What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor of Health and Exercise Science position at Transylvania University?
Assistant Professor of Health and Exercise Science
Transylvania University (www.transy.edu) invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track position in Health and Exercise Science, beginning August 25, 2027. With a foundation in the liberal arts, Transylvania’s health and exercise science program offers a dynamic curriculum focused on scientific approaches to human health. Faculty expertise in physiology, nutrition, biomechanics and public health allows students to examine a variety of topics relevant to exercise and wellness. The health and exercise science program allows students the opportunity to apply concepts learned in class to practical experiences through off-campus internships around Lexington, Kentucky.
Why Join Transylvania University?
Founded in 1780, Transylvania University is one of the nation’s oldest institutions. Ranked in the Top 100 Best Liberal Arts colleges for 2025 by Niche, we’re a vibrant campus in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky full of curious minds, creative energy, and people who genuinely love what they do. We are mentors and community builders who help shape the next generation of thinkers, creators and leaders. We cultivate independent thinking, open-mindedness, creative expression and commitment to lifelong learning and social responsibility in a diverse world. With approximately 1,000 students, Transylvania is a student-centered institution with small class sizes. We offer additional opportunities for travel and team-taught courses, and a focus on experiential learning.
Who are we looking for?
Eligible candidates will have a Ph.D. in kinesiology, exercise science, nutrition, public health or a related field by the start date. The successful candidate will have expertise in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field as well as experience (teaching or research) in nutrition, sports nutrition, and/or dietetics. Undergraduate teaching experience is preferred. The successful candidate will have a commitment to teaching, value interdisciplinary dialogue, and work collaboratively with other faculty. The teaching load consists of three courses per term, plus one short-term course in May term (3-3-1). Responsibilities include:
- Teach courses related to human nutrition, as well as topics within their area of specialty (preferably kinesiology/exercise science or public health).
- Contributions to teaching core classes such as Introduction to Exercise Science and Senior Seminar are expected, along with occasional supervision of community internships and independent research. Additionally, contribute to the general education program by teaching the Health and Wellness course.
- Occasional contributions to First-Year programing and service as an academic adviser.
- Other responsibilities include academic scholarship/professional activity, preferably involving undergraduate students, and service to the university through various committee appointments.
How do you apply?
Qualified candidates should submit a single PDF including:
- a cover letter
- curriculum vitae
- statement of teaching philosophy highlighting the candidate's core teaching methods
- statement of research philosophy explaining how the candidate's current or future research would be feasible in a small liberal arts setting
- unofficial graduate transcripts
- list of at least three professional references
The successful candidate will be asked to provide official graduate transcripts and be subject to a background check. Send questions specific to this search to Dr. JJ Wallace, search committee chair, at jwallace@transy.edu.
Transylvania University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of the university community. In support of this goal, we embrace diversity and encourage applications from qualified candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.