Assistant Professor of Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies at Oberlin College
Summary:The Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies Program at Oberlin College invites applications for a full-time tenure track faculty position in the
College of Arts and Sciences in Russian language, literature, and culture. We
seek a dynamic, versatile, and broadly interdisciplinary scholar and pedagogue
who shows strong potential for future leadership in both the program and the
college, who can teach the Russian language at multiple levels, and who can
offer a range of courses in translation, for a broad audience of majors and
non-majors alike, on 19th, 20th, and 21st-century Russian literature and
corollary areas such as film, philosophy, and the intersection of culture and
politics. The ability to teach across multiple periods is desirable, as is
secondary expertise in other (non-Russian) cultural traditions (including
Europe, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Siberia). Initial
appointment to this position will be for a term of four years, beginning fall
semester of 2025, and will carry the rank of Assistant Professor.
About: Founded in 1833, Oberlin is a private four-year, highly selective national
liberal arts college near Cleveland, Ohio and is also home to an outstanding
Conservatory of Music. Together, the two divisions enroll approximately 2900
students. Oberlin College was the first college in the US to make interracial
education and co-education central to its mission. Among liberal arts
colleges, Oberlin is a national leader in successfully placing graduates into
PhD programs.
The Oberlin Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies Program consists of
core faculty teaching Russian language and literature as well as affiliate
faculty in a range of other departments (History, Politics, Sociology, East
Asian Studies, Studio Art). The REEES Program offers two majors: one in
Russian (with a focus on Russian language, literature, and culture), and
another in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies. We are also home to
the Oberlin Center for Russia, East European, and Central Asian Studies
(OCREECAS), which for over twenty-plus years has sent dozens of students on
internships in Russia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia and has
brought a wide range of scholars, journalists, and artists from Russia and
elsewhere to campus to lecture and teach.
Responsibilities: The incumbent will teach the standard teaching load (4.5 courses per year) in
the general area of Russian language (at multiple levels) and Russian
literature and culture, both in English and in the original. That person will
be expected to contribute regularly to Oberlin’s First-Year Seminar Program,
and to share responsibilities with other faculty for directing our student-
taught Winter Term Elementary Russian Intensive. The successful candidate will
be expected to participate actively in running and shaping both the REEES
program and OCREECAS. The incumbent will also be expected to engage in
sustained scholarly research and/or other creative work appropriate to the
position and participate in the full range of faculty responsibilities,
including academic advising, mentoring undergraduate research, and service on
committees.
<{>Qualifications: Among the qualifications required for appointment is the Ph.D. in Russian
Literature (in hand or expected by first semester of academic year 2025) and
native or near-native fluency in Russian. Candidates must demonstrate interest
and potential excellence in undergraduate teaching. Successful teaching
experience at the college level is desirable.
Oberlin is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the
excellence and diversity of the academic community through their research,
teaching, and service. Oberlin College is committed to diversity, equity and
inclusion. The incumbent will bring understanding of or experience working
with underrepresented and diverse academic populations. Oberlin recruits,
employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation,
disability, age, veteran’s status, and/or other protected status as required
by applicable law.
Quick Link for Posting: https://jobs.oberlin.edu/postings/15607
Compensation: Within the range established for this position, salary will be commensurate
with qualifications and experience and includes a competitive benefits
package.
Special Instructions to Applicants
A complete application will be comprised of:
• 1) a Cover Letter describing your teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and service, detailing any connections to supporting an inclusive learning environment;
• 2) a Curriculum Vitae;
• 3) an unofficial graduate transcript;
• 4) a statement (or statements) on your teaching philosophy and expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• 5) a research statement that includes how you will support undergraduate research and, if applicable, how you might incorporate undergraduate students into your research program; and
• 6) Letters of Reference from three recommenders.*
All application materials must be submitted electronically through Oberlin College and Conservatory’s online application process at: https://jobs.oberlin.edu/. Initial interviews by zoom.
*By providing three letters of reference, you agree that we may contact your letter writers.
Review of applications will begin on October 16, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Completed applications received by the October 16 deadline will be guaranteed full consideration.
Questions about the position can be addressed to Sheila Miyoshi Jager, Chair of REEES, sjager@oberlin.edu
