Assistant/Associate Professor: Urban Climate Resilience and Adaptation Disparities, The Ohio State University, USA

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The Ohio State University invites applications for a cluster hire of three tenure-track faculty in the area of Climate, Race and Place under the university-wide Race, Inclusion and Social Equity (RAISE) initiative. The University seeks to elevate its globally recognized expertise in the science of climate change and adaptation to a new level through a cluster hire of faculty who can holistically investigate, using climate data analytics, the racial disparities and social inequities of climate impacts and help shape adaptations sensitive to these disparities across various geographic scales. This cluster hire creates an opportunity to disrupt traditional knowledge structures and to transcend disciplinary barriers by re-centering climate science in the broadest sense.  Participating academic units are the Department of Geography, the School of the Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of Civil, Environment and Geodetic Engineering, jointly with the City and Regional Planning Section, to bring much needed depth of understanding of racial disparities and climate justice.  As participating departments, we seek innovative and creative faculty who bring diverse research approaches and life experiences to advance understanding of how people and places are differentially impacted by climate change through a commitment to interdisciplinary collaborations.  Partnering institutes provide a university-wide infrastructure to support the success of the faculty hires, including: the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity and the Center for Urban and Regional Analysis (working in the area of race and equity across space and places); the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center and the Global Water Institute (working to expand water access through the Alliance for Navajo Sustainability) as well as the Rattan Lal Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration (working in the area of climate science and adaptation); and the Sustainability Institute and the Translational Data Analytics Institute (to facilitate significant interdisciplinary collaborations).

Additional Information:

This position is one of three faculty appointments in the Climate, Race and Place cluster hire to advance climate justice at The Ohio State University (OSU), and is part of a broader Race, Inclusion and Social Equity (RAISE) initiative focused on narrowing a range of disparities.

This Assistant Professor position is available with the option to be hired into the Provost’s Tenure-Track Fellow to Faculty Program with an appointment to a mentored position as an instructor in the tenure track for up to two-years before transitioning to the Assistant Professor position.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a nationally-recognized research program focused on racial and ethnic population disparities of resilience and adaptation to climate change events in cities. This position builds upon departmental strengths in natural hazard resilience of infrastructure systems and access to urban services to strengthen the equity framework through which observations are made, research questions framed and solutions advanced. Candidate research areas must align with the broad thematic area of this position announcement at the nexus of race/ethnicity studies, climate change science and urban infrastructure design. Topic areas broadly include, and are not limited to, community vulnerability and response to extreme weather events, community adaptation via a just transition to low-carbon transportation and household energy future, community public health and climate impacts on air and water quality.  Applicants may choose which of the two partnering academic units, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering or City and Regional Planning Section of the Knowlton School of Architecture, is their primary partial appointment (70%) for purposes of promotion review.  The other academic unit will constitute their minority appointment (30%) for teaching and research contributions.

Expectations for the position include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in civil engineering or city and regional planning; establishing and sustaining an active, externally-funded research program toward national and international recognition in the field; advising graduate and undergraduate students; and engaging in outreach and service activities with communities, professional organizations and the university. The successful candidate should be prepared to collaborate across disciplines and work with diverse communities and faculty. The faculty position is full time (9-month) and starts no earlier than January 2023.

Required Qualifications:

• A doctoral degree in civil engineering, city and regional planning, or a closely related field prior to the start date of the appointment
• An established record of research commensurate with prior training and specialization
• Evidence of potential for developing a nationally recognized research program
• Interest and ability to engage in research collaborations with faculty in Civil and Geodetic Engineering and The Knowlton School
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching, and an ability to communicate effectively with faculty and students

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional experience such as post-doctoral and other research positions in academia, national labs, and industry in related fields
• Demonstrated experience collaborating on interdisciplinary initiatives
• Experience working with diverse populations and commitment to diversity/inclusivity
• Professional engineering or planning licensure or the ability to obtain registration

Provost Fellow to Faculty Program: 

Applicants applying for appointment as an Assistant Professor position will be considered for the Provost’s Tenure-Track Fellow to Faculty Program—a two-year program that assists early career scholars as they transition to the tenure track. Provost Fellows will receive research funding and participate in career development programs to support their transition to assistant professor and their long-term career success. In addition, Provost Fellows will focus time on research for up to two years allowing for an in-depth start on scholarship, with limited teaching requirements (although Fellows may teach one course per year if they choose), participate in the activities within the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering or City and Regional Planning Section of the Knowlton School of Architecture, and have a designated faculty mentor. Following the fellowship period, which is an instructor rank appointment, Provost Fellows will then transfer to the rank of Assistant Professor within either the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering or the City and Regional Planning Section of the Knowlton School of Architecture and the tenure clock will begin.

RAISE Initiative:

Through the Race, Inclusion and Social Equity (RAISE) initiative, Ohio State is enhancing our world-class research program on race, inclusion, and social equity. Over the next decade, the university will add at least 50 tenure-track faculty members to existing scholars whose research can help to narrow social disparities in educational attainment, health outcomes, rates of incarceration, political representation, environmental impacts, and economic well-being.  Adding scholars in focused areas will enhance the University’s outstanding faculty and inform solutions to intractable issues.  RAISE is part of Ohio State’s larger initiative to expand the size and impact of Ohio State’s faculty over the coming decade, while also enhancing academic and personal resources to support Ohio State scholars, educators, and practitioners through all phases of their careers.

Dual Careers:

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. In support of this, The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has created the Office of Dual Careers and Faculty Relocation (DCFR) to focus on supporting new and prospective faculty. This support includes dual careers services, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available to support the partners of new and prospective faculty as they are considering The Ohio State University and throughout their transition.

University Overview: The Ohio State University sets the stage for academic achievement and innovation. It’s where friendships are forged, tradition is brought to life and a better global community is built. Our mission is as clear today as it was 150 years ago: to illuminate a pathway to education, research and health care that creates vibrant futures. Faculty and staff build the incomparable Buckeye spirit through collaboration, a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Ohio State is a university that seeks and welcomes diverse ideas, perspectives, and views. Academic freedom is a core value of our institution and Ohio State is committed to creating learning opportunities in which all members of the university community can engage in frank, meaningful discussions with others of differing views. More info can be found at (https://odi.osu.edu/education-citizenship-initiative)

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Ohio State is a top-20 public university, enrolling over 60,000 students, 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. More info about The Ohio State University can be found at (https://www.osu.edu/)

College Overview: When Ohio State was founded in 1870, the Department of Mathematics and Engineering was one of seven original departments. Today, the College of Engineering offers 14 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs in 12 departments or centers, as well as, three undergraduate and four graduate degrees in the Knowlton School of Architecture, to approximately 10,000 students. The college has recently expanded its degree offerings with a BS in Engineering Technology available on the regional campuses of the university. The college is one of the largest, most reputable, and impactful institutions in the field with 405 engineering and architecture faculty members. Included in this total are 328 tenure track faculty, 54 clinical track faculty, and 23 research track faculty. The college has 14 National Academy of Engineering members and numerous members of societies and reward recipients. In fiscal year 2020, the college had nearly $138.5 million in externally sponsored research expenditures. Industry R&D expenditures for the College of Engineering in fiscal year 2020 totaled nearly $44 million.

College of Engineering provides fertile ground for innovation and collaboration, and it shares the land-grant mission to create, transfer, and preserve knowledge for the purpose of enhancing economic competitiveness regionally, nationally, and globally and by preparing professionals ready to sustain and advance society. The College of Engineering strives to create a diverse and inclusive environment where all students, staff, and faculty can thrive (https://engineering.osu.edu/diversity). We understand that diversity and inclusion are essential components of excellence in the College of Engineering. We are committed to establishing a culturally and intellectually diverse environment, encouraging all members of our learning community to reach their full potential. We seek candidates who are committed to contributing to diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and working environments for our students, staff, and faculty. More information about the College of Engineering can be found at (https://engineering.osu.edu/)

The College of Engineering strives to be a national leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. To that end, the college engages in and leads significant efforts to increase diversity among the future leaders of the field through the Diversity, Outreach and Inclusion (DOI) programs which designed to increase self-efficacy and foster community among our Minority Engineering Program and Women in Engineering students. All faculty are encouraged to participate in, support, and/or lead these efforts, thus contributing to the inclusive climate of the department as well as developing their own leadership and mentorship. For more information about DOI, visit https://engineering.osu.edu/diversity.

The Ohio State university and the College of Engineering are committed to support and develop faculty as well as the work-life balance of its faculty. These resources include The Engineering Faculty Mentoring Program, the Better Research through Better Mentoring program, and institutional memberships to the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity, and the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning. To learn more visit: https://engineering.osu.edu/faculty-development.

Department Overviews:

Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering (CEGE)

The CEGE department at Ohio State is a cohesive unit of recognized leaders in professional and academic circles who are dedicated to educating tomorrow’s leaders. The faculty includes 28 tenure-track members, 2 research professors, 4 professors of practice and 7 associated faculty members. The Department faculty are a diverse group of educators and scholars who engage in, and place high value upon, interdisciplinary practices. Recent prestigious honors include NSF Career awards and induction to the National Academy of Engineering. Departmental faculty are actively engaged with the College of Public Health, the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, the Schools of Earth Science and Environment and Natural Resources and state agencies headquartered in Columbus. Along with graduate and undergraduate students, the CEGE faculty, pursue research on cross-cutting themes that transcend infrastructure, transportation, environment and geodetic applications to address the changing nature and coming challenges of civil and environmental engineering practice.

The Knowlton School 

The Knowlton School is a tenure-initiating unit within the College of Engineering housing architecture, landscape architecture, and city and regional planning in Knowlton Hall, a state-of-the art facility designed by Mack Scogin Merril Elam Architects with gardens by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates. With 45 tenure-track and clinical faculty, 750 students, and 15 staff, the Knowlton School forms a distinct community fostering inquiry and exchanges across sections, the college, and the university. We offer three undergraduate degrees (BSArch, BSLA, and BSCRP), three professional degrees (MArch, MLA, MCRP) and a PhD in City and Regional Planning. Cross-disciplinary teaching and research are highly valued, and innovation is encouraged. Architecture is the section with the longest history (started in 1899) and the largest enrollment (470 students) and as such, it contributes greatly to shaping the school’s culture of learning and creative research. Having entered a transitional phase, the architecture section is ripe for defining a new direction under new leadership, developing new avenues for research, and establishing partnerships with landscape architecture and planning, engineering, and industry. The school is a sound fiscal environment that is well-positioned within the college and the university.

The City and Regional Planning (CRP) section of The Knowlton School is a nationally recognized pre-eminent planning department with 125 undergraduate majors (accredited BSCRP), 50 master’s degree students in programs in City and Regional Planning (accredited MCRP), and 25 Ph.D. students in CRP. The section, with a full-time faculty of 16, draws students from across the U.S. and the world and is one of the premier programs for U.S. and international planning. As part of the Knowlton School of Architecture, the section is committed to achieving world-class stature as a city and regional planning program through excellence and impact in education, research and outreach. Our thematic research expertise covers a wide array of fields, including transportation, housing, food security, Latino urbanism, land use, environmental planning, social justice and equity, innovation, and economic development. The mission of the section is to train students to become professional planners who can apply knowledge and theory in practical settings and to introduce students to the latest developments in planning knowledge and techniques. The CRP section is also home to the Journal of Planning Literature, and the faculty includes current editors of the Journal of Urban Affairs and Regional Studies.

Columbus Overview:

As the nation’s 14th largest city, Columbus invites and embraces cultural and economic diversity. We are home to Fortune 500 companies, world-class research institutes, top-ranked hospitals, and the state’s capitol. The city was named the 2015 “Intelligent Community of the Year” by the Intelligent Community Forum, called a “Midwestern style capital” by the New York Times and one of the top ten “Best Places to Live” by Money Magazine. Columbus is home to multiple dynamic arts districts. Read more at (Experience Columbus).

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents with your application:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vita
• Diversity Statement (describe experiences, current interests or activities, and/or future goals that promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion in one or more of the areas of scholarship, instruction and outreach)
• Statement of Research (describe the evolution of research, highlight research accomplishments, and provide a clear vision for future research)
• Statement of Teaching Interests
• Names and contact information of FIVE references commensurate with the rank sought

Review of applications will begin on September 15, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. For questions regarding this position, contact Prof. Gil Bohrer at bohrer.17@osu.edu.

Ohio State is focused on enhancing the health and safety of our community. Therefore, the university is requiring every student, faculty and staff member to be compliant with Ohio State’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement.

By the start of employment, all newly hired employees must receive at least the first dose of a two-dose series or a single dose of a one-dose series COVID-19 vaccination. Individuals who choose a two-dose series vaccination must receive the second dose within 45 days of their start date. Proof of vaccination will be required at time of hire.

Candidates may request a medical or religious exemption from the vaccination requirement. Campus employees may also request an exemption for personal reasons. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, College of Medicine or OSUP Employees are not eligible for personal exemptions. All exemptions are subject to Ohio State’s approval and subject to change, including revocation, due to legal and regulatory requirements.

The 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.

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.