DEPARTMENT of KINESIOLOGY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH & HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY of MASSACHUSETTS, AMHERST POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
TITLE: Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences
RANK: We seek talented applicants qualified for an Assistant Professor position, which is a full-time, tenure track, 9-month appointment. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration. The salary range is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
STARTING DATE: September 1, 2015
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent degree in Kinesiology or a closely related field, and have a research focus that is complementary to current research areas in the department. Applicants with cutting-edge research experience in any relevant sub-discipline (e.g. physiology, motor control, physical activity and health, biomechanics, psychology, molecular biology) are encouraged to apply. The successful applicant will have strong potential for securing extramural research funding. Preference will be given to individuals with post-doctoral research experience. Interpersonal and communication skills that promote strong collaborations in research, teaching and program development are essential.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The faculty appointment will be in the Department of Kinesiology in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences. The appointee will be considered for tenure, promotion and merit on the basis of excellence in research, teaching, and service to the Department, University and scientific community. Position responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Establish a productive research program in an area of Kinesiology complementary to existing expertise, and supported by external funding that may originate from diverse sources such as federal and state granting agencies, foundations, and industry collaborations
- Teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in the Kinesiology Department
- Oversee graduate theses, dissertations, independent studies and undergraduate honors theses
- Serve on departmental, university and professional committees, panels or boards, as appropriate
THE DEPARTMENT: The Department of Kinesiology (http://www.umass.edu/sphhs/kinesiology) is
ranked among the top 5 in the country in the most recent National Research Council and National
Academy of Kinesiology reports. The department, one of four in the School of Public Health and Health
Sciences, consists of 15 tenure-track faculty, 4 full-time lecturers, 2 full-time undergraduate advisors, 2
part-time research faculty and several post-doctoral fellows. We teach and mentor approximately 820
undergraduate majors and 50 graduate students. Our mission is to generate new knowledge and
educate society as to the scientific principles that underlie the role of movement in attaining optimal
human health and well-being. Our research and teaching activities are organized into the areas of
Motor Systems, Physical Activity and Health, and Physiology. Our faculty are established and emerging
leaders in their research fields, which range from the molecular basis of movement to community –
based physical activity interventions. Extramural research funding comes from the National Institutes of
Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and national foundations such as the
American Heart Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Diabetes Association and
industry partners.
INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES (IALS): In 2013, the state of Massachusetts invested > $95 million to create a new, integrative institute for the advancement of knowledge in the life sciences related to human health. Kinesiology faculty have been instrumental in creating the state-of-the-art Center for Personalized Health Monitoring (CPHM; http://www.umass.edu/ials/research/center- personalized-health-monitoring), which is one of three centers in IALS. This center is focused on the design, testing and validation of wearable sensors to assess gait, physical activity, cardiometabolic health, balance, sleep and related variables. Included in this new facility will be a room calorimeter capable of measuring energy expenditure over 24-48 hours, a 3 tesla magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy system, a human-technology interaction lab and adaptable exercise training and living quarters designed to evaluate research participants in ecological settings. It is anticipated that the new faculty hire will be a member of the CPHM, which includes faculty from departments across campus including kinesiology, engineering, computer science, polymer science, public health and psychology.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst (http://www.umass.edu), the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system, is a nationally-ranked public research university and home to over 22,000 undergraduate and 6,000 graduate students. The 1,430 acre campus is located in the scenic Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts, 90 miles from Boston and 175 miles from New York City. UMass Amherst, along with Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and Smith Colleges, is a member of the Five College Consortium and the Academic Career network.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Review of applications will begin November 10, 2014 and continue until the position is filled. Applications should be submitted by this date to ensure full consideration. Application materials required include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research expertise and future research goals, teaching philosophy, three reprints of peer-reviewed publications, and the names and contact information for three references. These materials should be submitted to: https://www.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=53884
For questions about the application process, please contact Ms. Charlene Galica (cgalica@kin.umass.edu). For questions about the position, the department or the university in general, contact Prof. Jane Kent at (jkent@kin.umass.edu). Please indicate “Kinesiology Faculty Search” in the subject line of email correspondence.
The university is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University’s goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual’s record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic degree and career. We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidate at other ranks may receive consideration.