Description

Position Details

Position Information

Working Position Title
Assistant Professor in Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology (Tenure Track) (#6117)

Classification Title
Assistant Professor

Position Number
00006117

Posting Date
09/26/2025

Closing Date

Priority Review Date
10/27/2025

Business Unit Description
Faculty

Full-Time/Part Time
Full-Time

FTE
1.00

Position Status
Regular

FLSA
Exempt

Job Code
2000

Union Representation
Union

Union Code
N/A

Unit/Department
Kinesiology & Physical Educ

College/Unit
College of Education Dean

Division
Academic Division

Location
AN 223

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page
https://www.cedu.niu.edu/knpe/

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education ( KNPE ) in the College of Education at Northern Illinois University ( NIU ) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in kinesiology program with a primary focus in the area of exercise physiology. We seek a dedicated and innovative individual to join our well-established and growing kinesiology program. We invite applicants who are eager to contribute to a caring, committed, and collaborative professional environment that focuses on promoting excellence and engagement in teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and service. Moreover, we are especially interested in candidates who bring expertise and connections from practical settings to students in the program.

Home to over 700 students, 18 faculty, and 4 dedicated staff members, KNPE has a highly regarded regional and national reputation for the quality of its graduates, and its programs have been highly commended by external accreditation agencies. Faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their research and leadership in the area of professional service. We invite you to contribute to a caring, committed, and collaborative professional environment that focuses on promoting excellence and engagement in teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and outreach and service. This presents a rewarding professional opportunity for a highly qualified, enthusiastic, and motivated individual to join our team and further enhance the program's regional, national, and international reputation. Furthermore, we seek faculty who embrace NIU's mission of providing opportunity to a diverse student body by providing them with access to high quality education and hands-on involvement in research and community engagement.

Northern Illinois University ( NIU ) is a comprehensive research university offering programs from the Baccalaureate through the Doctorate. Colleges include Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Health and Human Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. On-campus enrollment is approximately 15,000 students. The university also offers more than 200 off-campus courses each semester to students in communities throughout northern Illinois.

The main campus is located in DeKalb, 65 miles west of Chicago's "Loop" and 40 miles southeast of Rockford with education centers in Rockford and Naperville. DeKalb/Sycamore, with a population of about 60,000, is a modern paradox, a rural/urban community. It is simultaneously recognized for its manufacturing and rich farmlands. The site of the first manufacturing of barbed wire and the development of hybrid seed corn are evidence of its diversified history. The blend of industry and agriculture, coupled with the cultural and recreational facilities of the university and supplemented by easy access to Chicago and Rockford, provide an enjoyable environment in which to live.

Position Summary

KNPE offers undergraduate majors in the Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed. Teacher Certification) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Kinesiology and Sport Management. At the graduate level, the department supports the equivalent of 25 full-time graduate assistantships through degree offerings in Kinesiology and Physical Education (M.S.) with specializations in exercise physiology, physical education pedagogy, and sport and exercise psychology, Sport Management (M.S.), and a doctorate in Kinesiology and Physical Education (Ph.D.).

The successful candidate will teach primarily undergraduate and graduate classes in kinesiology/exercise physiology with potential secondary teaching duties in areas such as motor behavior, exercise science/testing, research methods, and biomechanics (3/3 course load). Courses are offered face to face, hybrid, and through online formats.

Additional responsibilities include service on dissertation committees, program development, graduate student advisement and mentoring, serving on program, department, and university committees, service to the profession, and developing and maintaining a line of research and publication. This position is a permanent, tenure-track position with salary based on experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Teaching areas are flexible depending upon the strengths of the successful applicant, but will include a combination of undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of exercise physiology, cardiovascular rehabilitation, and other kinesiology-related courses. Furthermore, the successful applicant will contribute in the areas of scholarly productivity; grant procurement; student mentorship; university, college, and departmental committee service; and the establishment of partnerships with professional organizations within both the Illinois region and nationally.

Additionally, the successful candidate will participate in student recruitment and retention initiatives, develop innovative department/college curricular and programmatic initiatives, including, but not limited to, outreach activities and programs that serve to benefit students in the program.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in kinesiology/exercise physiology or relevant related field by time of appointment ( ABD considered with established defense date)
• Evidence of capability to engage in and publish research and present at professional meetings
• Demonstrated knowledge and awareness of professional developments related to an area of specialization
• Experience in working with students and colleagues from multi-cultural backgrounds

Additional Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in directing student research
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness at the college level
• Record of scholarly contributions/collaboration
• Capability to write grants to obtain external funding
• Skill in use of instructional and computer technology in course delivery
• Past work experience in the kinesiology field
• Experience and interest in student mentorship and professional outreach
• Experience in student recruitment and retention initiatives

Physical Demands Summary

For physical demands and requirements please see human resources policies and protocols.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date
08/16/2026

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year
0.75

Standard Hours Per Week
37.50

Salary
Faculty salaries are guided by the collective bargaining agreement . NIU offers a robust benefits package .

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range
4,055.56 - 4,333.34

Earn Type
Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

For full consideration, prospective applicants should visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/86875 to create an application profile and submit the following materials by October 27, 2025:

• Cover letter, including a statement of teaching philosophy and research interests tailored to the position
• Curriculum vita
• Names and contact information of four professional references
• Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for initial review of application; official copies required to confirm appointment) through the NIU Human Resource Services' online job application system.

For additional information, see http://www.cedu.niu.edu/knpe or contact search chair, Shaine Henert (shenert@niu.edu), or department chair, Steve Howell (showell2@niu.edu).

Review of complete applications will commence after October 27, 2025; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory criminal background check.

Special Instructions

Quick Link to Applicant
https://employment.niu.edu/postings/86875

Is Background Check Required
Yes

EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services Building Room 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu .

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.
Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report .
Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
3. List of References
4. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)

Optional Documents

1. Transcripts #2 (unofficial with official required at hire)
2. Transcripts #3 (unofficial with official required at hire)

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).