Assistant Professor, Digital Cultures and Ethnography

The Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

8d

About The Position

The Department of Comparative Studies at the Ohio State University invites applications for a position in Digital Cultures and Ethnography at the rank of tenure-track assistant professor. The field of specialization is open. We seek a scholar whose work reflects the Department’s commitment to critical, interdisciplinary approaches to culture and society broadly conceived; potential disciplinary backgrounds include, but are not limited to, Folklore Studies, Cultural Studies, Anthropology, Science and Technology Studies, Information Science, and Media Studies. The department especially seeks candidates with expertise in current debates concerning digital cultures, ethnography, and artificial intelligence. The scholar’s research may engage with topics such as: online groups and communities, genres, and contexts; the politics of information and misinformation; social media and online mythmaking; new global forms of folklore and performance; worldmaking projects in and beyond virtual spaces; social, political, and environmental implications of digital technologies and data cultures; and other key issues concerning contemporary life. We are particularly interested in candidates trained and actively engaged in digital ethnography, although we welcome applicants whose work also incorporates other methods. The candidate will be able to offer introductory courses in Ohio State’s General Education program, as well as upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in the department. We highly value evidence of candidates’ experience with program development, securing external resources, and building interdisciplinary connections and research initiatives. The Department of Comparative Studies is a highly interdisciplinary space. The successful candidate’s work will be in conversation with one or more of the fields represented in the Comparative Studies program: Folklore Studies, Cultural Studies, Indigenous Studies, Race, Gender, and Ethnic Studies, Literary Studies, Religious Studies, and Science and Technology Studies.

Requirements

• Candidates must have Ph.D. in hand at the time of appointment (August 15, 2026).
• ABDs are welcome to apply.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with training in digital ethnography are preferred as well as those whose work intersects with other fields represented within the department.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a productive research program in the areas of digital cultures and ethnography
• Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, including contributing to departmental strengths in folklore, science and technology studies, and/or cultural studies
• Demonstrate excellence in student mentoring
• Contribute to program development, curricular development, and other service to the department

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees