Assistant/Associate Professor in Kinesiology, Health and Exercise Science
Ohio State University
Assistant/Associate Professor in Kinesiology, Health and Exercise Science
Ohio State University
Public research university in Columbus, OH
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Position Overview
The Department of Human Sciences in the College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University invites applications for a full-time (9-month) assistant/associate professor tenure-track position in the Health and Exercise Science program. The Health and Exercise Science program within Kinesiology is consistently ranked among the top programs in the country based on its innovative research activity and vibrant curriculum making it a preeminent place for the professional development of students and faculty.
The goal of this search is to add a promising scholar to an internationally renowned team of faculty whose research interests focus on areas relevant to optimizing the human condition, including the application of behavioral science to exercise interventions impacting cardiovascular disease, cancer, aging, obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases. We seek a candidate with distinct and recognized expertise in social and behavioral aspects of physical activity that includes an ongoing research agenda that aligns with major extramural funding opportunities from federal sources (e.g., NIH, CDC, and HHS). We seek candidates with an excellent record of scholarship, teaching and service relative to the assistant/associate professor rank and commensurate with a research-intensive university. For candidates at the associate professor rank, they must have achievements qualifying them for tenure at a major R1 institution with strong preference for those with a track record of securing competitive extramural funding and recognized leadership in a focal area of scholarship. Preference will be granted to candidates who are able to integrate basic and/or applied science discoveries into behavioral interventions that improve health, teaching, and service agendas, and who offer evidence of sustained impact. Our current faculty have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and strong ongoing research collaborations with physicians and scientists within the Wexner Medical Center and the James Cancer Center as well as Psychology, Nursing, Engineering, and Sports Medicine. Our program also has numerous collaborations with external academic and research institutions and industry.
Performance Objectives
- Develop independent / extramurally funded research focused on behavioral aspects of exercise science.
- Contribute to a collaborative research team within exercise science, the department, college and university.
- Effectively teach undergraduate and graduate courses and engage in curriculum development to advance undergraduate and graduate education.
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students to advance scholarship and career-readiness.
- Engage in academic service to advance the missions of the Health and Exercise Science Program, the Department and College. undefined
- Experience/ willingness to pursue American College of Sports Medicine accreditation preferred.
Education and Experience Requirements
Candidates must have a PhD in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Psychology, Public Health or closely related field; demonstrated research productivity and evidence of an independently funded research program; demonstrated teaching competency. Post-doctoral training is valued but is not necessary. Ohio State strives to become a global leader in AI-driven discovery (https://go.osu.edu/ai-initiative) and promote AI fluency for human thriving. Thus, a desired qualification is experience with the use of AI to forward research and teaching agendas in the field of Health and Exercise Science.
Additional InformationA competitive salary and start-up package is available for this position, which will be based on internal equity and the candidate's qualifications. Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package. Immigration/visa sponsorship may be available in very limited situations (e.g., H-1b change of employer), but all decisions concerning immigration/visa sponsorship will depend on an evaluation of complexity and risk.
How to Apply: To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday. Application materials must include 4 separate attachments (cover letter, curriculum vita, statement of research, and statement of teaching and mentoring).
Review of applications begin December 1st 2026.
Required:
- Cover letter that provides a summary of qualifications and past achievements, and commitment to Nutrition & Microbiome Science in the areas of scholarship, teaching, and mentoring.
- Curriculum Vita (CV) containing a comprehensive record of scholarly activities, education, and training
- Statement of Research describing the candidate’s research agenda to establish and advance a robust program in Exercise Behavior.
- Statement of Teaching and Mentoring describing the candidate’s teaching philosophy, inclusive of delivering instruction and mentoring in the Exercise Science Program.
For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Rick Petosa ([email protected]), Search Committee Chair.
The College of Education and Human Ecology is one of the best places to learn and embrace the human experience. We are known for developing Ohio's best educators, researchers, policymakers, exercise scientists, biomedical nutrition researchers, dietitians, financial advisors, event coordinators and other experts who improve society. The US News and World Report college ranking is 18th among 376 public and private universities granting doctoral degrees in education. The college ranks No. 10 among public universities.
Department Information
The Department of Human Sciences houses >60 productive faculty members, with competitive grants from local, state, and federal organizations (e.g., NIH, USDA-NIFA, US DOD) as well as industry- and community-based organizations. The Department is home to four core academic areas (Consumer Sciences, Human Development and Family Science, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, and Kinesiology) that provide 10 graduate majors and nine undergraduate majors. Approximately 12,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students obtain their coursework in the Department. The department also plays a leadership role in OSU’s Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Nutrition (OSUN). A strong partnership with OSU Extension enhances opportunities for outreach and engagement in the state of Ohio. Another important university partnership exists with Ohio State’s Discovery Themes, with an emphasis in our department on Foods For Health and advanced metabolomics. In addition to our highly qualified faculty in the Department, full-time staff members, lecturers and graduate assistants contribute to support the department’s academic mission.
The University
Ohio State is a top 20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.
Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.
Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.
The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established central resources to focus on offering support to new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual career partner consultation, potential employer and/or employment opportunity identification, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available. More information about dual career and faculty recruitment can be found here.
In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies. Ohio State is a member of Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania & West Virginia HERC.
Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.
The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
Public research university in Columbus, OH
The Ohio State University is a comprehensive public research university that combines undergraduate, graduate, and professional education with research and public service.
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