Post-Doctoral Scholar

The John Glenn College of Public Affairs and Kirwan Institute of the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University invite applications for up to two postdoctoral scholar positions. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, 12-month (1.0 FTE) position that begins Spring or Autumn semester 2026 with a possible renewal for a second year based on satisfactory performance.

 

This position is designed to be a career-building step for early-career scholars. We are eager to engage with candidates whose research is at the intersection of the study of public affairs, race or ethnicity, and one of the following specialty areas: housing, criminal justice, or early childhood policy. We are particularly interested in candidates who employ both qualitative and quantitative methods and who have experience working with large administrative datasets.

 

The candidate will split their time between the Kirwan Institute and the Glenn College. The successful candidate is expected to collaborate with faculty members, researchers, and students on research projects, initiate new funded projects, and disseminate research results via conferences, policy documents, and academic publications. The postdoctoral scholar will fully participate in the academic life of Glenn College and the Kirwan Institute, will have opportunities to gain teaching experience, and participate in professional development programs by Ohio State’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. Ohio State offers a comprehensive benefits package.  Please visit https://hr.osu.edu/benefits/ to learn more.

 

Successful candidates must have obtained a PhD prior to starting the position in public affairs or a related field. We desire applicants with the potential to become productive and impactful researchers, effective teachers, and conscientious and engaged community members.

 

Performance Objectives

50%: Performs research, teaching, and/or service in coordination with the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Collaborates with faculty members, researchers, and students on research projects, initiates new funded projects, and disseminates research results via conferences, policy documents, and academic publications. Fully participates in the academic life of Glenn College and participates in professional development programs by Ohio State’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

 

50%: Performs research and service in coordination with the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity. Collaborates with faculty members, researchers, and students on research projects, initiates new funded projects, and disseminates research results via conferences, policy documents, and academic publications

 

 

Additional Information:

This position requires an onsite presence on the Columbus campus.

 

Required:

• Demonstrate the potential to conduct high quality research in public affairs and at least one of the following areas: housing, criminal justice or early childhood policy.

• Have, or be on track to complete before starting the position, a Ph.D. in Public Affairs or a related field.

Desired:

• Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research and has requisite qualitative and quantitative data collection, coding, and analysis skills.

• Experience working with large administrative data sets.

• Experience with community engaged research or conducting research with state and local government partners.

 

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday. Once you start the application you will need to fill it out to completion and upload each of the required materials. Please be aware that you will not be able to edit your application or required materials after submission. Application materials must include:

 

Application closes 10/30/2025

 

Required:

• Cover letter

• Curriculum Vita (CV)

• Statement of Research

• Published or working research paper

• Three professional reference letters

 

The College

The John Glenn College of Public Affairs is dedicated to improving public governance and policymaking through education, research and technical assistance. For nearly 60 years, the college has prepared the next generation of public and nonprofit leaders and equipped practitioners with the knowledge and training to address complex challenges. The Glenn College is ranked 16th among our peers in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings of America’s Best Graduate Schools and recognized among the top programs in the following specialty areas: public management and leadership (7), nonprofit management (9), local government (18), social policy (19), public policy analysis (20), urban policy (22), and public finance and budgeting (25).

 

The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity is an interdisciplinary engaged research institute at The Ohio State University established in May 2003.  It was named for former university president William E. “Brit” Kirwan in recognition of his efforts to champion diversity at OSU. Kirwan’s goal is to connect individuals and communities with opportunities needed for thriving by educating the public, building the capacity of allied organizations, and investing in research.  

 

The University

Ohio State is one of the largest public research universities in the U.S. and the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s 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 University’s Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

 

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

 

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 Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s 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.