National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education

Job Board > Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies - Denison University

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies - Denison University

State: Westerville, OH
Position: Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies
Deadline: October 25, 2024

Job Description / Duties

The Department of Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies (HESS) at Denison University invites applications from qualified exercise scientists to fill a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor starting in fall 2025. Area of specialty is open, but we are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in neuromuscular physiology, motor control, or motor development. Strong candidates will demonstrate a commitment to teaching at the undergraduate level, an appreciation of the context of a small residential liberal arts institution, and a clear and active research agenda. Candidates must have completed a PhD in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology, or a related field by the start date (in August 2025) as a requirement for this position. Individuals who identify with backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in higher education are encouraged to apply.

Demonstration of a strong potential for excellence in teaching and for a productive research program is essential. The Department of Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies is a thriving and vibrant program with 30-40 graduates per year that strives to be an academic community in which students receive ongoing professional mentorship and engagement throughout the undergraduate experience. Our objective is to facilitate an intellectual environment between faculty representing the three prongs of health science, exercise science, and sports studies. The department values collaboration among our students and faculty, as well as with other disciplines on campus, such as Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, Physics, or Data Analytics.

We are seeking candidates who are committed to continually refining and growing their pedagogy. The successful candidate will be expected to teach introductory and advanced courses, including Applied Anatomy with lab, Fundamentals of Health and Exercise, Research Methods, and Kinesiology. Our new colleague will also have the opportunity to develop and teach new courses that augment our curriculum. We are particularly interested in candidates who can develop a course in Human Physiology with lab. The teaching load is five courses per year. Denison is a fully residential campus and all classes are held in-person and on-campus. For more information about Denison University’s HESS program, please visit https://denison.edu/academics/hess.

Our new colleague will be expected to maintain an active research program. A supportive environment for teacher-scholars who value both classroom and research excellence, Denison offers extensive support for its faculty, including start-up research funds, an annual professional development account, competitive professional development funding, and a one-semester research leave after a successful pre-tenure review. Please note, a candidate’s research program may involve human subjects or animal models, but only non-mammalian and non-avian species can be housed on campus. Additionally, we have numerous professional development opportunities, including early career mentoring programs and the Center for Learning and Teaching. The successful candidate will also be expected to actively contribute to service and activities outside of the classroom and laboratory at the level of the department, institution, and larger community.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Candidates must have completed a PhD in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology, or a related field by August 2025 (ABD will be considered Instructor until Ph.D. is obtained).

Additional Information

Applicants should submit electronic application materials on-line at http://apply.interfolio.com/154600. Applications that are completed by October 25, 2024 will receive full consideration, with review continuing until the position is filled.

Application materials should include:
- a cover letter addressing the candidate’s motivation and potential that will enable them to successfully contribute to the high standards of teaching, scholarship, and service that are expected of Denison
- a statement of their teaching philosophy including the ability to contribute to our curriculum; this statement should also describe methods they have used or envision using to educate and support a diverse community of students inside and outside the classroom
- a statement of research interests and plans for research at Denison
- curriculum vitae

Contact Information

Susan Kennedy (kennedys@denison.edu)

Employer Profile


Denison is a highly selective, residential liberal arts college with a broadly diverse student body of approximately 2,400 from across the nation and world. We seek faculty who exemplify academic excellence and professional integrity. Denison is committed to attracting and supporting a diverse faculty and is committed to providing a work and learning environment free from discrimination.

Our mission is to foster critical thinking and intellectual growth in an environment that values diverse perspectives and thoughtful exchange. To learn more about Denison’s commitment to being a diverse, equitable and inclusive community please see https://denison.edu/campus/denison-forward. The HESS department is tied closely to the Athletics division with access to the state-of-the-art Mitchell Center, which includes an Olympic-sized pool, exceptional fitness center, and indoor tracks and courts for use by athletes and community members. Classrooms and lab space are embedded within the facility.

The college is located in the village of Granville, 30 minutes from Columbus, Ohio, the state capital, which hosts a wide range of cultural and artistic opportunities. Granville offers an excellent public school system and easy access to outdoor activities. Denison offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including tuition benefits to attend Denison or other affiliated colleges and a generous retirement contribution.