Postdoctoral Scholar to Tenure-Track Assistant Professor - AI, Second Language Acquisition, and...

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Humanities-based Interdisciplinary World Languages and Cultures – AI, Second Language Acquisition, and Applied Linguistics. The appointment begins August 15, 2027, with research predominance and teaching duties.

Responsibilities include advancing research, teaching one course per year, and contributing to curricula and programming within the Center for Languages, Literatures, and

Qualifications

• PhD in German applied linguistics or related field by Aug 15, 2027 (ABD welcome).
• Native or non-native fluency in German.
• Demonstrated scholarly potential or achievement.
• Experience in public-facing scholarship is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and advance an active research agenda in humanities-based interdisciplinary world languages and cultures.
• Teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in German.
• Contribute to curriculum development around AI-mediated SLA and world-language education.
• Collaborate across disciplines to strengthen global fluency and intercultural competence.

Education

PhD in German applied linguistics or related field

German language proficiency

Scholarly promise/achievement

Job description

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Job Title: Postdoctoral Scholar to Tenure-Track Assistant Professor - AI, Second Language Acquisition, and Applied Linguistics

Department: Arts and Sciences | Germanic Languages and Literatures

Position Overview

The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures at The Ohio State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to Tenure-Track Assistant Professor position in Humanities-based Interdisciplinary World Languages and Cultures – AI, Second Language Acquisition, and Applied Linguistics beginning August 15, 2027. We aim to hire a dynamic scholar who will contribute to the vibrant and collegial intellectual communities of our department by engaging with interdisciplinary research, innovative teaching, program development, community engagement, and service.

This is one of three Postdoctoral Scholar to Tenure-Track Assistant Professor positions in Humanities-based Interdisciplinary World Languages and Cultures, the other two being in the departments of French and Italian and Near Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures. We are also conducting searches for three Tenure-Track Assistant Professors position in Transnational World Language Studies in the departments of East Asian Languages and Literatures, Spanish and Portuguese, and Slavic and East Europeans Languages and Cultures.

In keeping with the department’s commitment to interdisciplinarity, we are especially interested in scholars of German linguistics and applied linguistics whose research focuses on AI-mediated Second Language Acquisition and how GenAI is reshaping the study and teaching of world languages. We welcome applicants whose research includes, but is not limited to, generative AI and pragmatics, culture, and intercultural competence; AI-enhanced translation and multilingualism in AI-mediated environments; AI-supported feedback, assessment, L2 development; and SLA-informed and immersive-technology-integrated world language curriculum design and language teacher education.

The successful candidate will focus time on research for up to two years, teach one course per academic year, be involved with the Center for Languages, Literatures, and Cultures’ extensive programming around preparing students in world languages and cultures to enter careers in our global environment, design and evaluate world-language curricula for workforce transferability, and participate in the activities within the Department.

Experience in and/or commitment to public-facing or community engaged scholarship is preferred, in particular around initiatives relating to working with undergraduate students through interdisciplinary experiential learning initiatives to help prepare them for a variety of careers.

Following a two-year Postdoctoral Scholar appointment, the Post-Doctoral Scholar will then transfer to a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of assistant professor within the Department and the tenure clock will begin. The postdoctoral scholar positions are funded by the Mellon Foundation grant “Global Fluency, Career Agility: Transforming World Languages at Ohio State.” 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, be involved with the Center for Languages, Literatures, and Cultures’ extensive programming around preparing students to enter careers in our global environment, participate in the activities within the Department, and have a set of designated faculty mentors who are engaged in research on topics relating to world language education, global fluency and intercultural competence, and their area of specialization.

Performance Objectives

• Develop and advance an active research agenda.

• Contribute to curriculum development in areas such as immersive and GenAI technologies in relation to language (use), culture, and identity; translation and interpretation; intercultural competence; linguistic bias and sociolinguistics

• Teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in German.

• Advance the Mellon-funded Transforming World Languages at OSU initiative by collaborating with faculty and staff across disciplines, contributing to innovative programming, and creating new courses that strengthen students’ global fluency and intercultural competence.

• Participate actively in the intellectual community of the department, the college, and the university.

• Build connections across languages, disciplines, and communities through collaborative research, public scholarship, and community engagement.

Education and Experience Qualifications

Required:

• PhD in German applied linguistics or related field required at time of appointment which is August 15, 2027. ABDs welcome to apply.

• Native or non-native fluency in German

• Candidates must demonstrate achievement or strong promise of scholarly success.

Desired:

• Experience in and/or commitment to public-facing or community engaged scholarship, teaching, and/or service.

• Experience in AI-mediated second language acquisition and applied linguistics and/or immersive technologies, VR, multimedia, and GenAI’s role in world language teaching and learning

• undefined

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

Candidates selected to move forward in the process will be asked to provide three letters of reference.

Additional Information:

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.

The College

The mission of the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures is to foster an innovative, interdisciplinary, and inclusive intellectual community spanning German, Scandinavian, and Yiddish Studies. Through rigorous language instruction and wide-ranging research and teaching, from medieval studies to contemporary literature, culture, media, environmental humanities, translation studies, second language acquisition, and applied linguistics, we prepare undergraduate and graduate students to engage critically with diverse languages and cultures. We are committed to close mentorship, vibrant student engagement, and collaborative partnerships across departments and institutions, including through the Umwelt Center, connecting our students and faculty to the broader intellectual life of the university and beyond.

Department Information

The mission of the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures is to foster an innovative, interdisciplinary, and inclusive intellectual community spanning German, Scandinavian, and Yiddish Studies. Through rigorous language instruction and wide-ranging research and teaching, from medieval studies to contemporary literature, culture, media, environmental humanities, translation studies, second language acquisition, and applied linguistics, we prepare undergraduate and graduate students to engage critically with diverse languages and cultures. We are committed to close mentorship, vibrant student engagement, and collaborative partnerships across departments and institutions, including through the Umwelt Center, connecting our students and faculty to the broader intellectual life of the university and beyond.

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. 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.

Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression. Ohio State promotes a culture of work-life balance through institutionalized policies, programs, and resources that help faculty, staff, and their families thrive both professionally and personally.

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.

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant 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.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.

Location: Hagerty Hall (0037)

Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours: 40

Shift:First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.