Social Psychology of Polarization and Misinformation

Psychology

College of Arts and Sciences

Position Overview

The Department of Psychology at The Ohio State University seeks an outstanding candidate for the Weary Family Foundation endowed chair in the social psychology of polarization and misinformation. We welcome applications from scholars who are actively engaged in research relevant to this topic. The faculty member would also contribute to teaching undergraduate courses and the training of graduate students in social psychology. This tenured position is targeted for candidates at the professor level.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant community at The Ohio State University in August, 2025, and is expected to be a major contributor to the developing interdisciplinary Center for the Science of Polarization and Misinformation (C-SPAM). The candidate can also affiliate with other OSU programs including the Decision Sciences Collaborative (DSC), the Center for Cognitive and Brain Sciences (CCBS), the Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Brain Imaging (CCBBI), and the Translational Data Analytics Institute (TDAI). We expect the candidate to be open to interaction and potential collaboration with faculty members across the psychology department, the college (e.g., Communication, Economics, Political Science), and the university (e.g., the Fisher College of Business, and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, the School of Environment and Natural Resources).

Education and Experience Requirements

Required: Candidates must have earned a PhD in psychology or a related field. Candidates are expected to have a publication record commensurate with an endowed chair position, a track record of external research funding, and to provide evidence of having effectively mentored graduate and undergraduate students.

Desired: Candidates should demonstrate attentiveness to building a diverse intellectual community, in line with OSU’s shared values (see below) and should be actively contributing to research related to polarization and/or influences of misinformation.

How to Apply

Apply to the Careers at Ohio State website at https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Weary-Family-Foundation-Endowed-Chair-in-the-Social-Psychology-of-Polarization-and-Misinformation_R99731-1.

A competitive application consists of the following required elements: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, separate research and teaching statements, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to Russell Fazio at fazio.11@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.
• Attachment 5 (Optional): One example of written work 

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

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 Psychology (https://psychology.osu.edu/) is a central department on campus, with the third largest undergraduate major at OSU, almost 140 graduate students, and approximately 50 tenure-stream faculty. Our department aims to produce exceptional, innovative research to advance knowledge about mind, brain, and behavior, with the goal of understanding and improving the human condition. We value diversity in all its forms and believe that it enhances our science. We seek colleagues who will help us advance research topics that build on existing strengths and develop and teach courses that will be attractive to graduate and undergraduate students, both within and beyond our department. 

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.