Assistant Professor of Human Performance & Sports Sciences - ExerciseScience(Strength & Conditioning)

Southern Arkansas University; Magnolia (AR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Arkansas University invites applications for a 9-month Assistant or Associate Professor in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Strength & Conditioning. The start date for this tenure-track position is August 1, 2026 and the role is housed in the Department of Human Performance and Sport Sciences.

The department offers undergraduate degrees in exercise science, sports management, and K-12 physical education, along with a kinesiology graduate program.

Qualifications

• PhD in exercise science or a closely related field; ABD considered with degree completion by start date.
• Ability to deliver a wide range of undergraduate exercise science courses and develop curricula.
• Commitment to diverse student populations and using data for program improvement.
• Scholarly activity including publications, presentations, or external funding potential.
• Ability to collaborate within the department to strengthen the undergraduate program.
• Familiarity with ACSM/NSCA standards; professional credentialing preferred (ACSM/NSCA/CSCCa/NASM).
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification preferred or obtainable before start date.
• Experience teaching strength and conditioning, anatomy/physiology, statistics, instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• teach a full-time course load in the exercise science program using a student-centered approach with face-to-face and online modalities
• advise and mentor undergraduate exercise science students
• engage in scholarly activities such as research, publications, and presentations, and contribute to university, department, and community service through committees and other duties

Skills

Curriculum development

Data-driven program improvement

Scholarly activity

Collaboration

Student mentoring

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Doctorate in Exercise Science or closely related field

ABD considered with degree completion by start date

Credentialing through ACSM/NSCA/CSCCa/NASM preferred

Tools

ACSM/NSCA/CSCCa/NASM credentialing awareness

Job description

Southern Arkansas University is accepting applications for a 9-month Assistant or Associate Professor, tenure-track position in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Strength & Conditioning. The start date for this position is August 1, 2026.

The Department of Human Performance and Sport Sciences, one of the largest at Southern Arkansas University, offers undergraduate degrees in exercise science, sports management, and K-12 physical education, as well as a graduate degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport coaching. The dynamic exercise science program, among the fastest-growing majors on campus, currently serves over 155 students across two tracks: pre-professional, which prepares students for graduate programs in fields such as physical therapy, athletic training, and occupational therapy, and strength and conditioning, which equips students for careers in fitness and sports performance.

Duties

• teach a full-time course load in the exercise science program using a student-centered approach while delivering instruction through both face-to-face and online modalities
• advise and mentor undergraduate exercise science students
• engage in scholarly activities, such as research, publications, and presentations, and contributing to university, department, and community service through committees, other initiatives, and other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• must hold an earned doctorate in exercise science or a closely related field, though those who are ABD may be considered with the expectation of degree completion by the start date
• should demonstrate the ability to deliver a wide range of undergraduate exercise science courses and a commitment to developing or refining curricula to enhance program offerings
• dedication to supporting diverse student populations and using data for continuous program improvement is essential
• demonstrate a record of or potential for scholarly activity including publications, presentations, or securing external funding
• demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively within the department to strengthen the undergraduate program
• familiarity with standards set by professional organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (via NSCA), or related bodies required
• Preference will be given to candidates with professional credentialing through nationally recognized organizations such as ACSM, NSCA, CSCCa, or NASM
• A valid CPR/First Aid/AED certification or the ability to obtain certification prior to the start date is also preferred
• Experience teaching courses such as strength and conditioning, trends in strength and conditioning, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic exercise, applied statistics, and/or instrumentation and physiological assessment are highly desirable
• All SAU faculty and staff demonstrate a commitment to the value of all members of the SAU community, to excellence in interpersonal behaviors, and effective collaboration with colleagues
• Joining the SAU family requires a commitment to our culture of Continuous Quality Improvement

Southern Arkansas University is a public comprehensive regional university located in the city of Magnolia, located in southwest Arkansas. SAU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. More information is available at

AA/EOE. Finalists for the position may have non-listed references contacted. Notification will be given to the finalist should a non-listed reference come from their current employer. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified person has been identified for the position.