About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Description
The Department of Kinesiology is a world-renowned leader in the study of human movement and is one of six departments within the School of Public Health and Health Sciences. Our department comprises a dedicated team of 13 tenure-track faculty and 6 lecturer faculty, supported by 2 undergraduate advisors and 3 office administrators. We serve approximately 680 undergraduate majors, 40 graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. Research and teaching activities are organized into four distinct areas: Biomechanics, Movement Neuroscience, Physiology, and Physical Activity & Health. Faculty lead innovative research projects spanning from molecular mechanisms of movement to community-based interventions promoting physical activity and health. Equipped with state-of-the-art research laboratories, our department provides students and faculty with the resources needed to conduct groundbreaking research and hands-on learning experiences.
The department places tremendous importance on the education and training of both undergraduate and graduate students, fostering their growth in knowledge and career-related skills. Faculty are committed to providing a comprehensive and enriching educational experience that equips students with the tools to succeed in their academic pursuits and future careers. Through a variety of courses, seminars, and hands-on experiences, students gain a deep understanding of content while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. We prioritize diversity and inclusion, aiming to create a collegial environment that fosters high-caliber education and knowledge. Diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas produce our best discoveries and learning environments. We aim to ignite opportunities that give every person a voice and empowerment in the classroom, lab, and community. It is central to the mission of the Department of Kinesiology to educate students and generate knowledge on human movement to provide optimal and equitable health and well-being for all individuals. We are making intentional movements to grow diversity, inclusivity, and equity.
Job Description
The Department of Kinesiology at UMass Amherst located in the School of Public Health & Health Sciences invites applications for a full-time, academic year (nine month), Lecturer faculty position to contribute and assist in the delivery of our undergraduate and graduate curricula. Potential focus in the area of an emerging 4+1 BS/MS program in the area of strength and conditioning.
The successful candidate will work within a dynamic department to deliver student-centered learning experiences in-person and online. The typical course load is equivalent to 3-4 courses per semester, with adjustments for large class sizes and assigned service work. Service work may include participating on department, school, and university committees, as assigned by the department chair.
The Department of Kinesiology and The School of Public Health & Health Sciences are committed to increasing the diversity of the faculty, student body, and curriculum. Candidates with a demonstrated commitment to building diverse and effective collaborations are positively considered. The department is interested in candidates with a commitment to teaching students with diverse learning styles, working with diverse populations, and contributing to the success of historically underrepresented students. Multiple resources for professional development in diversity and inclusion are available through the Center for Teaching and Learning (https://www.umass.edu/ctl/). Lecturer faculty play a critical role in fulfilling the teaching mission of the department.
Requirements
Candidates must have a professional profile as follows.
- A master’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline
- Content expertise in strength and conditioning, human performance, data analytics, advanced physiology testing and other potential areas that could add to the strengths of the department.
- Previous teaching experience as instructor on record for academic course with the potential for excellent teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level
- Translational, hands-on experience in the field of Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or closely related discipline
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Potential for fostering equity and inclusion and evidence of working in a diverse team environment
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in an academic setting
- Evidence of effective leadership abilities
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- A Doctoral degree (at start date) in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or related discipline
- Certification from ACSM, NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), or other related professional organization
- Experience with collaborations and innovative pedagogical approaches
- Ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants for their assigned courses
- Preference for content areas that need to be covered
Salary and Benefits
UMass Amherst offers a competitive salary with an attractive benefits package for Lecturer faculty. The minimum starting salary for an academic year (9-month) full-time appointment at the rank of Lecturer is $57,000, with actual salary dependent upon experience, and potential opportunity for additional compensation for summer and winter educational activities. This is an academic year (nine months), benefited, 2–year position that is renewable contingent upon performance. Lecturers become eligible for a continuing appointment after three (3) years of service. This fully benefited, Lecturer position is in the MSP/MTA bargaining unit. Details on benefits can be found at https://www.umass.edu/hr.
Additional Information
The university is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities; and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University's goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual's record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic degree and career.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit their application materials via the University of Massachusetts Careers site.
Required materials include:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of teaching philosophy that includes teaching interests, experience, and how diversity and inclusivity have been promoted in teaching
- Contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted until finalists are invited and give consent.
The application review process will begin on, September 12, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2025.
For questions about this position, department, or university in general, contact Judi LaBranche, Search Committee Chair at jblabran@umass.edu. Please indicate “Lecturer Faculty Search- KIN” in the subject line of email correspondence.
The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University’s goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual’s record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic career and degree.