Assistant Professor, School of Kinesiology & Nutrition

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

Special Instructions to Applicants
The University of Southern Mississippi
invites applicants one of two full-time, nine-month, tenure-track
positions at the rank of Assistant Professor within the School of
Kinesiology and Nutrition in the College of Education and Human Sciences
to begin fall 2026.

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 seek highly motivated scholars with a strong capacity for producing research, teaching, and service. The successful candidates 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 these positions is to enhance school expertise related to exercise physiology, kinesiology, and human performance in areas related to cardiovascular physiology,metabolism,and nutrition.

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. Nuno Oliveira ([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
These nine-month, tenure track faculty positions require 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 candidates would be qualified to teach, serve, and help manage content and programming within the undergraduate and graduate Exercise Science and Nutrition programs.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

A tenure-track appointment involves: 

1. 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 exercise science and nutrition. 
   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.
2. Teaching:
   a. Developing and delivering
   undergraduate and graduate-level courses in nutrition, exercise science, 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.
3. 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
(degree conferred by August 2026) in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology,
Exercise Science, Nutrition, Human Performance, Sports Science, or
related field.
Demonstrated excellence in teaching
Evidence of potential to conduct and disseminate research.
Research
related to exercise physiology, cardiovascular physiology, obesity, or
metabolic health and wellness, human nutrition, human performance,
behavioral interventions for disease prevention, community-based
interventions for improving health and addressing health disparities.

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 Exercise Science along with knowledge of the field of Nutrition
  and Dietetics.
• Skill
  sets associated with use and application of common Exercise Science
  methodologies, teaching, and scholarly tools.

Preferred Qualifications
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.