academy. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, in line with OSU’s Shared Values (see below).

How to Apply

Apply to the Careers at Ohio State website at https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Assistant-Professor_R89215-2. A competitive application consists of the following required elements: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, separate research and teaching statements, a writing sample, and three letters of reference.

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to Barry Shank at shank.46@osu.edu.

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, funding, and publications.
• Attachment 3: Research Statement: Summary of your past research accomplishments, current work/research, and proposal for your future research plan as a faculty member.
• Attachment 4: Teaching Statement: A statement of your approaches, experience and philosophy regarding your teaching, learning, and mentoring.
• Attachement 5: A writing sample of 25 or fewer pages.

You will be asked for names and contact information for three reference letters if your candidacy advances beyond the initial review.

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success. 

Department Information

The Department of Comparative Studies encourages critical reflection about culture across boundaries of discipline, nation, and language. Comparative Studies scholars attend to how the dynamics of power and authority shape the construction of knowledge in a range of historical discourses and practices: social, religious, literary, aesthetic, technological, scientific, political, and material. Our comparative methods question the assumptions that shape humanistic study and account for the historical and material complexities of social relations and human existence. Our interdisciplinary work is informed by a commitment to social justice and seeks to shape academic and public discourse on the complexities of a culturally diverse nation and world.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers and recently ranked No. 4 on Forbes’ list of best U.S. employers for diversity. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

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.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

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. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established Dual Careers and Faculty Relocation (DCFR) to focus on supporting new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual careers partner consultations, identifying potential employers and/or employment opportunities, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are provided to support the partners of new and prospective faculty as they are considering or transitioning to The Ohio State University.  

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies.  Ohio State is an NSF ADVANCE institution and a member of the Ohio/Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC).

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and diverse metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. In addition to  its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to Ohio State ATI in Wooster. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.