Assistant Professor in Exercise Science

Summary: The Department of Movement Science seeks an assistant professor for the Exercise Science program to start Fall 2026. This is for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position to teach, establish a scholarly agenda, and engage in service across the department, university, and community. Individuals from all backgrounds, including from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

 Required Qualifications and Education:

·       A Ph.D. in exercise science or a closely related field. ABD candidate will be considered for a two-year contract with provision that the Ph.D. must be completed by December 2027.

·       Demonstrated teaching effectiveness at the college and/or university level.

·       Commitment to professional growth in teaching and service efforts.

·       Clear vision for a successful research trajectory suitable to a student-centered university.

·       Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and empathy. 

Preferred Qualification:

·       A nationally recognized professional certification, e.g. NSCA or ACSM or equivalent

Responsibilities: Duties each semester include a 9-credit hour teaching load, ongoing scholarship and service, and a significant focus (equivalent to 3 credit hours) of additional responsibilities in teaching, scholarship, and/or service depending on the candidate's interests and the department’s needs. This position will teach courses in strength and conditioning, exercise testing and prescription (lecture and laboratory), and may include motor skill development and other courses as needed.

Minimum Starting Salary: $77,827; commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package. including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Department: The Department of Movement Science consists of three academic programs (Exercise Science, Health and Physical Education, and Sport Management). The Exercise Science program has over 800 students with a core curriculum mirroring the accreditation standards through the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences and the American College of Sports Medicine. Beyond the core curriculum, students will pursue coursework within one of three emphasis areas: Exercise Physiology and Sport Performance, Physical Activity and Health, or Exercise Science in Health Care. Faculty (10 tenure track faculty, three affiliate professors, and three visiting professors) value student-centered teaching excellence through inclusive pedagogies, active scholarship, and service to the university and community.

College: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley, offering over 50 bachelor’s degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered learning community that welcomes individuals from various backgrounds and engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to offering students an accessible and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education that prepares them for meaningful careers. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting a cohort of new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together.

University: Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Detroit, Muskegon, and Traverse City. The University attracts more than 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities and has been nationally recognized for innovation and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at Community Resources - Human Resources - Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu).

How to Apply: Apply online at GVSU Careers. To be considered for the position, applicants must upload the following items to the online application:

• A cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU
• Curriculum vitae, including contact information of three professional references
• Teaching philosophy statement
• Research statement
• Graduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts issued to students are acceptable)

The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview. If you need technical assistance, email Human Resources (hro@gvsu.edu). Questions about the position may be directed to Chris Dondzila (dondzich@gvsu.edu).

Application Deadline: Consideration of applicants will begin on October 22. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University thereafter.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.