Description
The Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation (HHPR) in the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Motor Learning, Motor Control, Motor Behavior, or a related area of movement science beginning August 2027. This position will support the department's teaching, research, and service missions while contributing to the continued growth of Baylor University's nationally recognized research enterprise. Candidates must submit all materials by October 17, 2026, to ensure full consideration.
We seek an innovative scholar whose research advances understanding of motor learning, motor control, motor behavior, skill acquisition, neuromotor function, rehabilitation, human performance, or similar related areas of movement sciences. Candidates who can establish interdisciplinary collaborations and contribute to Baylor University's growing research portfolio are especially encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants whose work has translational relevance to the various dimensions of health, injury prevention, adapted physical activity and recreation, or clinical applications.
The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in motor learning and maintain a productive research agenda, pursue external funding, publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, and engage undergraduate and graduate students in meaningful research experiences.
The candidate will also contribute to undergraduate and graduate motor learning teaching and related movement science courses. The successful candidate may also contribute to undergraduate instruction in adapted physical education or related program areas consistent with departmental needs and the candidate's expertise.
About the Department & Facilities:
HHPR faculty are engaged in cutting-edge research in human performance, neuromuscular function, exercise physiology, cellular muscle adaptation, biomechanics, and applied health sciences. Faculty collaborate across Baylor University with external partners including Baylor Scott & White Health and Baylor College of Medicine.
The department values interdisciplinary collaboration and seeks faculty who can contribute to a vibrant research environment while providing exceptional educational experiences for students.
Candidates who are outside of the United States and do not have other nonimmigrant visa status will not be sponsored for an H-1B petition.
About Baylor University: Baylor University is located in Waco, Texas and is the oldest college in the state. It has a diverse student population of 21,000 and is recognized as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification. Baylor is also noted on the honor roll of “Great Colleges to Work For” by ModernThink. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, allowing faculty and staff to live in one of the fastest-growing parts of the state. As a Christian university with historic Baptist roots and as reflected in the Notice of Non-Discrimination, Baylor strives to be a place characterized by civility and respect. We believe each student, faculty, staff, and administrator is made in the image of God. Baylor's new strategic plan, Baylor in Deeds, guides the University as it continues to fulfill its mission of educating men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.
Requirements
Required Qualifications:
Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent, ABD considered) in Kinesiology, Motor Behavior, Motor Learning, Motor Control, Neuroscience, Exercise Science, Rehabilitation Science, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated expertise in motor learning, motor control, motor behavior, skill acquisition, neuromotor function, or related areas.
Evidence of scholarly productivity commensurate with career stage, including peer-reviewed publications.
Demonstrated potential to develop and sustain an externally funded research program.
Demonstrated potential for excellence in undergraduate and/or graduate teaching.
Commitment to mentoring students through research, advising, and professional development.
Preferred Qualifications:
Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
Evidence of successful or emerging external funding.
Research expertise in areas such as:
- Motor learning and skill acquisition
- Neuromotor rehabilitation
- Motor function across the lifespan
- Adapted physical activity and recreation
- Human performance optimization
- Technology-assisted learning and rehabilitation
- Virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, or related approaches applied to motor behavior
Experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.
Record of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Experience teaching motor learning, motor control, motor behavior, adapted physical activity and recreation, research methods, or related courses.
Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be expected to:
Develop and sustain a nationally visible research program in motor learning, motor control, or motor behavior and contribute to Baylor University's continued growth as a leading Christian research university.
Pursue external funding from federal, foundation, and industry sources.
Publish scholarly work in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses consistent with departmental needs and their area of expertise.
Mentor undergraduate researchers and advise graduate students.
Collaborate with faculty across Baylor University and external partners to enhance interdisciplinary research opportunities.
Contribute to departmental, college, university, and professional service activities.
Support Baylor University's mission of integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment in a caring community.
Application Instructions
Candidates must submit all materials by October 17, 2026, to ensure full consideration. Applications will not be accepted after November 20, 2026.
This search is being conducted using Interfolio’s Faculty Search platform. Applicants must submit:
1. Formal cover letter of application addressing qualifications and research/teaching interests.
2. Current curriculum vitae.
3. Copy of official or unofficial transcript for highest degree.
4. Contact information for three professional references.
5. Completed HHPR Applicant Information Form.
6. Self-disclosed Religious Affiliation Form.
Inquiries regarding the position may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Andrew Meyer, at Andrew_Meyer@baylor.edu.
Finalists will be invited for interviews with departmental and university leadership. All materials must be submitted via Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/192552 .
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Baylor University, a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. Baylor complies with statutory Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity requirements. Baylor's full official Notice of Non-Discrimination may be read online.
