Position Description

Full/Associate Professor and Chair
Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology 
College of Arts and Sciences

Position Overview

The Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) at The Ohio State University invites applications and nominations of individuals for the position of Professor/Associate Professor and Chair. The Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology provides high quality, comprehensive programs for undergraduate and graduate instruction, generates and disseminates knowledge gained through original research, and provides service to the university, professional community, and public. Its faculty advance the field through innovations in theory, methods, and application. We seek a leader who can contribute to the mission of the department through their academic expertise as an ecologist, evolutionary biologist, or organismal biologist, help the department develop consensus on the direction of growth while maintaining strengths such as the Museum of Biological Diversity, Aquatic Ecology Lab, and Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership. Chairs in the College of Arts and Sciences are typically tenured faculty and hold four-year renewable terms.

As a department within the College of Arts and Sciences, EEOB contributes to the mission of the college and the areas of teaching, research, and service. In keeping with the university’s mission, the department is committed to the goal of promoting diversity.

Performance Objectives

Lead the visioning for EEOB’s future.
Provide oversight of department budget and personnel.
Conduct original research in ecology, evolutionary biology, and/or organismal biology.
Contribute to teaching and service within EEOB and the University.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required: PhD in a relevant field (EEOB or related field)

Desired: Experience leading faculty and staff and managing complex budgets. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to building a 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/Chair--Department-of-Evolution--Ecology--and-Organismal-Biology_R115252-1. A competitive application consists of the following required elements: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, separate research, teaching, and leadership statements. Applications received by October 23, 2024 will receive full consideration, but review of applicants is expected to continue beyond that date. Inquiries may be directed to Elly Kaizar (kaizar.1@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: Statement of Research experience: Summary of your past research accomplishments, current work/research, and description of your research plan as a faculty member and chair in EEOB, and how these relate to Ohio State’s Shared Values.
• Attachment 4: Leadership Statement: A statement of your approaches, experience and philosophy of leadership in an academic setting, including financial, strategic, personnel and managerial competencies, and how these relate to Ohio State’s Shared Values
• Attachment 5: Teaching Statement: A 1-2 page reflection on your philosophy, your experiences, and your goals regarding teaching and learning and how they relate to Ohio State’s Shared Values.

You may be asked to provide the names and contact information for three references following the submission of application materials.

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 Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology (EEOB; eeob.osu.edu) in the College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University is a national leader in education and research, with a rich tradition of blending basic and applied research. The department is home to many renowned research facilities, including the Aquatic Ecology Lab and the Museum of Biological Diversity. The department currently has 40 tenure-track and teaching practice faculty across the Columbus and four regional campuses and 70 graduate students. It also participates in shared delivery of undergraduate biological instruction via collaboration with other biological science units and the Center for Life Sciences Education. In keeping with the OSU’s Shared Values, the department is committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community.

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.

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. Beyond 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 the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.