Job description
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, KINESIOLOGY, AND SPORT ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF EXERCISE SCIENCE – TENURE TRACK POSITION AVAILABLE AUGUST 15, 2026
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, KINESIOLOGY, AND SPORT in the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of South Alabama is seeking applicants for a full-time tenure-track academic appointment (9-month) in Exercise Science at the rank of Assistant Professor.
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMAis a diverse and vibrant public university that is making a difference in the lives of the people of Alabama and the nation through teaching, research, service, and health care. The University offers a wide range of high-quality undergraduate and graduate academic programs to 14,000 students. Located in Mobile, Alabama, the University of South Alabama is the Flagship of the Gulf Coast, representing the only major public institution of higher learning on the upper Gulf Coast.
THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES is one of nine colleges and schools of the University of South Alabama. Founded on February 1, 1967, the college serves approximately 1,700 graduate and undergraduate students. The College offers undergraduate and graduate education certification programs, as well as programs that are outside of the public-school arena. These areas include health, kinesiology, sport and recreation, mental health, instructional design, hospitality and tourism, and interdisciplinary studies.
The College is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, with programs accredited by the Alabama State Department of Education, the American Psychological Association, and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Across all program areas, the College of Education and Professional Studies is committed to preparing exemplary professionals committed to life-long learning who are leaders in contributing to the betterment of our dynamic world.
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, KINESIOLOGY, AND SPORT currently has 13 full-time faculty, 8 tenured faculty, 3 tenure-track faculty, 2 non-tenure track instructional faculty, 3 staff members, 17 graduate assistants, and over 650 students. The Department offers undergraduate programs in Exercise Science, Health and Physical Education teacher education, Sport Management and Recreation Studies, Recreational Therapy, and Health Promotion. Graduate programs include master’s degrees in Exercise Science, Health and Physical Education teacher education, Health Promotion, and Sport Management, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise Science and Performance Nutrition (first implemented Fall 2023). The Department is home to the Exercise and Nutrition Research Group (ENRG) at the University of South Alabama, which is comprised of a cluster of well-equipped, collaborative laboratories capable of supporting a wide array of exercise- and nutrition-related research, teaching, community outreach, and service-learning activities. Current laboratory capabilities include equipment for body composition (BodPod, DXA, 3D scanner, BIA/BIS, hydrostatic weighing), neuromuscular (HUMAC Norm dynamometer, EMG, nerve stimulation, force plate, Tensiomyography via the TMG S2 device, Magstim BiStim2 for peripheral nerve and transcranial stimulation, and MyotonPro, a portable device for measuring biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of soft tissue), cardiovascular (NIRS, ultrasound, blood flow restriction cuffs, SphygmoCor, EKG), metabolic/pulmonary (metabolic cart with exercise and REE capability, spirometry), and biochemical/molecular (rtPCR system, microplate reader, pipetting robot, electrophoresis, microscopy equipment, freezers) assessments. An assortment of other equipment is available for exercise testing, including cycle ergometers (Velotron, Monark, iWorx equipment), treadmills, a fully equipped collegiate weight room, and other basic exercise and laboratory equipment.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION are consistent with those of a full-time, tenure-track academic appointment (9-month) at the rank of Assistant Professor. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in the exercise science program as assigned by the Department Chair; conducting, publishing, and presenting research; seeking external funding; providing academic advisement; recruiting and mentoring master’s- and doctoral-level graduate students; participating in curriculum development; and providing service to the Department, College, and University. The successful applicant must display the ability to employ effective teaching practices, provide experiential student learning opportunities, and engage in program-related community engagement.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS include an earned doctorate in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a closely related discipline. ABDs near completion of the degree will be considered. Candidates should have demonstrated skills and/or experience in teaching, research, and service, with the ideal candidate complementing our existing programs and faculty and being able to work effectively in a research team. The ability to work in a collaborative manner with other research faculty to sustain an environment conducive to the success of doctoral students is a must.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS for the position are applicants with publications and/or experience in conducting research exploring cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or health-related fitness responses and/or adaptations to exercise in healthy or diseased populations. Experience in teaching courses or conducting research in the area of stress testing and exercise prescription is highly desirable. Competency in phlebotomy procedures and basic wet lab techniques is desired, but not required. Demonstrated leadership activities and/or certifications from ACSM, NSCA, or other related organizations are preferred. Preference will be given to candidates whose research complements the existing strengths of the exercise science faculty. Broadly, current initiatives/projects include the examination of cardiovascular, biochemical, neuromuscular, and body composition-related changes to various exercise and nutrition interventions.
How to apply
APPLICATION materials must include a) a letter of interest to include a description of research, teaching, and service experiences; b) a current curriculum vitae; c) a statement of research; d) the names, affiliation, and contact information of three references; and (3) copies of unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts. These materials should be sent via email to Carjetta Taylor, Assistant to the Dean, College of Education & Professional Studies at [email protected]. Please include “Exercise Science Faculty Search” in the subject line.
For full consideration, applicants must submit materials by October 15, 2025, and the search will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Neil Schwarz at (251) 461-1620 or email: [email protected]
The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected status basis.
