Humanities-based Racial and Social Justice Post Doctoral Scholar – Ohio State University

The Department of African-American and African Studies (AAAS) at The Ohio State University seeks two scholars with a research focus in Humanities-based Racial and Social Justice for a Postdoctoral Scholar to Tenure-Track position. We seek two emerging scholars whose research engages with humanities-based racial and social justice. In keeping with the department’s commitment to interdisciplinarity, we are especially interested in scholars who incorporate approaches and theoretical insights from multiple fields of study, including feminist and gender studies, critical theory, disability studies, migration/immigration studies, literary studies, history, art history, philosophy, media studies, linguistics, or others. Area of geographic focus is open as are specific topics of research as long as they fall in the humanities. Experience in and/or commitment to public-facing or community engaged scholarship is preferred. The department greatly values diversity and inclusive pedagogy.

The successful applicant will have opportunities to advance their research, teach one course annually, and be involved with AAAS’s Community Extension Center’s extensive programming. They will benefit from an expansive mentoring program and find mentors and conversation partners among faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students both within and outside the department who are engaged in research on topics relating to humanities-based racial and social justice.

Following a two year Postdoctoral Scholar appointment, the Post-docs will then transfer to the rank of assistant professor within the Department of African-American and African Studies and the tenure clock will begin. The two postdoctoral scholar positions are funded by the Mellon Foundation grant “Rebuilding Black Studies: The Department of African American and African Studies at Fifty” and with support from the Provost’s Tenure-Track Fellow to Faculty hiring initiative. The Provost’s Tenure-Track Fellow to Faculty Program is a two-year program that assists early career scholars as they transition to the tenure track. Mellon Post-docs will join the Provost Fellow cohort and participate in career development programs to support their transition to assistant professor and their long-term career success. In addition, Mellon Post-docs will focus time on research for up to two years allowing for an in-depth start on scholarship, teach one course per academic year, participate in the activities within the Department of African American and African Studies, and have a designated faculty mentor.

The target salary range is $52,000 - $62,000.

Qualifications:

This appointment will begin August 15, 2023, and the successful applicant must have PhD in hand by the start of employment. The PhD may be in any relevant field of study; ABDs welcome to apply. We seek candidates whose research, teaching, and/or community engagement focuses on humanities-based social and racial justice, whether in the United States or in other parts of the world. Demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and inclusive pedagogy preferred. Appointment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check.

About the Department of African American and African Studies (AAAS):

AAAS’s comprehensive multidisciplinary curriculum includes courses in literature, music, history, art history, theory, political science, and community development. AAAS has a Community Extension Center, which serves as both an outreach arm into the local Black community in the city of Columbus as well as a significant resource for faculty and student research and community engagement. The department is home to the journals Research in African Literatures and Spectrum: A Journal on Black Men.

About Columbus:

The Ohio State University campus is located in Columbus, the capital city of Ohio. Columbus is the Midwest’s fastest-growing city and the nation’s 14th largest city. Columbus offers a diverse array of welcoming neighborhoods and a vibrant arts and culture scene. Additional information about all that the Columbus area has to offer is available at https://visit.osu.edu/experience.

Application Instructions:

A complete application for initial consideration consists of a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and equity engagement statement. The cover letter should be no more than three pages and should address your strengths in research, teaching, service, and engagement. The equity engagement statement should offer evidence of your demonstrated commitments and capacities to contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion through research, teaching, and/or outreach and engagement. Review of these materials will begin upon receipt. Applicants advancing to a second round of consideration will be invited to submit a writing sample and three letters of recommendation. Review of applications will continue until February 23, 2023 or until the position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to Adélékè Adéẹ̀kọ́, search committee chair, at adeeko.1@osu.edu.

Additional Information:

The Department of African American and African Studies within the College of Arts and Sciences seeks two (2) Post Doctoral Scholars to join our team. The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college and the academic heart of the university. The College hosts 81 majors. With 38 departments, 20+ world-class research centers, and more than 2,000 faculty and staff members, students have the unique opportunity to study with the best artists, scholars, and scientists in their field. The College values diversity and offers a supportive, open, and inclusive community.

Ohio State is focused on enhancing the health and safety of our community. Therefore, the university is requiring every student, faculty and staff member to be compliant with Ohio State’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement. By the start of employment, all newly hired employees must receive at least the first dose of a two-dose series or a single dose of a one-dose series COVID-19 vaccination. Individuals who choose a two-dose series vaccination must receive the second dose within 45 days of their start date. Proof of vaccination will be required at time of hire.

Candidates may request a medical or religious exemption from the vaccination requirement. Campus employees may also request an exemption for personal reasons. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, College of Medicine or OSUP Employees are not eligible for personal exemptions. All exemptions are subject to Ohio State’s approval and subject to change, including revocation, due to legal and regulatory requirements.