Assistant Professor of Kinesiology

Position Title
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology (Motor Behavior)

Requisition
F

Rank
Assistant Professor

FLSA Status
Exempt

Hiring Salary
Commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type
Full-Time Tenure Track

College
College of Health Sciences

Department
Dept of Kinesiology

Open Date
01/22/2026

Quicklink

Contact Name
Deven Merchant

Title
Assistant to the Chair, Kinesiology

1900 Avenue I

Suite 107E

Huntsville, TX 77340

Contact Phone

Contact Email

Duties Performed In The Usual Course Of The Job
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:

), 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; 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.

Educational Requirements For The Position
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 Required For The Position
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.

Preferred Requirements
Other Requirements for the Position:
Use of technology in instruction, and experience with distance/online education. 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. Demonstrated experience teaching and/or researching in multiple settings. Experience mentoring students with scholarship/research projects. 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.)

Special Instructions Summary
Interested candidates must submit the following required documents: Cover letter detailing candidate's interest in the position, including: teaching experience in motor learning, motor control, motor development, and/or biomechanics, research interests and five-year research agenda, including alignment with our existing research labs and capabilities, involvement in service at the community, departmental, university, state or national level, and experience and commitment to working with various populations; 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 2026.
LOCATION

The Department of Kinesiology is located on the main campus in Huntsville, Texas in the recently renovated first floor of the Lee Drain Building and inhabits 20,000 sq. ft. of space which includes all of the labs and faculty offices

The Department of Kinesiology at SHSU seeks to recruit and retain qualified faculty. A qualified applicant with experience working in academic settings and/or who demonstrates a commitment to serving student populations are strongly encouraged to apply. The SHSU student body is over 50% first-generation college students and SHSU is a recognized Hispanic serving institution (HSI). We are seeking candidates who demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in and with various communities.

The Department of Kinesiology at SHSU includes a group of faculty, students, and staff with different lived experiences ( ). The department offers BS degrees in Human Performance and Wellness Management, Kinesiology-Clinical Exercise Science concentration (proposed to move to a stand-alone degree), Clinical Exercise Science 3+2 to Masters in Athletic Training (MSAT) concentration, Physical Education Teacher Education (double major), Kinesiology, and a proposed degree in Sport Management. The department also offers minors in Sport Coaching and Kinesiology, and MS degrees in Kinesiology-Sport and Human Performance, and Sport Management. A blended sport management/sport coaching degree is to be added in the near future (

).

Our programs are committed to preparing practitioners in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, as well as preparing students for graduate studies in Exercise Science/Kinesiology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and other health-related fields. Many undergraduate students obtain work in their given fields, and some continue their education in professional allied health or graduate degree programs.

Open Until Filled
Yes

EEO Statement
Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an "at will" employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code

• 51.215.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report