Position Description

Transnational Italian Studies

Department of French and Italian

College of Arts and Sciences

Position Overview

The Department of French and Italian in the College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Transnational Italian Studies whose scholarship engages multiethnic Italy, Italy’s colonial past, and/or African diasporas in Italy. We seek a scholar with a  research agenda in both screen studies and literature. Preference will be given to candidates with proven interdisciplinary interests in fields such as Mediterranean studies; human rights and critical refugee studies; race/racialization theory; de-colonization and empire studies; and/or gender studies. 

We seek a colleague who will: develop General Education courses in English that appeal to a diverse student body; teach joint French-Italian graduate seminars (in English); advise our graduate students; and connect and collaborate with students and colleagues from departments and centers across our campus, such as Comparative Studies; African American and African Studies; Film Studies; Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies; and The Mershon Center for International Security Studies.  

Education and Experience Requirements

Required: Native or near-native proficiency in Italian and English; PhD in Italian studies or a related field required at time of appointment which is August 15, 2024. ABDs welcome to apply. Applicants should demonstrate achievement or strong promise of scholarly success.

Desired: Candidates should demonstrate attentiveness to building a diverse intellectual community in alignment with Ohio State’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_R89194-1. 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.

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.
• Attachment 5: Writing Sample of up to 25 pages (in English or Italian).

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

Review of applications will begin on NOV. 15, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to Prof. Jonathan Combs-Schilling at combs-schilling.1@osu.edu.

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 mission of the Department of French and Italian at the Ohio State University is to manifest the utility and indispensable nature of world languages to a vibrant university ecosystem, fostering plurilingualism and interculturalism in Ohio and beyond. We write, think, and teach about global issues, such as ethnocentrism, empathy, migration, contending with coloniality, new strategies of transnational connection, global health and wellness, and the ethics of consumption. We offer undergraduate majors and minors in French & Francophone Studies, Italian, and Romance Studies; and MA and PhD degrees in French and Italian.

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.