Museum of Biodiversity Director

Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology

College of Arts and Sciences

Position Overview

The Ohio State University (OSU) Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology seeks to hire tenure track faculty who use modern approaches in biodiversity science to investigate any animal clade. Candidate will serve as Director of the Museum of Biological Diversity, which was founded in 1870 and contains a diverse array of collections that are supported by a combination of endowments and external funding. The MBD includes strong collections in insects, spiders, mites, mollusks, fish, freshwater invertebrates, tetrapods, and plants.  Ideal candidates will have the expertise to serve in a leadership role in one of the collections at the OSU Museum of Biological Diversity (MBD) and conduct specimen-based research sponsored by state and federal agencies. Faculty will have the opportunity to contribute to the Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership with the Ohio Division of Wildlife for conservation-oriented biodiversity research. In addition, collaboration opportunities exist across the university, including the NSF-funded Imageomics Institute, the Sustainability Institute, the Translational Data Analytics Institute, and the Ohio Supercomputer Center.

Performance Objectives

We seek a colleague who has a strong record of outstanding research using museum collections and is interested in a significant leadership role as the museum’s Director. The successful candidate will establish their own internationally recognized, externally grant-funded research program, contribute to EEOB’s teaching and mentoring mission, and lead the development of institutional initiatives in public engagement and scientific infrastructure. Initial appointment is expected to be at the rank of Associate Professor.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required: A doctorate in the biological sciences or a closely-related discipline.

Desired: Leadership experience in an academic setting. Outreach and engagement skills. 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/Director--Museum-of-Biological-Diversity_R114967-1. A competitive application consists of the following required elements: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, separate research and teaching statements, and three letters of reference. Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2024. Inquiries may be directed to Bryan Carstens at carstens.12@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. (1-2 pages)
• Attachment 4: Teaching and Mentoring Statement: A statement of your approaches, experience and philosophy regarding your teaching, learning, and mentoring. (1-2 pages)
• Attachment 5: Leadership Statement. A statement describing your leadership experience, philosophy, and priorities. (1-2 pages).

All applicants will 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 has a rich tradition of blending basic and applied research. We promote scientific discovery and scientific literacy through teaching and public outreach. We strive for leadership in our scholarly disciplines combined with excellence in the classroom. To those ends, our service to the University and the community is built on the strength of a diverse, collegial workplace and the free flow of ideas.

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.