Job Description / Duties

The Department of Kinesiology at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) invites qualified applicants for an Assistant Professor (9-month appointment with summer teaching possibilities) in Motor Behavior beginning Fall 2026. The duties and responsibilities of this position include teaching, maintaining a research agenda in Motor Behavior that aligns with the current faculty and equipment in one or more of our four research labs (Watch this video for a virtual tour https://youtu.be/-nCkTSgvI4Y ), mentoring undergraduate students in Kinesiology, Clinical Exercise Science, and Human Performance and Wellness Management, as well as graduate students in Sport and Human Performance. The selected candidate will also perform university and professional service and contribute to ongoing program evaluation and improvement in the undergraduate and graduate Kinesiology programs. Teaching assignments may include undergraduate (both face-to-face and online) and graduate (online) coursework.

The major responsibilities will include: (1) teaching in Motor Behavior courses; (2) teaching within the undergraduate Kinesiology, Clinical Exercise Science, and Human Performance and Wellness Management programs; (3) teaching within the graduate Kinesiology – Sport and Human Performance program; (4) engaging in scholarly activity, including peer-reviewed publications and grant writing; and (5) university and professional service.

The successful candidate will be able to collaborate and/or complement our existing faculty and conduct research in the department’s labs. The successful candidate will primarily utilize the Biomechanics/Motor Behavior lab. This lab is approximately 2000 sq. ft. and features: (a) 13.5 foot ceilings; (b) a Vicon 10 optical camera system; (c) Delsys wireless EMG System; (d) Anthropometry Set; (e) Tekscan F-Scan System; (f) Insole Sensors; (g) 2 AMTI AccuPower Force Platforms (for jumping and dynamic movements); (h) 2 AMTI AccuGait Force Platform (for gait analysis); and (i) a Tekscan 4 tile Strideway gait analysis system. The lab also features a Tendo Control System, a pursuit rotor, a reaction timer, a card sorter, 2 Oculus headsets, a driving simulator, a wooden platform, and concrete floors with rubber flooring. The Sport and Human Performance (SHP) Laboratory has been redeveloped into a multi-use space that now supports both clinical assessments and laboratory instruction. In parallel, the Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory has recently achieved BSL-2 certification, enabling compliant on-site processing and analysis of biological samples. The Department has a DXA and SECA MF-BIA for body composition; and cardiovascular instrumentation (Cosmed Quark CPET & K5; high performance treadmill (H/P cosmos T170) and Strength/Power equipment (Sorinex power rack). A new Occupational, Performance, and Nutrition Lab is panned to become operational in the near future and will be utilized as a multi-use space focused on applied functional, occupational, and cognitive assessments, applied performance and occupational testing.

Qualifications / Required Skills

DEGREE REQUIRMENTS: Earned Doctorate in Kinesiology, Motor Behavior, Motor Learning, Motor Control, Motor Development, Biomechanics, Exercise Science, or related discipline from an accredited institution. ABD candidates must graduate before start date (August 2026).

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
* Teaching experience in motor learning, motor control, motor development, and/or biomechanics
* A demonstrated record of research and scholarship in motor learning, motor control, motor
development, and/or biomechanics
* Service commensurate with appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor

OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:
Preferred requirements
* Use of technology in instruction, and experience with distance/online education is preferred.
* Experience with a variety of laboratory techniques, such as motion capture, force plates, pressure mats, EMG, isokinetic testing, DXA, balance testing, reaction time, and/or virtual reality is preferred.
* Demonstrated experience teaching and/or researching in multiple settings is preferred.
* Experience mentoring students with scholarship/research projects preferred.
* Research focus aligned with tactical athletes and aging populations is desirable.
* Grant writing experience is desirable.
* Membership and involvement in professional organizations is preferred (e.g., NASPSPA, ISB, ASB, CSB, ACSM, SFN, etc.)

Additional Information

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SUMMARY
Interested candidates must submit the following required documents:
https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/45979
* Cover letter detailing candidate’s interest in the position, including:
    o teaching experience in motor learning, motor control, motor development, and/or biomechanics,
    o research interests and five-year research agenda, including alignment with our existing research labs and capabilities,
    o involvement in service at the community, departmental, university, state or national level, and
    o experience and commitment to working with different populations;
    o it is also recommended that a candidate address any experience related to the preferred criteria listed in the position description.
* Curriculum vitae
* Names and contact information for three professional references
Review of applications will begin in February 2026. Position will start in August 202

Salary: TBD

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact: Chair of Search Committee

Dr. Matt Wagner
MCW002@SHSU.EDU
936-294-1163

Chair of Department of Kinesiology
Dr. Jennifer Didier
Jennifer.Didier@shsu.edu
936-294-1169

Search Committee Administrative Assistant
Deven Merchant, Assistant to the Chair
stddbm17@SHSU.EDU
936-294-2266

Employer Profile

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a public research university in Huntsville, Texas. Founded in 1879, it is the third-oldest public college or university in Texas. It is one of the first normal schools west of the Mississippi River and the first in Texas. The school is named for statesman Sam Houston, who made his home in the city and is buried there.

SHSU is a member of the Texas State University System and has an enrollment of more than 20,000 students across over 80 undergraduate, 59 maste's, and 10 doctoral degree programs. It also offers more than 20 online bachelor's and graduate degrees. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity."