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

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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

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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 .

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application via Workday. https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Postdoctoral-Scholar-to-Tenure-Track-Assistant-Professor---AI--Second-Language-Acquisition--and-Applied-Linguistics_R160518-1

Application period closes November 16, 2026.

Inquiries may be directed to Katra Byram, search committee Chair, at byram.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, engagement, 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.

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

Additional Information:

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 t