Assistant Professor of Kinesiology; Motor Behavior

Position: Assistant Professor of Kinesiology (Motor Behavior)
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Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.

SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Position Information

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Position Title Assistant Professor of Kinesiology (Motor Behavior)

Requisition F Rank Assistant Professor FLSA status Exempt Hiring Salary

Commensurate with education and experience.

Position Category Position Type Full-Time Tenure Track College College of Health Sciences Department Dept of Kinesiology Open Date 01/22/2026 Quicklink

Refer Applicants To

Contact Name Deven Merchant Title

Assistant to the Chair, Kinesiology

1900 Avenue I

Suite 107E

Huntsville, TX 77340

Contact Phone  Contact Email dmerchant

Position Details

Duties Performed in the Usual Course of the Job

The Department of Kinesiology at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) invites qualified applicants for an Assistant Professor (9-month appointment with summer teaching possibilities) in Motor Behavior beginning Fall 2026.

The duties and responsibilities of this position include teaching, maintaining a research agenda in Motor Behavior that aligns with the current faculty and equipment in one or more of our four research labs (Watch this video for a virtual tour:), mentoring undergraduate students in Kinesiology, Clinical Exercise Science, and Human Performance and Wellness Management, as well as graduate students in Sport and Human Performance.

The selected candidate will also perform university and professional service and contribute to ongoing program evaluation and improvement in the undergraduate and graduate Kinesiology programs. Teaching assignments may include undergraduate (both face-to-face and online) and graduate (online) coursework.

The major responsibilities will include: (1) teaching in Motor Behavior courses; (2) teaching within the undergraduate Kinesiology, Clinical Exercise Science, and Human Performance and Wellness Management programs; (3) teaching within the graduate Kinesiology - Sport and Human Performance program; (4) engaging in scholarly activity, including peer-reviewed publications and grant writing; and (5) university and professional service.

The successful candidate will be able to collaborate and/or complement our existing faculty and conduct research in the department's labs. The successful candidate will primarily utilize the Biomechanics/Motor Behavior lab. This lab is approximately 2000 sq. ft. and features: (a) 13.5 foot ceilings; (b) a Vicon 10 optical camera system;
Delsys wireless EMG System; (d) Anthropometry Set; (e) Tekscan F-Scan System; (f) Insole Sensors; (g) 2 AMTI Accu Power Force Platforms (for jumping and dynamic movements); (h) 2 AMTI Accu Gait Force Platform (for gait analysis); and (i) a Tekscan 4 tile Strideway gait analysis system. The lab also features a Tendo Control System, a pursuit rotor, a reaction timer, a card sorter, 2 Oculus headsets, a driving simulator, a wooden platform, and concrete floors with rubber flooring.

The Sport and Human Performance (SHP) Laboratory has been redeveloped into a multi‑use space that now supports both clinical assessments and laboratory instruction. In parallel, the Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory has recently achieved BSL-2 certification, enabling compliant on‑site processing and analysis of biological samples. The Department has a DXA and SECA MF-BIA for body composition; and cardiovascular instrumentation (Cosmed Quark CPET & K5;

high performance treadmill (H/P cosmos T170) and Strength/Power equipment (Sorinex power rack). A new Occupational, Performance, and Nutrition Lab is panned to become operational in the near future and will be utilized as a multi-use space focused on applied functional, occupational, and cognitive assessments, applied performance and occupational testing.

Educational Requirements for the Position

Earned Doctorate in Kinesiology, Motor Behavior, Motor Learning, Motor Control, Motor Development, Biomechanics, Exercise…