Assistant Professor, Motor Behavior

San José State University • San José, CA

16h • $88,000 - $97,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Kinesiology at San José State University is pleased to announce a search for an Assistant Professor in Motor Behavior beginning in August 2026. We highly encourage candidates with specializations in motor learning, motor control, and measurement and evaluation to apply. Candidates who possess specializations in artificial intelligence, health technology, and/or health equity are highly encouraged to apply. The Department of Kinesiology is committed to preparing our students to be agents of change who understand cutting-edge technologies and the importance of equity and diversity. The Department houses a dynamic group of faculty and students, and values all facets of kinesiology. We educate our students about the breadth of the kinesiology field by offering coursework in motor learning, motor development, sport psychology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport history, sport philosophy, sport sociology, teacher education, adapted physical activity, measurement and evaluation, among others. The department values physical activity. We offer a robust activity program offering over 40 different activity classes. The Department invites candidates to apply who are interested in being part of a dynamic and collegial faculty, engaging in research, scholarship, and creative activities. They engage in pedagogical practices that lead to student success. Department of Kinesiology (sjsu.edu) The Department of Kinesiology and San José State University value inclusive excellence and are committed to advancing equity through research, teaching, and service. We enroll nearly 40,000 students, many of whom are historically underserved; approximately 45% of our undergraduate students are first-generation college students, and 38% are Pell Grant recipients. In addition, we are both a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). SJSU aspires to create holistic learning environments that facilitate both individual and collective transformation. We seek teacher-scholars who cultivate inclusive, empowering spaces for mutual learning, skill-building, and knowledge exchange for all students. Our commitment to lifelong learning supports meaningful connections among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader communities we serve. We invite all applicants to include a Statement of Inclusive Excellence (or incorporate it into your cover letter) to share how your lived and professional experiences will contribute to the SJSU community—particularly in relation to student success and inclusive education. A guide to writing this statement can be found at SJSU Institutional Excellence Statement Guidelines .

Requirements

• Earned Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a specialization in Motor Learning, Motor Control, Biomechanics, or Neuroscience or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Doctorate must be conferred or awarded prior to the start date.
• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate and graduate classes in Motor Learning, as well as core major classes and/or general education classes as needed.
• Record of publications or strong potential for publications and external funding.
• Expertise in health technology and/or artificial intelligence as it relates to motor behavior and health equity.
• Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a socially and economically diverse student population as might have been gained in cross-cultural study, training, teaching, and other comparable experience.

Nice To Haves

• A comprehensive understanding of kinesiology as an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary endeavor, and enthusiasm to work in a multidisciplinary department.

Responsibilities

• Teach motor learning courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, supervise theses and projects, serve on thesis committees, and advise undergraduate and graduate students.
• May also be expected to teach in other areas of the major, general education, or activity programs.
• Conduct research, seek external funding where appropriate, present professional papers, and publish in professional journals.
• The candidate will participate in shared governance, usually in department, college, and university committees and other service assignments.
• Faculty shall organize all their classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
• The candidate must demonstrate awareness and experience in understanding the needs of a student population of great diversity – in age, abilities, cultural background, ethnicity, religion, economic background, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and academic preparation – through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, and advisement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees