Director of Human Performance Science (Associate or Full Teaching Professor)
About The Position
Penn State’s Department of Kinesiology is seeking a highly motivated and versatile Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of High Performance Sport for a 48-week, non-tenure track appointment beginning March 1, 2026 The successful candidate will lead the development and administration of an interprofessional Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in High Performance Sport, teach in the program, and oversee student placements in Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA). The successful candidate will possess instructional expertise and experience in high performance sport. The position will have a balance of administration (e.g., program marketing, student recruitment/admissions, advising, coordination), teaching MPS students in-residence and online, support of performance science activities in ICA, and other professional service. Opportunities may develop for contribution to develop research/scholarship through high performance sport and/or through expanded performance science services opportunities as the program develops. ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT The College of Health and Human Development (HHD) at University Park is a collaborative community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni seeking to improve human health, development, and the quality of life for all people through innovative education, interdisciplinary research, and effective outreach with a scope that encompasses cells to society from conception through old age. HHD enrolls approximately 4,200 undergraduates and 350 full-time graduate students. The College includes eight academic units and several research centers and service units. For more information about HHD, visit: www.hhdev.psu.edu. ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY PARK CAMPUS This position is located at the University Park campus of Penn State in State College, Pennsylvania, a picturesque locale in the heart of the Commonwealth known as Happy Valley. As a vibrant college town, State College hosts year-round festivals and activities and is near countless miles of hiking trails and state parks. State College is not only centrally located in Pennsylvania, but also the Mid-Atlantic region. Major metropolitan areas including Baltimore, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg are just a short drive away. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Requirements
- An earned doctoral degree in kinesiology, nutrition, physiology, psychology, athletic training, sports medicine, or a closely related field or a Masters in one of these disciplines along with relevant experience in sport performance settings.
- Recent experience working in performance science with athletes and other performance-based populations
- Experience in education program instruction, administration, or management
- Teaching experience in formal courses or informally with athletes
Nice To Haves
- Leadership experience in academic and/or performance science-related areas
- Experience conducting original research related to performance science is desired but not necessary
- Experience in the design and development of new courses and/or course revisions; introduction of innovative teaching and/or assessment methodologies; support of curricular affairs
Responsibilities
- Lead the management of cutting-edge, interdisciplinary, experientially-grounded curriculum in high performance sport
- Develop courses in the curriculum
- Deliver high-quality performance instruction and mentoring
- Collaborate closely with multiple academic departments and ICA programs
- Provide feedback to the academic department head on HPS instructor performance
- Develop a community of practice including ICA staff and graduate student interns to support student-athletes seeking to maximize their performance on and off the field of play
Benefits
- Penn State offers a welcoming environment and excellent benefits.
- Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing.
- In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans.
- One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
