Assistant Professor - Health Disparities and Kinesiology

Assistant Professor - Health Disparities and Kinesiology, University of Minnesota

The School of Kinesiology in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota seeks to fill a tenure-tenure track Assistant Professor position.  This position supports our teaching and research in the area of Health Disparities and Kinesiology. A successful candidate will have training, expertise, and research accomplishments in areas related to health related disparities. For example, expertise related to health equity within the context of health promotion (e.g., physical activity, reducing sedentary behavior, healthy eating, sleep, and mental health). Candidates whose research focuses on access to healthcare, healthy lifestyles, physical activity, and wellness/well-being among populations (across the lifespan) who experience health inequities are particularly well suited for this role. The candidate will also have a strong commitment to mentoring and training graduate students.

This is a 9-month, full-time appointment located on the Minneapolis campus with a target start date of August 2024.

Job Responsibilities
The responsibilities of candidate will be:

• Maintaining a productive research and publication agenda related to health disparities and Kinesiology.
• Securing internal and external funding for research agenda related to health disparities and Kinesiology.
• Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses and developing curriculum in areas of expertise within health disparities and Kinesiology.
• Recruiting, supervising, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in health disparities and Kinesiology.
• Providing service to the university, community, and profession

Required Qualifications 

• An earned doctorate in Kinesiology or health disparities related field. Doctoral candidates, who will have completed their degrees prior to employment start, will be considered. Record of publication and research productivity in health disparities and Kinesiology. Evidence of experience and effective teaching skills for graduate instruction in Kinesiology and/or health disparity related fields. Ability to develop and deliver courses in ways that effectively account for a variety of diverse backgrounds, communities, identities, and abilities. Evidence of attention to diverse identities in teaching or professional experience, and the commitment to support the University’s work in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities. Demonstrated commitment to advocating for an inclusive environment for all backgrounds and identities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong record of teaching and advising Evidence of success in contributing to academic program development at the graduate level Postdoctoral training Documented experience in seeking external funding for research Early evidence of a national and/or international scholarly reputation in health disparities and Kinesiology.

How to Apply 

Applications must be submitted online via https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/357261.  Application Deadline:  For best consideration, please submit application materials by October 23, 2023. The initial screening of applications will begin on October 30, 2023.

This position requires that you attach the following documents as PDFs:

1) cover letter

2) detailed CV

3) names and contact information of three references

4) a statement of teaching interests (2-3 pages)

5) a statement of research interests (2-3 pages)

The teaching and research statements should include prior or proposed contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

For general questions about the application process, contact Cindy Xiong, xion2388@umn.edu. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612)-624-UOHR (8687).

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

About the Department

The School of Kinesiology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a rich tradition of research and scholarship, combined with excellence in teaching and service. The mission of the School is to enrich the quality of human life by expanding, applying, and disseminating the body of knowledge germane to human movement, physical  activity, and their applied systems. Complete information on the School can be found on the website, http://www.cehd.umn.edu/kin.

About the College

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the fourth largest college at the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice. https://www.cehd.umn.edu/

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.