Job description
The Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KNPE) in the College of Education at Northern Illinois University (NIU) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in kinesiology program with a primary focus in the area of exercise physiology. We seek a dedicated and innovative individual to join our well-established and growing kinesiology program. We invite applicants who are eager to contribute to a caring, committed, and collaborative professional environment that focuses on promoting excellence and engagement in teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and service. Moreover, we are especially interested in candidates who bring expertise and connections from practical settings to students in the program.
Home to over 700 students, 18 faculty, and 4 dedicated staff members, KNPE has a highly regarded regional and national reputation for the quality of its graduates, and its programs have been highly commended by external accreditation agencies. Faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their research and leadership in the area of professional service. We invite you to contribute to a caring, committed, and collaborative professional environment that focuses on promoting excellence and engagement in teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and outreach and service. This presents a rewarding professional opportunity for a highly qualified, enthusiastic, and motivated individual to join our team and further enhance the program’s regional, national, and international reputation. Furthermore, we seek faculty who embrace NIU’s mission of providing opportunity to a diverse student body by providing them with access to high quality education and hands-on involvement in research and community engagement.
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a comprehensive research university offering programs from the Baccalaureate through the Doctorate. Colleges include Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Health and Human Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. On-campus enrollment is approximately 15,000 students. The university also offers more than 200 off-campus courses each semester to students in communities throughout northern Illinois.
The main campus is located in DeKalb, 65 miles west of Chicago’s “Loop” and 40 miles southeast of Rockford with education centers in Rockford and Naperville. DeKalb/Sycamore, with a population of about 60,000, is a modern paradox, a rural/urban community. It is simultaneously recognized for its manufacturing and rich farmlands. The site of the first manufacturing of barbed wire and the development of hybrid seed corn are evidence of its diversified history. The blend of industry and agriculture, coupled with the cultural and recreational facilities of the university and supplemented by easy access to Chicago and Rockford, provide an enjoyable environment in which to live.
Position Summary
KNPE offers undergraduate majors in the Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed. Teacher Certification) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Kinesiology and Sport Management. At the graduate level, the department supports the equivalent of 25 full-time graduate assistantships through degree offerings in Kinesiology and Physical Education (M.S.) with specializations in exercise physiology, physical education pedagogy, and sport and exercise psychology, Sport Management (M.S.), and a doctorate in Kinesiology and Physical Education (Ph.D.).
The successful candidate will teach primarily undergraduate and graduate classes in kinesiology/exercise physiology with potential secondary teaching duties in areas such as motor behavior, exercise science/testing, research methods, and biomechanics (3/3 course load). Courses are offered face to face, hybrid, and through online formats.
Additional responsibilities include service on dissertation committees, program development, graduate student advisement and mentoring, serving on program, department, and university committees, service to the profession, and developing and maintaining a line of research and publication. This position is a permanent, tenure-track position with salary based on experience.
Minimum Required Qualifications
- Earned doctorate in kinesiology/exercise physiology or relevant related field by time of appointment (ABD considered with established defense date)
- Evidence of capability to engage in and publish research and present at professional meetings
- Demonstrated knowledge and awareness of professional developments related to an area of specialization
- Experience in working with students and colleagues from multi-cultural backgrounds
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in directing student research
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness at the college level
- Record of scholarly contributions/collaboration
- Capability to write grants to obtain external funding
- Skill in use of instructional and computer technology in course delivery
- Past work experience in the kinesiology field
- Experience and interest in student mentorship and professional outreach
- Experience in student recruitment and retention initiatives
How to apply
For full consideration, prospective applicants should visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/86875 to create an application profile and submit the following materials by October 27, 2025:
- Cover letter, including a statement of teaching philosophy and research interests tailored to the position
- Curriculum vita
- Names and contact information of four professional references
- Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for initial review of application; official copies required to confirm appointment) through the NIU Human Resource Services’ online job application system.
For additional information, see http://www.cedu.niu.edu/knpe or contact search chair, Shaine Henert ([email protected]), or department chair, Steve Howell ([email protected]).
Review of complete applications will commence after October 27, 2025; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Appointment is subject to a satisfactory criminal background check.
In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.
