Assistant Professor - Kinesiology

Overview

The Department of Kinesiology and Health Science at Utah State University invites applicants for two tenure-track Assistant Professor positions focused on human movement, rehabilitation, and health technology with a preference for those working across several of these areas. We welcome applicants employing or developing technology via biomechanical, physiological, clinical, behavioral, or interdisciplinary approaches. Areas of interest might include, but are not limited to, injury prevention, rehabilitation, healthy aging, growth and development, chronic disease, physical activity, sport performance optimization, disability, and healthcare innovation.

One or more of these hires will be part of the Technology Enhanced Health and Wellness initiative developed between the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences and USU’s College of Engineering, which brings together faculty and students to address complex health challenges through the innovative application of technology and engineering principles. The vision of this initiative is to transform health and human movement by advancing technologies that promote accessibility, efficiency, and personalized care.

Successful candidates will join a vibrant community of researchers committed to interdisciplinary collaboration and high-impact scholarship. Candidates should demonstrate a strong record or clear potential for collaborative, externally funded research that advances technology’s role in improving health and human movement.

The positions are full-time, 9-month academic year appointments located on USU’s Logan, UT campus and are not eligible for remote work. Start date for the positions will be August 1, 2027. The positions are contingent on a successful background check.

Review of applications will begin November 20, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

The Department of Kinesiology and Health Science welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of their current U.S. work authorization status. Visa sponsorship may be available depending on individual circumstances and applicable immigration requirements. The University supports standard sponsorship costs but cannot cover the additional $100,000 H-1B fee if applicable. Sponsorship eligibility will be determined by University Human Resources at the time of offer.

Inquiries may be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. David Bolton (435 797-7329; dave.bolton@usu.edu).

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain a productive research program focused on human movement, rehabilitation, and/or health technology, including disseminating findings through peer-reviewed publications in leading journals.
• Secure external funding to support research activities through sources such as government agencies, private foundations, and regional and local agencies, among others.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty across the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences and the College of Engineering on research projects related to technology-enhanced healthcare delivery, human movement, and wellness.
• Teach graduate and/or undergraduate classes aligned with areas of expertise, specialization, and department needs.
• Mentor students conducting research at the intersections of technology, health, human movement, and wellness.
• Contribute service to the department, college, university, and professional communities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in kinesiology or a related discipline completed by August 2027. Applicants who are ABD will be considered at the Instructor level with a documented plan for timely degree completion.
• Research program related to human movement, rehabilitation, and/or health technology.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and disseminate research that has potential to secure external funding.
• Evidence of effectiveness in and/or strong potential for teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in kinesiology.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in team-based settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior engagement in interdisciplinary research that bridges fields related to human movement, rehabilitation, and/or health technology.
• Record of success in obtaining extramural funding to support research, graduate students, and scholarly activities.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

A curriculum vitae to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

A cover letter addressing the position qualifications to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

Up to three examples of scholarly work to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

Names and contact information for three (3) professional references to be entered in the Candidate Profile

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.*

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with education and experience, plus excellent benefits.

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.

College/Department Highlights

The Department provides a multidisciplinary, reputable, accredited program of education and training in Kinesiology and Health Science. Our campus-based and off-campus graduate programs offer degrees in MS, MSM, MED, MPH, and PhD to students who teach, provide community leadership, work in industry, and conduct research. More than 1,500 undergraduate and over 150 graduate students are currently matriculated in our programs. The Department offers an extensive program of elective activity courses, serving approximately 5,000 Utah State University students per semester.

Under the direction of nationally recognized faculty, students in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science engage in innovative research and immersive internships across a wide range of disciplines. The department actively cultivates partnerships within the community to enrich student learning and elevate the quality of internship experiences. Faculty and students conduct pioneering research in eight state-of-the-art laboratories, each dedicated to advancing knowledge if how human movement, physical activity, and motor behavior influence health and performance. These include the Biomechanics Lab, Exercise Physiology Lab, Neuromechanics Lab, Neuromuscular Lab, Perception-Action Lab, Sensory Motor Behavior Lab, Kids in Motion Lab, and two Sport Psychology Labs. These facilities offer students exceptional opportunities to explore the science of human health and performance, contribute to meaningful discoveries, and prepare for impactful careers in the field.

As part of a land grant institution, we deliver our programs to students on campuses across the state of Utah through interactive broadcast, hybrid, and online delivery. We value our partnerships with local, state, national, and international leaders, and we welcome the numerous ongoing opportunities to collaborate on common goals. Drawing on an extensive knowledge base in both theoretical and practice-oriented research, we nurture a vision of providing effective and equitable educational experiences for all our students.

The Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences is dedicated to excellence in research, teaching, and service activities that advance education, improve health and well-being, and elevate human potential across the lifespan. The college is home to eight academic departments with approximately 200 faculty who are engaged in innovative research and impactful, student-focused graduate and undergraduate education. The college is consistently ranked by US News and World Report as one of the top Graduate Colleges of Education in the country, ranking among the top 30 public institutions of higher education in 2026 and 1st in the state of Utah since 2000. The college’s programs and outreach missions are strengthened by an on-campus elementary laboratory school and five stand-alone centers, including the Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research Center, Center for the School of the Future, Institute for Disability Research, Policy, & Practice, and National Center for Hearing Assessment & Management. Faculty, students, and staff within the college collaborate with a broad range of community partners to facilitate community-engaged research and provide transformative experiential learning opportunities. Through dedicated teaching, innovative research, and meaningful engagement the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences advances education, health, and well-being, enriching the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout Utah.

University Highlights

As Utah’s student-centered, land-grant research university, Utah State University expands opportunity and strengthens communities across the state through learning, discovery, extension, and engagement. Founded in 1888, USU now holds two Carnegie distinctions: R1 status for very high research activity and the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Its innovative research and scholarship is grounded in reciprocal partnerships with local, regional, and global communities, advancing knowledge and serving the public good across Utah, the nation, and the world. With over 50 world-class research facilities and the nation’s second-oldest undergraduate research program, USU prepares students to become active, civically engaged leaders who can address critical societal challenges.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, which it joined July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when it named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at 435-797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.

*updated 10/26

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

titleix@usu.edu

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 | OCR@ed.gov

*updated 08/2026