The School of Kinesiology and Recreation invites applications for an Assistant/Associate Professor in Exercise Science to begin August 16, 2026.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1) TEACHING: Provide quality instruction in a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses (e.g., Exercise Programming, Clinical Exercise Physiology). Cross disciplinary instruction is welcomed, such as fitness management and sport coaching. Mentor students and direct graduate research projects and theses.
2) SCHOLARSHIP: Develop a focused area of scholarship that culminates in nationally refereed publications and presentations and be involved in scholarly projects with faculty and students. Develop a trajectory toward internal/external funding.
3) SERVICE: Participate in College, School, and Program faculty meetings and activities. Serve on Program, School, College, and/or University Committees and contribute to State and/or National/International professional organizations.
University Benefit Highlights:
- Insurance benefits , including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time
For more University Benefit information: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/
Information regarding eligibility for participation in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program can be reviewed here https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/insurance/.
Additional InformationExercise Science Program: The Exercise Science Program is a part of the School of Kinesiology and Recreation (www.kinrec.ilstu.edu), located in the College of Applied Science and Technology (www.cast.ilstu.edu). The School of Kinesiology and Recreation is housed within the state-of-the-art Student Fitness Center and McCormick Hall building, which opened in January, 2011. The Exercise Science program primarily offers two undergraduate sequences in Exercise Science: Health and Human Performance and Allied Health Professions. The first of these sequences prepares students for careers in corporate, commercial, community, and clinical fitness fields (including cardiac rehabilitation), as well as strength and conditioning, while the second prepares students for further education in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician’s assistant, athletic training, nursing, and other allied health areas. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a capacity to significantly contribute to the delivery and strength of these sequences. Additionally, the School of KNR offers graduate programs in Applied Community and Economic Development, Athletic Training, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Recreation Administration, Physical Education Pedagogy, Psychology of Physical Activity and Sport, and Sport Management.
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY TEACHING/RESEARCH LABORATORY: The Exercise Physiology (EP) laboratory (http://kinrec.illinoisstate.edu/lab/) consists of six rooms: 1) A metabolic lab space including Cosmed Quark and K5 metabolic systems, a Vyntus metabolic system, and multiple EKG systems with dedicated treadmills and a Tango blood pressure system 2) a body composition room with Styku, InBody and Tanita scales, Bod Pod and hydrodensitometry system, 3) a Hologics DXA system room, 4) the Fit Lab, outfitted as a “mini-gym,” 5) classroom, and 6) general purpose/storage room. Additional equipment includes numerous Monark cycle ergometers with Wingate software, Lange skinfold calipers, spirometer, an assortment of physical activity monitors (e.g., Polar E600, Polar Unite, and Actigraph accelerometers) and blood lipid, lactate and glucose analyzers. The laboratory space is designated to support student and faculty research, teaching, and service, with the assistance of a lab coordinator and graduate assistants. The Exercise Physiology lab is also home to ISU’s Exercise is Medicine on Campus program.
BIOMECHANICS LABORATORY: The biomechanics lab studies the forces acting on a living body and the patterns of movement caused by the forces. It provides insight to improving skill performance, understanding the process of skill development, and identifies the etiology of overuse injuries. The laboratory includes an AMTI Force Platform System; technology to capture movement including high-speed optical data and the Peak Motus Optical Capture System; electromyography to record electrical activity present in muscle; various instrumentation including electrodes, amplifiers, and data analysis tools; and custom lab software.
PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TEACHING/RESEARCH AREA: This space contains a lab, a conference room, and a consultation room. The lab suite is used to conduct research on the role of psychological factors in explaining human motivation, performance, learning, and physical activity. It also provides mental skills consultations to athletes. The laboratory area includes a range of equipment including a golf swing analyzer, a golf hitting cage, a putting surface, and a variety of instruments to study movement, such as stability platforms, pedalos, and reaction time analyzers.
Illinois State University, IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in six colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.
Bloomington-Normal: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.
Salary Rate / Pay Rate$71,400-$89,000; Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Required Qualifications1. A doctoral degree in Exercise Science (ES) or a commensurate field. Candidates who are ABD may be considered, but an expected doctoral completion date of May, 15 2027 or before, is required.
2. Candidates must be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law.
Work HoursVaries
Proposed Starting DateAugust 16, 2026
Required Applicant Documents1) letter of application; 2) teaching philosophy; 3) research agenda; 4) curriculum vitae; and 5) the names and contact details of 3 references
Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
Special Instructions for ApplicantsFor full consideration, please complete an online faculty employment application by October 20, 2025.
Contact Information for ApplicantsDr. Kelly Laurson
[email protected]
Important Information for ApplicantsThis position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.
If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.
Illinois State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer encouraging applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, females, and veterans.
