Visiting Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
- Kinesiology
- Faculty, visiting
Title: Visiting Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Position Number: 100037
Unit/Department: Kinesiology
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected candidate
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.
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
Salary and Benefits:
Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide: Drake Benefits Guide.
One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here: Tuition Benefits.
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.
Review of Applications Begins:
For full consideration, apply by May 1st, 2026. The position will remain posted until filled.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
