The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered our communities, our institutions, and our world. Globally, health care infrastructure, scientific research communities, arts and culture organizations, policymaking bodies, local and national economies, K-12 schools and higher education, as well as social service agencies have had to respond to unprecedented challenges. Existing inequities have been magnified and exacerbated. Research that addresses infectious diseases has risen dramatically in importance over the last year and endemic- and pandemic-related studies promise to be an impactful area of research and creative activity for the foreseeable future.

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Oklahoma State University is recruiting up to five open-rank faculty members to specialize in endemic- and pandemic-related research. This is a cluster-hire that will lead to the hiring of at least one open-rank faculty member in each of CAS’s three pillars: Arts and Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences. Information on individual departments may be found here: https://cas.okstate.edu/departments_and_programs. The goal is to cultivate an interdisciplinary research community dedicated to critical questions related to infectious disease and endemic/pandemic studies. This new area of research emphasis will be facilitated by the Oklahoma Pandemic Center for Innovation and Excellence (https://oklahoma.gov/opcie), currently under development in Stillwater, OK, the location of Oklahoma State University’s main campus. In addition to a robust trajectory in research and creative activities, these faculty will be expected to make meaningful contributions to teaching and service, and to help CAS and their home departments move forward in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

Critical research topics related to the Sciences include but are not limited to: immunology; virology; predictive modeling; big data analytics; zoonotic diseases; viral dynamics; environmental stressors; vaccine development; therapeutics; antibiotic resistance; ecology of infectious diseases; evolutionary epidemiology; health/science education; and health informatics.

Applicants are asked to submit the following items via Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/84985 cover letter; curriculum vita; statement of research interests related to endemic /pandemics and infectious diseases; teaching statement that addresses their pedagogical philosophy; DEI statement that discusses past, present, and future contributions to inclusive excellence in the areas of research, teaching, and/or service; and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin April 5 and continue until the positions are filled. Employment will start August 2021 or as negotiated. For questions/inquiries: osusciences21@okstate.edu.

General Information
Oklahoma State University is a comprehensive flagship, land-grant, Carnegie Tier 1 research institution with more than 24,000 students on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses. Students come from all 50 states and around 120 nations. With 24 departments and approximately 6,000 students, CAS is the largest and most diverse college at OSU. CAS interdisciplinary programs and centers include Africana Studies, American Indian Studies, American Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, and Religious Studies. Since 2010, OSU has been first in the nation among public land-grant colleges and universities for graduating Native American students. OSU’s main campus is located in Stillwater, which is about a 1-hour drive from both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Stillwater has a historic downtown, a regional airport with direct flights to/from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), highly rated public schools, and the newly opened McKnight Center for the Performing Arts.

OSU’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At Oklahoma State University, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) matter. Providing a wide range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identifying opportunities and creating solutions are core to our mission as a land-grant university. We fulfill our mission and enrich our campus community by maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment that appreciates, values and fosters a sense of belonging for all. For the complete statement, see https://go.okstate.edu/about-osu/leadership/president/diversity-inclusion-task-force.html.

OSU’s Affirmative Action EEO
Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit https://eeo.okstate.edu.