Assistant Professor, Exercise Science

Job Description

Aurora University (AU) is committed to the transformative power of learning by creating a student-centered environment and an equity of experience and opportunity, to ensure that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome and included. Our culture of collaboration, generosity, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

AU is grounded in the transformative opportunity it provides to a diverse student body. As a private university with a public mission and a commitment to making a difference in peoples' lives, AU has a long history of resilience and of providing access to an education that values innovation, focuses on continuous improvement, and has a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are proud of our service to and economic impact on the state of Illinois, where over 80% of our students stay to live and work, where 90% of our students come from, and where we foster strong community partnerships to develop the workforce in areas such as nursing, education, business, technology, and social work.

We are looking for passionate and purposeful individuals who represent the full diversity of Aurora and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, identity, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at AU, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

At AU we believe that continuous learning is a fundamental part of working life, and our goal is for all colleagues on our campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support our community by providing all employees with opportunities to engage in professional development activities, as well as a range of tuition and employee benefits that can be found here.

Position Purpose:

The School of Health Science at Aurora University invites applications for a full-time, clinical-track Assistant Professor of Exercise Science. The candidate will be instrumental in furthering the Exercise Science program's objective of providing students with outstanding classroom and experiential learning opportunities to become highly competent and productive clinicians. The candidate will possess experience and knowledge in clinical exercise physiology and running a clinical exercise physiology lab. This position is a 9-month academic appointment with the possibility of an additional summer appointment contingent upon need and availability of funds, beginning fall of 2026.

Core Competencies:
1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former, and current students, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
2. Upholds the Mission Statement: Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. Our singular goal is to empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success.
3. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
4. Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned, including voluntary participation in university committees, activities, and events.

Essential Job Functions:

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses that span the Clinical Exercise Physiology emphases offered in the Exercise Science major as well as engage in research and service projects that will strengthen the university community. The successful candidate will also work well in a highly collaborative departmental environment and provide service to the university. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Faculty typically teach three courses per term, and have opportunities for service and professional growth and development. The successful candidate will have experience working with specialized equipment in an exercise physiology lab.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education: Applicants must have an earned master's degree in Exercise Science or an equivalent field by appointment date. Doctorally prepared candidates are preferred and ABD candidates will be considered as well. Current certifications at the level of Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM) and/or Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA) or higher preferred.

Experience: Industry experience and teaching experience preferred. Demonstrated experience working in an exercise physiology lab.

Skills: Demonstrate commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment. Demonstrated effective written, oral communication, and/or presentation skills. Commitment to staying current in the field. Mentoring undergraduate students.

Physical Requirements: Ability to interact in individuals, either in person or via technology. Ability to be physically present in class and during office hours. Ability to stand next to and lift laboratory equipment. Ability to demonstrate physical activities.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a list of three references (including postal addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses). Applicants should include their teaching philosophy and diversity statement in the cover letter. Full consideration will be given to applications received by December 1, 2025. Applications received after that date may be considered until positions are filled. It is anticipated the appointments will begin fall 2026.

The anticipated pay rate for this position is $75,000-$80,000 per year. This compensation is subject to change at the sole discretion of the university, based on institutional needs.

The pay range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted amount the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The final pay rate will not be below the lowest pay rate listed herein.

Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to becoming a model university of the twenty-first century. Toward this effort we are determined to have a faculty, staff, and student body reflecting the cultural demographics of the Greater Chicagoland Area. Hence, we especially encourage persons of color to apply.