Adjunct Instructor, Exercise Science

Northern Kentucky University; United States; On-site; USD 33,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

Northern Kentucky University invites qualified individuals to join its Exercise Science Program as an Adjunct Instructor, teaching undergraduate courses and contributing to student development in exercise science, fitness and wellness, strength and conditioning, and related fields.

The position emphasizes student-centered instruction, laboratory and applied learning environments, timely feedback, and collaboration with full-time faculty and program leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Human Performance, Biomechanics, Strength and Conditioning, Athletic Training, or related field.
• Graduate-level preparation and/or professional expertise for assigned courses.
• Ability to communicate effectively with undergraduate students.
• Ability to organize and deliver course content and assess learning.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and leadership.
• Ability to use instructional technologies and learning management systems.

Responsibilities

• Teach one or more undergraduate Exercise Science courses based on program needs and expertise.
• Deliver high-quality, student-centered instruction in classroom, lab, online, and applied settings.
• Prepare and deliver content aligned with course objectives and outcomes.
• Facilitate laboratory and experiential activities; ensure safe use of equipment.
• Assess student learning via assignments, exams, and practicals; provide feedback.
• Maintain course records and timely grade reporting.
• Be available for student questions, mentoring, and academic support.
• Utilize the university LMS and other tech to support learning and administration.
• Collaborate with faculty and program leadership to uphold quality and consistency.
• Incorporate current evidence and real-world applications into instruction.
• Complete required training and fulfill administrative responsibilities.

Skills

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Instructional technology

Student-centered teaching

Feedback provision

Education

Master's degree in Exercise Science or related field

Graduate-level preparation or professional expertise

Doctoral degree (preferred)

Tools

Learning Management System

Job description

Position Title: Adjunct Instructor, Exercise Science

Position Type: Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

About the Role:

The Exercise Science Program is seeking qualified adjunct faculty to teach undergraduate courses within the Exercise Science curriculum. Adjunct faculty contribute to the academic and professional preparation of students pursuing careers and graduate education in exercise science, fitness and wellness, strength and conditioning, allied health, and related fields.

Responsibilities may include:

• Teach one or more undergraduate Exercise Science courses based on program needs and the instructor's area of expertise.
• Deliver high-quality, student-centered instruction in classroom, laboratory, virtually, and/or applied learning environments.
• Prepare and deliver course content consistent with established course objectives, program learning outcomes, and departmental expectations.
• Facilitate laboratory and experiential learning activities, when applicable, and provide appropriate instruction in the safe and effective use of exercise science equipment.
• Assess student learning through appropriate assignments, examinations, practical assessments, and other evaluation methods.
• Provide timely, constructive feedback to students and maintain accurate course and grade records.
• Maintain appropriate availability for student questions, academic support, and mentoring related to the course.
• Utilize the University's learning management system and other instructional technologies to support student learning and course administration.
• Collaborate with Exercise Science faculty and program leadership to promote consistency, academic quality, and student success across the curriculum.
• Incorporate current evidence, professional standards, and relevant real-world applications into course instruction.
• Complete required University and departmental training and fulfill administrative responsibilities associated with the assigned course(s).

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Human Performance, Biomechanics, Strength and Conditioning, Athletic Training, or another closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Graduate-level academic preparation and/or professional expertise appropriate to the course(s) assigned.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with undergraduate students.
• Ability to effectively organize and deliver course content and assess student learning.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with students, faculty, staff, and program leadership.
• Ability to use or learn instructional technologies and learning management systems required for course delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree or doctoral coursework in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Human Performance, or a closely related discipline.
• Previous experience teaching Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related courses at the college or university level.
• Professional experience in exercise science, fitness, wellness, clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, sport performance, or a related setting.
• Experience teaching laboratory-based or experiential courses, including familiarity with exercise testing, fitness assessment, and/or human performance laboratory equipment.
• Current professional certification relevant to the individual's area of expertise, such as ACSM, NSCA, or another nationally recognized credential.
• Experience teaching courses in one or more areas of the Exercise Science curriculum, such as exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription, strength and conditioning, biomechanics/kinesiology, sport and exercise psychology, fitness and wellness, research methods, or related areas.
• Experience integrating current research and evidence-based professional practice into undergraduate instruction.

Preferred Skills

• Strong teaching, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to engage students with varied academic backgrounds, career goals, and levels of experience.
• Ability to translate scientific concepts into practical applications relevant to exercise science and allied health careers.
• Commitment to active, experiential, and student-centered learning.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to provide timely feedback and meet academic deadlines.
• Ability to foster a supportive, professional, and academically rigorous learning environment.
• Effective collaboration and communication with full-time faculty, adjunct colleagues, and program leadership.
• Familiarity with contemporary technologies used in exercise science education and professional practice.
• Commitment to remaining current with developments, professional standards, and evidence-based practices within the field.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

Why Work at Northern Kentucky University At NKU, our work revolves around three things: opening doors, helping people finish what they start, and connecting learning to real life. Those pillars—Access, Completion, and Career & Community Engagement—aren’t just strategic-plan wallpaper. They shape how we hire, how we serve students, and how we show up for the region. If you want your work to matter—NKU is a place where you can see your impact every day.

About NKU

Northern Kentucky University is a public, student-centered institution located just minutes from downtown Cincinnati. Our vision is clear: to be nationally recognized as a student-ready, regionally-engaged university that empowers diverse learners for economic and social mobility. We focus on opening doors, supporting students through graduation, and connecting learning to real opportunity in our region. NKU offers the reach of a comprehensive university with the feel of a close, collaborative campus.