Assistant/Associate Professor of Kinesiology – Motor

About The Role

The Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health seeks a teacher-scholar in Motor Behavior who will contribute to the department’s undergraduate and graduate programs through high-quality teaching, an active program of research, and student mentorship. The successful candidate will bring expertise in Motor Control, Motor Learning, and related areas that strengthens the breadth of the kinesiology curriculum, complements existing departmental strengths, and supports collaborative scholarship. The faculty member will be expected to contribute to a collaborative academic environment and participate actively in the teaching, research, and service missions of the department.

Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Motor Control, Motor Learning, Biomechanics, and related kinesiology courses; establishing and maintaining an active research program; pursuing external funding; advising and mentoring students; and engaging in service at the departmental, college, University, and professional discipline levels. This is a full-time, tenure-track, on-campus position that requires regular campus presence and active engagement with students. The appointment is expected to begin in August 2027.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

Assistant professor: Ph.D. by the date of appointment in Motor Behavior, Motor Control, Motor Learning, Human Movement Science, Motor Neuroscience, Kinesiology, or a closely related discipline. Associate Professor: Ph.D. in Motor Behavior, Motor Control, Motor Learning, Human Movement Science, Motor Neuroscience, Kinesiology, or a closely related discipline, and evidence of an established, externally funded research program, excellence in teaching, and a record of service commensurate with rank.

Consideration may be given to candidates with

Experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Motor Control and Motor Learning.
Ability to teach biomechanics courses at the undergraduate and graduate level
Postdoctoral research experience.
Demonstrated potential to establish and sustain an externally funded research program.
Evidence of collaborative scholarship or interdisciplinary research.
Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health

The Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health is one of the largest in the College of Education, Health, and Society, with sustained enrollment growth and strong student demand. The department is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and student mentorship while preparing graduates for clinical, professional, and graduate careers. We value the breadth of the kinesiology discipline and seek a faculty member whose expertise in Motor Behavior will strengthen our curriculum, expand collaborative scholarship, and contribute to the continued growth of the department.

Faculty in the department maintain active research programs across motor behavior, biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, athletic training, health behavior, and related disciplines. The successful candidate will have access to well-equipped research facilities supporting human movement and performance research, including motion capture and biomechanical analysis systems, force platforms, body composition assessment, ultrasound imaging, exercise physiology laboratories, and other human performance testing resources.

Research Environment

The Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health (KNH) provides a collaborative research environment that supports innovative scholarship in motor behavior across basic, translational, and applied settings. Faculty maintain active research programs spanning motor behavior, biomechanics, exercise physiology, athletic training, nutrition, and health behavior, creating numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The departments shared laboratory infrastructure supports research examining human movement from neural control and skill acquisition to biomechanics, rehabilitation, and performance.

Core Research Infrastructure

Human Movement Analysis : State-of-the-art motion capture systems, force platforms, wireless electromyography (EMG), and high-speed video analysis support investigations of movement coordination, motor control, gait, balance, and neuromechanics.

Motor Performance & Human Function : Flexible laboratory space equipped for studies of motor learning, functional movement, postural control, balance assessment, exercise interventions, and human performance across the lifespan and in clinical populations.

Integrative Human Physiology : Shared access to advanced exercise physiology laboratories, including metabolic testing (ParvoMedics TrueOne 2400), body composition assessment (DEXA, InBody 770, ultrasound), cardiovascular assessment, and exercise testing, facilitating multidisciplinary research that integrates motor behavior with physiological outcomes.

Collaborative Research Environment : Faculty have opportunities to collaborate across multiple areas of expertise, including biomechanics, exercise physiology, athletic training, nutrition, and neuroscience, while mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in hands-on research. The department supports externally funded scholarship through shared laboratory resources, a collaborative research culture, and access to a diverse participant population.

The College of Education, Health and Society

The vision of the College of Education, Health, and Society is to foster critically engaged leaders prepared to take on complex and interdisciplinary challenges through transdisciplinary problem-solving that seeks equity and justice in our changing global society. The College embraces the rich opportunities available for cross-disciplinary collaboration across its six departments (Educational Leadership; Educational Psychology; Family Science and Social Work; Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health; Sport Leadership and Management; and Teaching, Curriculum, and Educational Inquiry).

Miami University

Established in 1809, Miami University consistently ranks among the top national public universities for providing students with a superior education and exceptional value. Miami is located in the quintessential college town of Oxford, Ohio, with polytechnic campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, a European study center in Luxembourg, and a 100% virtual option in Miami Online. A comprehensive research university, Miami empowers students to engage with premiere teacher-scholars and benefit from a well-rounded liberal arts foundation and vibrant campus experience to develop lifelong skills for any career. With more than 240,000 high-achieving alumni, students gain access to an extensive and supportive community that opens doors globally and leads to amazing outcomes. With an ambition to effect meaningful change, Miami delivers the resources and experiences that prepare graduates to learn with purpose and lead with courage.

Additional Position Information (if applicable)

Required Application Documents

Submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, statement of research plans, and teaching philosophy.

Special Instructions (if applicable)

Inquiries may be addressed to Dr. Mark Walsh at [email hidden]. Screening of applications will begin two weeks after the position is posted, and will continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information

A criminal background check is required. All campuses are smoke- and tobacco-free campuses.
This organization participates in E-Verify.

Reasonable Accommodations

Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADAFacultyStaff@miamioh.edu or 513-529-3560. Questions and follow-ups regarding requests should also be directed here.

Miami University Values Statement

Miami University is a scholarly community whose members believe that a liberal education is grounded in qualities of character as well as of intellect. We respect the dignity of other persons, the rights and property of others, and the right of others to hold and express disparate beliefs. We believe in honesty, integrity, and the importance of moral conduct. We defend the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning and combine that freedom with the exercise of judgment and the acceptance of personal responsibility.

For more information on Miami University’s mission and core values, please visit the Mission and Core Values webpage.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

Miami University, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of age (40 years or older), color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin (ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADAFacultyStaff@miamioh.edu or 513-529-3560.

Clery Act

As part of the University’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe living, learning, and working environment, we encourage you to read Miami University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report at: http://www.MiamiOH.edu/campus-safety/annual-report/index.html , which contains information about campus safety, crime statistics, and our drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program designed to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus and at university events and activities. This report also contains information on programs and policies designed to prevent and address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Each year, email notification of this website is made to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students. Written notification is also provided to prospective students and employees. Hard copies of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the Miami University Police Department at 513-529-2223.