Assistant Professor in Yiddish Language and Ashkenazic Culture
The Ohio State University

Job Info

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Job Title:Assistant Professor in Yiddish Language and Ashkenazic CultureDepartment:Arts and Sciences | Germanic Languages and Literatures

Position Overview

The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures (GLL) and the Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures (SEELC) at the Ohio State University invite applications for a joint tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Yiddish language and Ashkenazic culture beginning August 15, 2025. We aim to hire a dynamic scholar who will contribute to the vibrant and collegial intellectual communities of our departments by engaging in interdisciplinary research, innovative teaching and curricular development, and service. This joint appointment is 75% in GLL and 25% in SEELC. The position includes opportunities to collaborate with faculty and students in both departments as well as in Jewish Studies, housed in the Department of Near Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures, the Center for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies, and the Melton Center for Jewish Studies.

Performance Objectives

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses, either in person or at times online, in Yiddish language, literature, and Ashkenazic culture as well as courses that intersect with their expertise; advise students

• Take a leading role in the Yiddish language program at Ohio State.

• Active research portfolio.

• Participate actively in the intellectual community of the Department and the University.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required: PhD in Yiddish Studies or a related field by August 15, 2025. ABDs welcome to apply; near-native fluency in Yiddish.

Desired: Record of excellence in research and college-level teaching and advising, and commitment to innovative pedagogy; experience and interest in collaborative and multi-disciplinary research; creating and maintaining cross-departmental or inter-institutional initiatives. Experience with instructional technologies and online language teaching; Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to building a diverse intellectual community, in line with Ohio State's Shared Values (see below).

Tenure faculty (regardless of rank) - persons with the titles of professor, associate professor, assistant professor and instructor who serve on appointments totaling 50% or more service to the university and who are eligible for tenure or who have obtained tenure. Duties and responsibilities are assigned in accordance with the workload guidelines laid out in the pattern of administration of each faculty member's tenure initiation unit (TIU) and, as appropriate, regional campus; obligations will include research, service and/or teaching or clinical practice. These faculty will have earned doctorate or other terminal degree in the relevant field of study or possession of equivalent experience.

Additional Information:

How to Apply

A competitive application consists of the following required elements: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, separate research and teaching statements, a writing sample, and three letters of reference. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2024. Inquiries may be directed to May Mergenthaler at mergenthaler.4@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: A writing sample (up to 35 pages).

Please be aware, you will not be able to edit your application or attachments after you apply. You will need to fill out the application in its entirety and upload all required documents before clicking Submit.

You will be sent an email with instructions to provide names and contact information for three reference letters following submission of your 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

Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures

With origins in the late 19th century, the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures has evolved into an innovative and interdisciplinary department that encompasses German, Scandinavian, and Yiddish Studies with a variety of research and teaching foci, and hosts a lively and inclusive intellectual community. Our graduate program in German and undergraduate programs in German, Scandinavian, and Yiddish offer a wide array of courses, covering both languages (German, Swedish, Old Norse, Yiddish) and research fields, from medieval studies to contemporary literatures, cultures, and media to Second Language Acquisition. Our undergraduate and graduate students enjoy highly engaged instructors and advisors, and are active in various cultural and academic student associations at the departmental and university level. The Department collaborates regularly with faculty and students from other departments, including, but not limited to, Near Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures, English, History, Comparative Studies, and Film, Theatre, and Media Arts, and with other academic institutions on campus such as the Melton Center of Jewish Studies, the Humanities Institute, or the Wexner Center for the Arts.

Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures

Established in 1962, the Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures is dedicated to researching and teaching the languages, literatures, and cultures of the East, Central, and Southeast European nations and peoples. From the outset, the department has embraced the identity of a genuinely Slavic and East European department, and it has maintained that broad scope ever since. At the same time, the Department has responded to recent academic trends by making the transition from a traditional "languages, linguistics, and literatures" department to one that increasingly explores Slavic and other cultures of the region from an interdisciplinary perspective. Active engagement with research in turn enhances the teaching, advising, and community outreach missions of the Department. We are fortunate to be part of a rich Ohio State community supporting excellence in Slavic studies which includes the Center for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies, the East European and Slavic Studies Reference Collection, and the Hilandar Research Library and Resource Center for Medieval Slavic Studies. The Department also collaborates with other units on and centers on campus, including Jewish Studies, housed in the Department of Near Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures and the Melton Center of Jewish Studies.

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

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other basis under the law.

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

Location:Hagerty Hall (0037)Position Type:RegularScheduled Hours:40Shift:First ShiftThe Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate's employer's policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate's appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other basis under the law.

Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit the Equal Employment Identification form.

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