Job Title

Post Doctoral Scholar - Center for Folklore Studies

Department

Arts and Sciences | Center for Folklore Studies

Follow this link to apply

The deadline to apply is May 30. 

Position Information

Job Description

The Humanities Institute and the Center for Folklore Studies at The Ohio State University is hiring for a Post Doctoral Scholar position in Folklore in the Age of Algorithms and AI for the upcoming 2025/2026 academic year. The digital and social media platforms where we conduct much of our everyday expression today are shaped by algorithms and Large Language Model AIs, technologies of automation and creation that mimic the superorganic “tradition” to which past folklorists had misguidedly assigned sole agency. How should folklorists shift their thinking in this emerging world? For this postdoc fellowship, we seek a scholar with training in folklore theory and methods whose research focus lies in digitally mediated folklore forms in today’s algorithm- and AI-saturated environments.  

The Post Doctoral Scholar will be expected to conduct their own research, culminating in an article to be submitted to a major folklore journal by the end of the fellowship.

The Post Doctoral Scholar will also teach a dual-career (undergraduate/graduate) class on Folklore in Circulation for the Department of Comparative Studies in the Spring 2026 term on a digital folklore topic. The fellow will also lead workshops or reading group meetings (1-2 per semester) through the Humanities Institute, aimed at engaging faculty and graduate students with a range of affiliations. To reach undergraduates, the fellow will deliver occasional guest lectures in our Introduction to Folklore courses (English 2270/Comparative Studies 2350). Class sessions and events will be held in-person but other scheduling may be flexed to allow for hybrid work in consultation with the CFS director.

Minimum Education Required

PhD in Folklore or equivalent training in Folklore theory and methods. ABDs are welcome to apply but must have PhD in hand by the start of this appointment.

Required Qualifications

Evidence of the ability to carry out relevant research and perform teaching duties.  Training in folklore theory and methods is required.  Prior teaching experience is required.

Desired Qualifications

Experience teaching in folklore, ideally digital folklore; prior research on digital expressive culture (dissertation, conference papers, other publications, etc.)

Additional Information

Application Instructions

To apply for the fellowship, please prepare and submit the following materials:

Curriculum Vitae (CV). Your CV should include:

• Educational background
• Teaching experience
• Titles of theses or dissertations
• Any publications or presentations

Cover Letter

In your cover letter, please describe the research question you plan to explore during the fellowship. This question should focus on folklore in the context of algorithms and artificial intelligence. Please add to your Cover Letter the names and contact information for two references who are well-acquainted with your research background.

Compensation

The pay range for this job profile is $61,008 - $62,000. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, the unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.

Location

Hagerty Hall (0037)

Position Type

Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours

40

Shift

First Shift

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. 

Follow this link to apply