Language Variation and Change

Department of Linguistics

College of Arts and Sciences

Position Overview

The Ohio State University Department of Linguistics seeks to hire an Assistant Professor whose scholarship and teaching are in the areas of language variation and change or sociolinguistics, with a specialization in language and race or the study of marginalized languages – particularly African American English and language varieties arising through contact.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required: Candidates must have earned a Ph.D. in Linguistics, Anthropology, or a related field by August 15, 2024. ABDs welcome to apply. Candidates by the time of appointment must have an established research program or promise thereof that has implications for linguistic theory and social issues. We are interested in candidates with a quantitative and/or qualitative background. The ideal candidate will have an interdisciplinary research program, with links to such fields like sociology, anthropology, gender studies, ethnic studies, and African and African American studies, among other related fields. We are seeking candidates who, in addition to building their independent research program, will have a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring a diverse body of students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. .

Desired: A record of, or interest in pursuing, community engagement is desirable. 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_R89208-1. A competitive application consists of the following required elements: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, separate research and teaching statements, one or two writing samples, 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.
• Attachement 5: One or two writing samples, combined into a single document.

You will be asked for names and contact information for three reference letters at a later date.

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to Kathryn Campbell-Kibler at campbell-kibler.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 successful applicant will join a thriving Linguistics department, one of the top ten in the United States according to 2023 QS rankings, situated in a recently renovated building with state-of-the-art office, meeting, and lab spaces, with many existing collaborations across units and colleges (e.g., with linguists and others in the Departments of English, Teaching and Learning, Spanish and Portuguese and Comparative Studies and in cross-disciplinary units like the Buckeye Language Network, the Center for Languages, Literatures and Cultures and the Center for Cognitive and Brain Sciences).

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.