Ohio University seeks Rural Development Geographer

The Ohio University Departments of Geography and Sociology/Anthropology invite applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Rural Development, with specialization in the areas of poverty and/or inequality and related expertise in community, development, or environmental sustainability, beginning in fall of 2015. A focus on the Appalachian region is strongly preferred, though we will welcome applications from candidates whose research focuses on other rural geographic areas within the U.S. Methodological expertise may include qualitative, quantitative, or spatial analytical methods. The successful candidate should conduct research that is theoretically innovative and empirically grounded, and be committed to teaching excellence at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This position will contribute to the new interdisciplinary curriculum theme on Wealth and Poverty in the College of Arts and Sciences. Interested applicants can learn more about the Wealth and Poverty theme here: www.ohio.edu/cas/undergrad/themes/wealth-poverty/. The position will be housed in either the Department of Geography or Sociology/Anthropology depending on the successful applicant’s discipline. A Rural Development position with tenure home in the Department of Geography would complement Geography’s Urban Planning and Sustainability major, providing a comprehensive applied focus to existing theoretical strengths and make a meaningful regional contribution to Geography’s Globalization and Development major. The Rural Development position with tenure home in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology would complement Sociology’s strengths in social inequality and social change as well as race/class/gender and would contribute to Sociology’s historical strength in Appalachian scholarship.

The successful candidate will teach a rotation of graduate and undergraduate courses focused on Appalachia, community, development, inequality, rural studies, and social change. Working with other faculty members involved in the theme, the successful candidate will be expected to develop and offer a service learning course and participate in teaching the new Capstone Seminar for the Wealth and Poverty theme.
Ohio University (www.ohio.edu) is a four-year Research-Extensive public institution that serves approximately 20,000 students on a residential campus located in Athens, a quintessential college town situated in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio seventy-five miles southeast of Columbus.
The Department of Geography (www.ohio.edu/geography/) has 15 full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty members, 170 undergraduate majors and 17 master’s students, and offers a range of degree programs including environmental geography, GISc, urban planning and sustainability, globalization and development, environmental pre-law, and meteorology. The Department of Sociology and Anthropology (www.ohio.edu/socanth) has 15 sociologists, 7 anthropologists, 450 undergraduate majors, 11 Sociology Masters students and offers undergraduate majors in sociology, sociology criminology, and sociology pre-law. Both departments are home to many award-winning teachers, noted researchers, and enjoy excellent teaching, research, IT, and administrative support for their activities. Sociology and Geography faculty are active in interdisciplinary programs across the university including International Studies, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Environmental Studies.
Please complete the online application and attach required documents including: cover letter, CV, publications or other samples of scholarly writing (upload as “Other” document type), research statement, and statement of teaching philosophy. Actual or proposed course syllabi and recent teaching evaluations (also uploaded as “Other” document type) are optional. Applicants must provide contact information for three references who will receive an auto-generated email invitation with unique link to upload their recommendation.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Geography or Sociology by time of appointment. This position provides a competitive salary plus excellent benefits including educational benefits for employee and eligible dependents. Position will remain open until filled; for full consideration please apply by October 27, 2014. For details and to apply, go to http://www.ohiouniversityjobs.com/postings/11029.
Ohio University is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive educational and workplace environment, and is an equal access/equal opportunity and affirmative action employer dedicated to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. The university offers Domestic Partner Benefits to domestic partners and their children, as a matter of equity and fairness. Women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.