Assistant Professor of Kinesiology (Strength and Conditioning)
Sam Houston State University

Position Title:

Assistant Professor of Kinesiology (Strength and Conditioning)

202400128F

Assistant Professor

Exempt

Commensurate with education and experience.

Full-Time Tenure Track

College of Health Sciences

Dept of Kinesiology

09/05/2024

https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/40763

Deven Merchant

Assistant to the Chair
Box 2176
Huntsville, TX 77341

936-294-2266

dmerchant@shsu.edu

The Department of Kinesiology at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) invites applications from qualified applicants for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor (9-month appointment with summer possibilities) in Strength and Conditioning and Human Performance and Wellness Management beginning Fall 2025.

The duties and responsibilities of this position include teaching, maintaining an active research agenda, mentoring students in Strength and Conditioning and Human Performance and Wellness Management, seeking accreditation through Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE), performing university and professional service, and contributing to ongoing program evaluation and improvement in the undergraduate and graduate Kinesiology programs. Teaching assignments may include undergraduate (both face-to-face and online) and graduate (online) coursework. There is an opportunity to develop new curriculum related to strength and conditioning/ sports science.

Expertise in the scientific principles of strength and conditioning, and resistance training and conditioning and/or experience with program design as related to strength and conditioning, program organization, administration, and oversight, and experience supervising interns is strongly desired. In addition, professional knowledge in the areas of data-driven sports science and sports nutrition is desired. The department currently is an Education Recognized Program (ERP) through National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and will be working to earn accreditation through CASCE for the undergraduate degree and the program director and coordinator will assist with this process.

The successful candidate will serve as faculty and the program director or coordinator for the degree program and CASCE accreditation process. Currently, we have two primary areas for teaching and research related to strength and conditioning/human performance. However, there is potential for the development of a new Athletic Performance Laboratory. The primary areas for teaching and research are: 1) Our strength training teaching and research center (LDB (Lee Drain Building) 102), 1967 sq. foot room used to teach our beginning and advanced courses specific to resistance training, as well as compliment courses in the department, and for research studies. This space houses six weightlifting racks for upper and lower body exercises, a weightlifting platform area for Olympic style lifting, free weights, elliptical, medicine balls, cable machine, and more for a comprehensive teaching of resistance training. 2) The human performance lab (LDB 111), 2588 square feet of space that includes a new DEXA, two Seca bioimpedance tools, EKG, oxygen consumption and efficiency (VO2 testing) equipment, clinical and research grade treadmill with safety harness, rowing ergometers, safety power rack, technology for velocity-based training, and equipment for research, and more. There is adequate space for strength assessments, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, as well as several other athletic performance assessments.

Earned a Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Human Performance, Strength and Conditioning, Sports Science, or related discipline from an accredited institution. Doctorate must be conferred or awarded prior to the start date (August 2025).

Current Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification. Teaching experience in strength and conditioning, kinesiology, and/or sports science. A demonstrated record of research and scholarship in strength and conditioning, kinesiology, and/or sport science. Experience working in the Strength and Conditioning field and/or with supervising students in Strength and Conditioning.

Active membership and involvement in professional organizations at regional and national levels is preferred (e.g., NSCA, ACSM, etc.)
Certified Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCA), Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC), and/or Certified Performance and Sports Scientist (CPSS).
Knowledge and/or experience with CASCE or other related accreditation processes.
Demonstrated experience with various populations, coaches, athletes, and settings is preferred. Experience mentoring students with scholarship/research projects preferred. Use of technology in instruction, and experience with distance/online education is preferred.

Service commensurate with appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor.

Interested candidates must submit the following required documents:

Curriculum vitae,Cover letter highlighting applicant's qualification for the position including:Teaching experience in strength and conditioning, kinesiology, or exercise science.Three-year research agenda.It is also recommended that a candidate address and elaborate on any experiences related to the required and preferred qualifications listed in the position description.Names and contact information for three professional references. Letters of recommendation will be required if the candidate is selected for an interview, but they are not needed to apply.

The Department of Kinesiology is located on the main campus in Huntsville, in the newly renovated first floor of the LDB and comprises of 20,000 sq. ft. of space which includes all the labs and faculty offices (Watch this video for a virtual tour https://youtu.be/-nCkTSgvI4Y). The Department of Kinesiology at SHSU seeks to recruit and retain faculty with varied experiences and expertise.

The Department of Kinesiology at SHSU includes a dynamic group of faculty, students, and staff (https://www.shsu.edu/academics/health-sciences/about-the-college/faculty_staff_contacts.html#kinesiology). The department offers BS degrees (https://www.shsu.edu/academics/health-sciences/kinesiology/) in Human Performance and Wellness Management, Clinical Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise Science 3+2 to Masters in Athletic Training (MSAT), Physical Education Teacher Education (double major), and Kinesiology; and MS degrees in Kinesiology-Sport and Human Performance (SHP), MSAT, and Sport Management. Our programs are committed to preparing practitioners in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning and Performance, as well as preparing students for graduate studies in Exercise Science/Kinesiology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, and other health-related fields. Many undergraduate students obtain work in their given fields, and some continue their education in professional allied health or graduate degree programs.

LOCATION

There are multiple options for places to live near our three campuses. Sam Houston's main campus is in Huntsville. The city of Huntsville is nestled in the East Texas Piney Woods and is centrally located on a direct route between Houston and Dallas. With a population of approximately 40,000 (excluding SHSU), Huntsville offers the simplicity of small-town life and easy access to surrounding larger cities including Conroe (where the College of Osteopathic Medicine is located), The Woodlands (where the School of Nursing and The Woodlands Center is located), and Bryan/College Station. Full of Texas history and charm, this county seat is home to multiple museums, annual festivities, antique stores, year-round outdoor activities, vineyards, golf courses, lakes, and a beautiful state park. In a little over an hour after leaving the main campus, you can arrive in downtown Houston. It provides access to large entertainment venues and professional sporting events. If you prefer life on the water, Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston are a short commute, and Galveston Island and the Gulf coast are a two-hour drive. Please visit the following link to learn more about the area: https://www.shsu.edu/dept/academic-affairs/prospective-faculty/index.html

Yes

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression. Sam Houston State University is an "at will" employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code § 51.215.

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