Position Description

Film and Media Studies

Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts

College of Arts and Sciences

Position Overview

The Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts is seeking to hire a scholar in Film and Media Studies for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor. Scholars are encouraged to apply whose research on the history of film and moving image media focuses on one or more of the following areas: ecology & climate change, disability, indigeneity, migration, diaspora, decolonization, or the global south.   

This successful applicant will play a role in supporting a thriving Film Studies major, which has recently been incorporated into the newly formed Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts, situated in a new building that anchors a vibrant Arts District. The facilities include state-of-the-art performance spaces, two sound stages, editing suites, a sound lab, and a screening room. The Film Studies program draws from course offerings across the arts and humanities and serves students in Moving Image Production (MIP).

Duties include curriculum development; instruction of Film Studies undergraduate courses from introductory to advanced levels; instruction of graduate courses serving students in the Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization (GIS) in Film Studies; mentoring of undergraduates; and advising graduate students in related programs.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required: Ph.D. in Film Studies or a related field by August 15, 2024. ABDs welcome to apply. 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.

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--Film-and-Media-Studies_R89526-1. A competitive application consists of the following required elements: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, separate research and teaching statements, and a writing sample.

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 no longer than 25 pages.

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 Associate Professor Erica Levin, Director of Film Studies, levin.1996@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 Department of Theatre, Film and Media Arts is a vibrant, active department dedicated to the education and training of filmmakers, theatre artists, scholars, and teachers in an atmosphere conducive to creative scholarship, production and performance. The department conducts research and creative projects which contribute to the enrichment of the university and to the fields of theatre, film and media arts at large.

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.