Assistant or Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Health

Position Title:

Assistant or Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Health

Appointment Type:

Faculty

Job Description:

The Department of Kinesiology and Health at Iowa State University invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, beginning August 16, 2027. This open search welcomes applicants from any area of kinesiology and health. We seek an outstanding scholar whose research complements and extends our strengths, expands externally funded research through diverse sources, develops partnerships with industry, healthcare, or community organizations, and advances Iowa State's land-grant mission by improving health and well-being in Iowa and beyond. Candidates at the Associate Professor rank will also have opportunities to mentor early-career faculty and contribute to department leadership. The initial contract period is for up to four years with the possibility of renewal.

About the Department

The Department of Kinesiology and Health is one of five units in the College of Health and Human Sciences. The Department is committed to advancing the science of physical activity, human movement, and health through innovative and impactful research. Faculty maintain active research programs in exercise physiology, exercise psychology, biomechanics, neuromotor control, and physical activity and health, with departmental strengths in healthy aging, cardiovascular and brain health, skeletal muscle and space biology, immunology, occupational biomechanics, rural health, digital health, and translational intervention research across the lifespan. Studies range from cellular and molecular research to randomized controlled trials, and from community-based research to dissemination and implementation science, addressing critical questions related to health, performance, and quality of life. Indirect cost revenue is returned directly to principal investigators at a competitive rate.

• Undergraduate programs: More than 1,100 undergraduate majors, ranking in the top three for undergraduate enrollment among Iowa State's 61 academic departments. The BS in Kinesiology and Health offers options in Community and Public Health, Exercise Science, Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Physical Education Teacher Education, and Pre-Health Professions, with minors in Dance, Exercise Science, Health Promotion, and Kinesiology and Health.
• Graduate programs: More than 80 graduate students, with enrollment nearly doubling in recent years. Programs include the MS and PhD in Kinesiology, Master's in Athletic Training, and online Master's in Digital Health.
• Undergraduate research: Strong demand for research mentorship, with most students pursuing pre-health careers. Of student researchers surveyed, 86% of rate their lab experience as very or extremely impactful.
• People and culture: The department includes 42 faculty and staff, including 13 tenure-track and tenured faculty, 17 term faculty, and 12 professional and scientific staff. A 2026 external program review recognized our collegial culture as a key strength.
• Facilities: The department’s 90,000-square-foot facility includes the Exercise Clinic, 15 research laboratories, and 5 teaching laboratories, with shared DEXA, cardiovascular, metabolic, and strength assessment spaces.
• Collaboration: Interdisciplinary teams connect department strengths with partners across campus, including the ISU Translational Research Network (U-TuRN), ISU Extension and Outreach serving all 99 Iowa counties, the Nanovaccine Institute, Center for Industrial Research and Service, Virtual Reality Applications Center, ISU Athletics, the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Engineering, as well as healthcare, industry, and community partners across Iowa.

The successful applicant for this position will:

• Establish or sustain an externally funded research program drawing on federal, foundation, industry, or other sources
• Publish in respected peer-reviewed journals
• Build partnerships that expand research, funding, and student opportunities, and share research findings with practitioners and the public
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the area of expertise
• Mentor graduate students and engage undergraduates in research
• Provide service to the department, college, university, and profession

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate in Kinesiology or a related field by the start date
• Assistant Professor rank: A record of peer-reviewed publications and evidence of a research program with strong potential for external funding
• Associate Professor rank: A sustained record of peer-reviewed publications, extramural funding, and a nationally recognized research program sufficient to qualify for tenure at the rank of Associate Professor

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research that complements or extends one or more department research strengths
• Record of seeking funding from diverse sources, such as federal agencies, foundations, industry, or state and community partners
• Postdoctoral experience
• Experience building partnerships or translating research into practice
• Record of interdisciplinary collaboration
• Collegiate teaching and graduate mentoring experience
• Leadership experience in research, professional, or academic settings

Department Unit/Website:

Proposed Start Date:

August 16, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

09 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Cover letter (up to 2 pages) addressing the required and preferred qualifications

2) Curriculum vitae

3) Research statement (2 to 3 pages) describing how your research complements and extends the department's research strengths, and your plan for external funding

4) Contact information for three professional references

For guaranteed consideration, please submit your application materials by November 9, 2026. This position will remain open until filled.

Questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Elizabeth Stegemöller, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected]. Questions about the application process may be directed to [email protected] or 515-294-4800.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

October 2, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:

R20016

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.