Mershon Peace Chair

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Job Title:

Mershon Peace Chair

Department:

Arts and Sciences | The Mershon Center

Position Overview

The Mershon Center for International Security Studies at The Ohio State University invites  applications for a tenured position in peace and conflict studies at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor. The selected candidate will hold the prestigious Mershon Chair in Peace Studies. This is a joint appointment, with a 50% commitment to the Mershon Center and a 50% appointment in a disciplinary department, which will serve as the tenure home, within the College of Arts & Sciences.

We are seeking a scholar with both a record of accomplishments and an active research agenda, who will build on Mershon's existing peacebuilding program to make Ohio State a leader in research, teaching, and engagement in this field.

The successful candidate will bring original scholarly insight to the legacies of violence and the dynamics of conflict transformation as these interact with development, governance, geopolitics, environmental and demographic change, social movements, or other issues. Candidates may be trained in any relevant social science or humanities discipline, but should demonstrate

• specific expertise in the study of positive peace and conflict transformation
• international field experience – through research, engagement, and/or experiential learning – in conflict-affected settings
• the ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment
• familiarity with responsible engagement in community and/or policy collaborations

The candidate will have a 50% teaching load, offering peace studies courses in their home department. As Peace Chair they will have substantial time and resources for individual and collaborative research. Funding and staff support are available for the creation of public-facing and community engagement initiatives, study-abroad experiences, or other projects. The Peace Chair will work with the Mershon Associate Director for Peacebuilding Research to support and develop Ohio State's interdisciplinary Peace and Conflict Studies curriculum.

Performance Objectives

• Develop and maintain a productive, innovative research program
• Design and teach courses in peace studies at the general education, specialized, and graduate levels
• Demonstrate excellence in mentoring students in research and/or engagement activities
• Lead and work with Mershon staff and affiliates to develop and carry out local, national, and/or international community collaborations in peacebuilding and conflict transformation
• Support Mershon Center and home departmental operations as an active citizen through service on committees, project assignments, and/or administrative leadership roles

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• PhD in relevant social science or humanities discipline
• Specific expertise in the study of positive peace and conflict transformation
• Record of distinguished, original scholarly accomplishment in this field
• International field experience in conflict-affected settings
• The ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment
• An understanding of responsible engagement in community and/or policy collaborations
• A record of accomplished teaching, especially of undergraduates
• A record of mentoring students in research and/or engagement activities

Desired:  

• Capacity to bridge practice and theory, for instance through experience with peacebuilding, mediation, or restorative efforts
• Attention to the multilevel/multiscalar dimensions of peace and conflict dynamics
• A robust international network among scholars and practitioners in peace and conflict studies
• Experience in academic program-building
• Experience with public-facing research and programming

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

Additional Information:

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday. Application period closes 10/31/2025. Application materials submitted in Workday must include  

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
• Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications.
• Attachment 3: Research Statement: Summary of your past research accomplishments, current work/research, and proposal for your future research plan as a faculty member, with an emphasis on your vision of a direction for peace and conflict studies.
• Attachment 4: Teaching Statement: A statement of your approaches, experience and philosophy regarding your teaching, learning, and mentoring, with your vision for teaching peace and conflict studies.
• Attachment 5: A writing sample.

Candidates selected to move forward in the process will be asked to provide three letters of reference.

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success. 

Department Information

The Mershon Center for International Security Studies (https://mershoncenter.osu.edu) is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences. The Mershon Center focuses on the human and social dimensions of complex security challenges. Mershon convenes faculty and students from all fields involved analytically and/or practically with diplomacy, conflict, transitional justice and peacebuilding, governance, cooperative problem-solving, and related concerns. The Center houses three endowed chairs and two designated professorships as well as an extensive grant program for faculty and students across the university. It supports an Associate Director for Peacebuilding Research, who collaborates with a wide range of international partners and has developed a strong peacebuilding focus within the Center's research, training, and programming activities.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its 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.

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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.

Location:

Derby Hall (0025)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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

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