Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, Motor Learning/Motor Behavior, HHPR

Performance Edge; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Baylor University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Motor Learning, Motor Control, or Motor Behavior, to start August 2027. This position supports teaching, research, and service within the HHPR department and seeks candidates who can foster interdisciplinary collaborations and translational impact.

The successful candidate will build a productive research program, seek external funding, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and mentor students across

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in a closely related field or ABD considered.
• Demonstrated expertise in motor learning, motor control, motor behavior, or related areas.
• Clear record of scholarly productivity with peer-reviewed publications.
• Evidence of potential to develop and sustain externally funded research.
• Excellence in undergraduate and/or graduate teaching anticipated.
• Commitment to mentoring students through research and development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain a nationally visible research program in motor learning, control, or behavior.
• Pursue external funding from federal, foundation, and industry sources.
• Publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses aligned with expertise.
• Mentor undergraduate researchers and advise graduate students.
• Collaborate with Baylor faculty and external partners to broaden interdisciplinary opportunities.
• Contribute to departmental, college, university, and professional service.

Skills

Motor learning

Motor control

Motor behavior

Skill acquisition

Neuromotor function

Research funding

Education

Ph.D. in Kinesiology or related field

Job description

The Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation (HHPR) in the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Motor Learning, Motor Control, Motor Behavior, or a related area of movement science beginning August 2027. This position will support the department's teaching, research, and service missions while contributing to the continued growth of Baylor University's nationally recognized research enterprise. Candidates must submit all materials by October 17, 2026, to ensure full consideration.

We seek an innovative scholar whose research advances understanding of motor learning, motor control, motor behavior, skill acquisition, neuromotor function, rehabilitation, human performance, or similar related areas of movement sciences. Candidates who can establish interdisciplinary collaborations and contribute to Baylor University's growing research portfolio are especially encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants whose work has translational relevance to the various dimensions of health, injury prevention, adapted physical activity and recreation, or clinical applications.

The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in motor learning and maintain a productive research agenda, pursue external funding, publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, and engage undergraduate and graduate students in meaningful research experiences.

The candidate will also contribute to undergraduate and graduate motor learning teaching and related movement science courses. The successful candidate may also contribute to undergraduate instruction in adapted physical education or related program areas consistent with departmental needs and the candidate's expertise.

About the Department & Facilities:

HHPR faculty are engaged in cutting-edge research in human performance, neuromuscular function, exercise physiology, cellular muscle adaptation, biomechanics, and applied health sciences. Faculty collaborate across Baylor University with external partners including Baylor Scott & White Health and Baylor College of Medicine.

The department values interdisciplinary collaboration and seeks faculty who can contribute to a vibrant research environment while providing exceptional educational experiences for students.

Candidates who are outside of the United States and do not have other nonimmigrant visa status will not be sponsored for an H-1B petition.

About Baylor University:

Baylor University is located in Waco, Texas and is the oldest college in the state. It has a diverse student population of 21,000 and is recognized as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification. Baylor is also noted on the honor roll of “Great Colleges to Work For” by ModernThink. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, allowing faculty and staff to live in one of the fastest-growing parts of the state. As a Christian university with historic Baptist roots and as reflected in the Notice of Non-Discrimination, Baylor strives to be a place characterized by civility and respect. We believe each student, faculty, staff, and administrator is made in the image of God. Baylor's new strategic plan, Baylor in Deeds, guides the University as it continues to fulfill its mission of educating men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.

Required Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent, ABD considered) in Kinesiology, Motor Behavior, Motor Learning, Motor Control, Neuroscience, Exercise Science, Rehabilitation Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in motor learning, motor control, motor behavior, skill acquisition, neuromotor function, or related areas.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity commensurate with career stage, including peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated potential to develop and sustain an externally funded research program.
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in undergraduate and/or graduate teaching.
• Commitment to mentoring students through research, advising, and professional development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Evidence of successful or emerging external funding.
• Research expertise in areas such as:
  • - Motor learning and skill acquisition
  • - Neuromotor rehabilitation
  • - Motor function across the lifespan
  • - Adapted physical activity and recreation
  • - Human performance optimization
  • - Technology-assisted learning and rehabilitation
  • - Virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, or related approaches applied to motor behavior
• Experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Record of interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Experience teaching motor learning, motor control, motor behavior, adapted physical activity and recreation, research methods, or related courses.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Develop and sustain a nationally visible research program in motor learning, motor control, or motor behavior and contribute to Baylor University's continued growth as a leading Christian research university.
• Pursue external funding from federal, foundation, and industry sources.
• Publish scholarly work in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses consistent with departmental needs and their area of expertise.
• Mentor undergraduate researchers and advise graduate students.
• Collaborate with faculty across Baylor University and external partners to enhance interdisciplinary research opportunities.
• Contribute to departmental, college, university, and professional service activities.
• Support Baylor University's mission of integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment in a caring community.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Baylor University, a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. Baylor complies with statutory affirmative action/equality opportunity requirements. Baylor's full official Notice of Non-Discrimination may be read online.