Department Summary:

Drake University’s Kinesiology major is housed within the Biology Department. Our goal is to provide our undergraduate students with a pre-professional curriculum, with a strong emphasis on anatomy and physiology, infused with hands-on and applications-based learning. Many of our students pursue medical-related fields such as physical therapy, general medicine, athletic training; others enter movement-related graduate school programs. The teaching facilities are modern, spacious, and well equipped, including an indoor running track with removable floor tiles for force plates, a motion capture system, and equipment for aerobic and anaerobic capacity testing, allowing faculty to fully integrate lab and practical experiences into their teaching. Although not a requirement for the Visiting Assistant Professor position, faculty may apply for internal funding to support research or travel to conferences. Drake University's Collaborative Science Institute (DUSCI) promotes a culture of collaboration among faculty and students engaged in scientific research at Drake.

Job Summary:

Drake University’s College of Arts & Sciences invites applications for visiting assistant professor in the Kinesiology Program, housed within the Department of Biology. We are seeking a colleague with expertise in motor learning & control and/or biomechanics, and who is enthusiastic about teaching and working with undergraduate students. This one-year position will start in the fall semester of 2026. A PhD or equivalent degree in kinesiology, exercise science, or closely related fields is preferred, though ABD’s close to completion will be considered.

This is a 9-month appointment, with a 3+3 teaching load. Teaching responsibilities for the academic year will include Motor Control & Learning lecture with lab in the fall and Biomechanics, lecture with lab in the spring with additional teaching responsibilities will include other Kinesiology-related courses to complete the teaching load requirement. The search committee is particularly interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please complete the online application and attach (1) a cover letter, (2) CV/Resume, (3) a statement about your experience in supporting the success of students from diverse backgrounds, (4) teaching philosophy, and (5) the contact details for three references.
Please do not attach additional documents at this time. Supplemental documents may be requested or required of semi-finalists and finalists.

Have Questions?
Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: Dr. Marc Busch, Associate Professor, marc.busch@drake.edu

Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu.

All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Minimum Qualifications:

A PhD or equivalent degree in kinesiology, exercise science, or closely related fields is preferred, though ABD’s close to completion will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

The search committee seeks qualified candidates with:
• A demonstrated commitment to effective, inclusive teaching at the undergraduate level
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• A demonstrated ability to work collegially with faculty, staff and students