Assistant Professor - Exercise Psychology

University of Georgia; Kentucky; On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia in Athens seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Exercise Psychology to begin Fall 2027. The Department of Kinesiology invites applications to join a collaborative, research‑oriented program with opportunities for teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Responsibilities include developing a rigorous research program, seeking extramural funding, delivering high‑quality instruction, mentoring students, and contributing to service to the university and the broader

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in kinesiology or related field.
• Experience in exercise psychology and teaching at university level.
• Strong research record and funding potential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a rigorous research program addressing important and novel exercise psychology‑related problems.
• Seek extramural funding to support research.
• Provide high‑quality instruction to undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Mentor undergraduate and/or graduate students in research.
• Provide high‑quality service to the University, state of Georgia, and the field of Kinesiology.

Education

PhD in kinesiology or related field

Job description

Assistant Professor - Exercise Psychology

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Cover letter: addressing qualifications in the areas detailed above
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement: Detailing past and planned research activities (3-page maximum)
• Teaching and mentoring statement: Detailing abilities, approaches, and interests, including how to effectively meet the needs of today’s students (2‑page maximum)
• Names and contact information for three references will be collected as part of the application process. Letters of recommendation will be requested for finalists automatically via the UGA application system. Finalists will be unable to schedule an on‑campus interview until all three letters have been received.

Applications received by September 21, 2026 are assured of full consideration. Questions may be addressed to the search committee chair, Dr. Julianne Schmidt, at [e-mail]. Transcripts and letters of reference will be required only from finalists.

Posting Details

Posting Number F2773P

Working Title: Assistant Professor - Exercise Psychology

Department: COE-Kinesiology

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department: The Department of Kinesiology has 31 full‑time faculty members and offers B.S., M.S., M.S.A.T., and Ph.D. programs in the academic areas of exercise science, athletic training, sport management, and health and physical education. Department faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized for their scholarly accomplishments, teaching excellence, and service to their professional disciplines. The Department has excellent resources, facilities, and collaboration opportunities in exercise science. Information about the department can be found at www.coe.uga.edu/kinesiology. Faculty are supported through a wide‑range of strategies when developing their research agenda, including – but not limited to: start‑up funding, internal funding, lab space, grant writing workshops, and existing equipment. Kinesiology faculty have demonstrated track records in applying for and securing extramural funding to support their research, providing an ideal mentorship environment for junior faculty. The Exercise Science Program now offers a PhD in Human Movement Science, offering the opportunity to recruit and mentor doctoral students.

The Mary Frances Early College of Education (MFE COE), one of the nation’s largest colleges of education, consistently ranks in the top ten national Elementary Education and Curriculum and Instruction programs. The College offers significant possibilities for interdisciplinary research collaborations, program development, and school‑community partnerships. The college’s Research Office provides strong pre‑ and post‑award grant support. The College is named for the University of Georgia’s first African American graduate, a pioneering educator who played an integral role in the campaign for racial equality in Georgia and across the South. The department and college are recognized leaders in developing partnerships with local communities and schools to provide pre‑service and in‑service professional development, and to expand students’ experiential learning and service‑learning opportunities.

As the 4th largest public college of education in the country and the 3rd largest college at UGA, the Mary Frances Early College of Education (MFE COE) improves the lives of residents of Georgia and beyond through our instruction, research, and service. The MFE COE is a comprehensive college with disciplines focused on teacher preparation, counseling and human development, communication sciences, human movement sciences, career development, student affairs, and educational administration and policy. We place significant emphasis on graduate education with approximately 40% of our students at the graduate level, making us the second largest college at UGA with respect to graduate education.

As a Research I university, UGA provides an exceptional environment for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Shared research resources available to investigators include the Bioimaging Research Center, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and numerous core facilities that support advanced research across the biomedical, engineering, agricultural, and social sciences. These resources foster cutting‑edge scholarship and facilitate collaborations that accelerate scientific discovery and translation.

Athens is known for its music, art, and food as well as its accessibility to the Atlanta area (see www.visitathensga.com and http://www.georgia.gov/).

Posting Type: External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Advertised Salary Anticipated Start Date 08/01/2027 Effective End Date (for Limited‑Term postings)

Job Posting Date: 08/17/2026 Job Closing Date: Open until filled Yes

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( [e-mail] ).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Details

Classification Title: Assistant Professor

FLSA: Faculty Rank: Assistant Professor

Contract Type: Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status: Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications: An earned doctorate (PhD or equivalent) in kinesiology, or related field.

Position Summary: The Department of Kinesiology at the University of Georgia invites applications for a full‑time, tenure‑track faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Exercise Psychology to begin in Fall 2027. The Department seeks to hire a faculty member who will engage in high‑quality research, instruction, and service.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Develop and maintain a rigorous research program addressing important and novel exercise psychology‑related problems
• Seek extramural funding to support research
• Provide high‑quality instruction to undergraduate and/or graduate students
• Mentor undergraduate and/or graduate students in researchProvide high‑quality service to the University, state of Georgia, and the field of Kinesiology

Additional Requirements: One or more years of postdoctoral training or equivalent research‑related employment (e.g., faculty, industry) as of August 2027.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification: A degree program emphasis on psychological aspects of physical activity, exercise, and/or sport. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Demonstrated ability to develop an outstanding research program, or evidence of potential to do so, based on a strong research record including, but not limited to, multiple first/senior authored, peer‑reviewed publications related to psychological aspects of physical activity, exercise or sport, engagement in extramural funding, and presentation of research at profession‑related conferences.

Established record of teaching undergraduate and/or graduate kinesiology courses with evidence of teaching excellence.

Physical Demands: Is this a Position of Trust? No. Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No. Does this position require a P‑Card? No. Is having a P‑Card an essential function of this position? No. Is driving a responsibility of this position? No. Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No. Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No. Credit and P‑Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website . Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job‑based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a rigorous research program addressing important and novel exercise psychology‑related problems
• Seek extramural funding to support research
• Provide high‑quality instruction to undergraduate and/or graduate students
• Mentor undergraduate and/or graduate students in research
• Provide high‑quality service to the University, state of Georgia, and the field of Kinesiology

Percentage Of Time: 100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Research Portfolio/Philosophy
• Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
• List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents