Assistant Professor of Modern Japanese History The Ohio State University

Position Overview

The Department of History at The Ohio State University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor of modern Japanese history ( circa 1800-present), with a start date of August 15, 2026. All areas of specialization will be considered.

Performance Objectives

The candidate will teach East Asian history survey courses covering Japan, China, and Korea, and thematic courses in premodern and modern Japanese history at the undergraduate level, as well as undergraduate and graduate seminars in their area of specialty. In addition to teaching, the candidate will be expected to contribute actively to the intellectual life and research profile of the History Department.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required : Ph.D. in hand by August 15, 2026, in modern Japanese history. ABDs welcome to apply. The successful candidate will possess a demonstrated ability to use sources in relevant languages.

Desired : Candidates should demonstrate commitments to excellent teaching and building an engaged intellectual community, in line with OSUs Shared Values (see below).

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 electronically via Workday. Application period closes November 1, 2025. Application materials submitted in Workday must include:

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 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: An article or chapter-length writing sample.

All applicants will be asked to provide the names and contact information for three references within 48-72 hours following the submission of application materials.

Inquiries may be directed to Professor Mitchell Lerner at ... .

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The College 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

The Department of History at The Ohio State University aspires to distinction in scholarship, teaching, and service. As a top-tier department in an eminent public university, we seek to advance the highest standards of our discipline. Because we believe that research inspires great teaching, our mission is to promote the finest historical scholarship, and to offer both graduate and undergraduate students the most rigorous and intellectually challenging education. Espousing the values of a vibrant and collegial community of historians, we explore connections across areas, eras, and themes. We strive to provide comprehensive and challenging understandings of the complexity of the human past to audiences across the state, the nation, and the world at large.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of Americas 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 Universitys Shared Values , our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

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 central resources to focus on offering support to new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual career partner consultation, potential employer and/or employment opportunity identification, 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 available. More information about dual career and faculty recruitment can be found here .

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 a member of the Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania & West Virginia HERC.

Located in Ohios capital city, Ohio States 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.