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Assistant Professor, School of Kinesiology and Nutrition

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Professor, School of Kinesiology and Nutrition.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division School of Kinesiology and Nutrition

Position Type Faculty

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade

Generic Grade

Posting Close Date August 31, 2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

The University of Southern Mississippi is a leader in academic excellence, innovative research, and community engagement. The School of Kinesiology and Nutrition is dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in exercise and nutrition and is committed to fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. We invite applicants for a tenure track, full-time, nine-month position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition in the College of Education and Human Sciences to begin fall 2026. We seek a highly motivated scholar with a strong capacity for producing research, teaching, and service. The successful candidate will contribute to our school through excellence in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, leading impactful and focused research, and engaging in professional service. The goal of this position is to enhance school expertise related to sport coaching, and/or exercise or sport psychology.

Applicants should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and 2 statements: (1) research accomplishments and 3-year plan (3 page maximum, not including references), and (2) teaching philosophy (2 page maximum). Candidates should also provide a list of three professional references and official transcripts indicating all degrees. Review of applications will begin fall, 2025.

All questions concerning the position should be directed to Dr. Paul Donahue ([email protected]), Search Committee Co-Chair. To ensure consideration, please submit application materials by October 1, 2025.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

This nine-month, tenure track faculty position requires teaching undergraduate and graduate-level courses in the school, developing and maintaining a programmatic line of research, mentoring students, and providing service to the school, college, university, and professional organizations. The school administers undergraduate programs in Exercise Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, Sport Coaching, Fitness and Nutrition, and K-12 Physical Education Licensure, master’s programs in Coaching & Sport Performance, Kinesiology, Nutrition & Food Systems, as well as a Kinesiology PhD. The ideal candidate would be qualified to teach, serve, and help manage content and programming within the undergraduate and graduate Sport Coaching programs.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

A tenure-track appointment involves:

+ Research:

a. Commitment to building and sustaining a robust research agenda to include creation and dissemination of new knowledge.

b. Conducting high-quality, independent research in the field of sport coaching, and/or exercise or sport psychology.

c. Seeking and securing external funding through grants and other sources.

d. Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at national and international conferences.

e. Mentorship of Graduate students in research.

+ Teaching:

a. Developing and delivering undergraduate and graduate-level courses in sport coaching and related subjects both online and face to face.

b. Designing engaging, evidence-based curriculum and utilizing innovative teaching methods.

c. Providing academic and career guidance to students, including supervising graduate theses and dissertations.

d. Mentoring and advising students in academic and research pursuits.

+ Service:

a. Participating in departmental, university, and professional service activities.

b. Contributing to curriculum development, committee work, and community outreach initiatives.

c. Engaging in collaborative projects within and outside the institution.

d. Assisting with the assessment and evaluation of programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Earned doctorate in Kinesiology, Exercise Psychology, Sport Psychology (or closely related field) with the expertise and qualifications to support the Sport Coaching programs. Degree must be posted by start date.

Demonstrated excellence in teaching.

Evidence of potential to conduct and disseminate research.

Research related to sport coaching, exercise and/or sport psychology.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

+ Exceptional written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.

+ Proven track record of innovative teaching practices and research impact.

+ Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collegially with students, staff, and faculty from all backgrounds, programs, and colleges.

+ Knowledge of the field of sport coaching, exercise physchology and/or sport psychology.

Preferred Qualifications

Expertise in Sport Coaching, and/or Sport Psychology, Exercise Psychology.

Experience in teaching graduate courses at the senior college/university level.

Experience supervising student research.

Pursuit of internal/extramural opportunities for research.

An established research focus demonstrated through both publications and pursuit of extramural funding.

Demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching with experience in online Learning Management Systems like CANVAS.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.