Post Doctoral Scholar Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society

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Job Title:

Post Doctoral Scholar Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society

Department:

Academic Affairs Administration | Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society

The Ohio State University’s motto, Disciplina in Civitatem, or “education for citizenship,” is not merely a slogan; it is an exhortation to remain focused on the responsibility to develop an informed, engaged, and civic-minded citizenry. It is essential to fulfilling Ohio State’s land-grant mission.

In 2023, the State of Ohio established and funded the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society at Ohio State (“the Chase Center" or “Center”). The Chase Center is a multidisciplinary university center that conducts teaching, research, and public programming concerning the core texts and great debates of Western civilization; the principles, ideals, and institutions of the American and Ohio political order; and the foundations of responsible leadership and informed citizenship. It is an independent academic unit within the University. The Center is a leader of the growing cadre of similar schools of civic thought in Ohio and throughout the country.

During its first year of operation, the Chase Center laid a strong foundation for long-term success, securing its mission to “conduct teaching and research in the historical ideas, traditions, and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society,” ORC § 3335.39. This academic year, the Center’s faculty offered the Center’s first classes and degrees, the Center is hosting a robust suite of public programming, the Chase Society of students is large and growing, the Center launched its support for K-12 schools and their students, and the Center saw significant financial support from Ohio, the federal government, and private supporters. The Center will grow toward maturity over the next four years. 

Position Overview

The Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society seeks to fill up to four post doctoral positions to start in the 2026–2027 academic year. Successful candidates will demonstrate the potential to be extraordinary scholars with research and teaching in disciplines relevant to civic thought and leadership, including (but not limited to) economics, English, history, law, philosophy, political theory/science, theology/religious studies, and sociology. Post doctoral scholars will publish research, teach, and make contributions to their academic discipline in a manner that serves the Center’s mission, and will be actively engaged in the Center’s and Ohio State’s intellectual life. 

The Center’s post doctoral scholars will be public-spirited and committed to building an academic community in which civic life and the life of the mind flourish. Post doctoral scholars will advance the Center’s mission by making meaningful contributions to their academic disciplines, teaching students, modeling collegiality, and serving the University and the broader Ohio community. Post doctoral scholars, as with all members of the Center, should be familiar with and embrace the Center’s mission. 

Salary and benefits are competitive. This is a two-year position without the possibility of renewal. The Chase Center will not be able to sponsor work visas other than for those who already possess authorization to work in the United States.

Performance Objectives

• Contribute and demonstrate a commitment to the Chase Center’s statutory mission through research, teaching, and service.
• Build expertise and a strong scholarly reputation in a discipline relevant to civic thought and leadership.
• Present high-quality research at Chase Center workshops and academic conferences.
• Publish impactful scholarship in prestigious academic outlets in the post doctoral scholar’s discipline, as well as other academic outlets.
• Develop and effectively teach courses that advance the Center’s mission.
• Participate actively in Chase Center events and the student program.
• Engage in service to the Chase Center, the University, and the broader community.
• Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrate poise, professionalism, and good judgment.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required

• Applicants must have completed or be on track to complete before starting the position, a Ph.D., J.D., or other terminal degree in a field related to the Center’s mission. Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. or other terminal degree within three years of starting this post doctoral position.
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in scholarly research, teaching, and service.
• Commitment to the Chase Center’s statutory mission of civic thought and leadership.

Desired

• Relevant prior professional experience—with respect to research, teaching, and service—is valued but not required for the position. We welcome applicants who are ABD/current students and will complete their degree before the post doctoral position begins.

Additional Information:

Once you start the application you will need to fill it out to completion and upload all required materials. Please be aware that you will not be able to edit your application or materials after submission.

Application materials must include the following:

• Cover letter describing how the candidate meets the qualifications for the position, including his or her commitment to the Center’s mission and an explanation of how the candidate is prepared to support that mission through research, teaching (including courses the candidate might teach), and contributions to the Center’s institutional development. The letter should be addressed to:

Dr. Jonathan Spiegler

Assistant Director

Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society

The Ohio State University

5042 Smith Lab

Columbus, Ohio 43210

• Curriculum vita (CV)

• Statement of research

• Writing sample (recent article, book chapter, working paper, or dissertation chapter)

• The names and contact information of at least three individuals who can provide a letter of reference. (We will request letters of reference if/when candidates move to the interview stage.)

We may ask candidates who advance to the interview stage to submit additional materials.

We will begin reviewing applications and scheduling interviews starting on January 23, 2026, and will continue accepting applications on a rolling basis until all positions have been filled. Please email Dr. Spiegler, at spiegler.10@osu.edu, if you have questions about the application process.

The Ohio State University

Ohio State is a top-15 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Over 67,700 students attend Ohio State’s main campus and regional campuses. In addition to its regional importance, Ohio State has a national and global impact. Many graduates remain in Ohio, but alumni are found across the world. The Ohio State University boasts 600,000 living alumni, and its endowment stands at over $8.0 billion. 

The University has an astonishing intellectual range with 15 academic colleges and a wealth of disciplines. All colleges are on the Columbus campus, which opens the possibility of working across units. The institution has enormous ambition; through its strategic planning efforts, Ohio State aspires to be the absolute model of a 21st-century land-grant university, enabling people from ordinary backgrounds to achieve the extraordinary. Students are exposed to a vast array of ideas, experiences, and cultures at Ohio State. Our University community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

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.

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 Dual Careers and Faculty Relocation (DCFR) to focus on supporting new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual careers partner consultations, identifying potential employers and/or employment opportunities, 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 provided to support the partners of new and prospective faculty as they are considering or transitioning to The Ohio State University. 

Columbus, Ohio

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and diverse metropolitan area with a population of over 2 million. Columbus is one of the fastest-growing major metropolitan areas in the country, with a vibrant blend of arts and culture; a wide range of affordable housing; excellent schools; a strong economy; inspired culinary, fashion, music, and entertainment scenes; exciting collegiate and professional sports; and an open, entrepreneurial spirit. Its diverse population makes Columbus a microcosm of America.

Ohio’s state capital is the 14th most populous city in the U.S. and second in the Midwest behind Chicago, and larger than Charlotte, Seattle, Denver, Boston, Nashville, and Baltimore. The population of the greater Columbus metropolitan area is more than two million. At the same time, the cost of living in Columbus is 10 percent below the national average.  

Intelligent Community Forum named Columbus one of the seven most intelligent communities in the world. The city has more PhDs than the national average and the largest concentration in the Midwest, plus there are 56 college and university campuses within the Columbus region. Columbus is within 550 miles of nearly half the nation’s population. John Glenn Columbus International Airport, 10 minutes from downtown, offers more than 150 daily nonstop departures to 35 airports. During the work week, the average Columbus commute is just 23.3 minutes and can be significantly less. Learn more about Columbus.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.

Location:

Smith Laboratory (0065)

Position Type:

Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

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. 

As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.