Assistant Professor- Motor Control
Department of Kinesiology
School of Public Health and Health Sciences
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Position: Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Appointment: Tenure-track, nine-month appointment, starting September, 2013
Qualifications: Earned doctorate in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or related field with a research emphasis in motor control. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: neuromuscular control, motor learning, motor development, aging, and rehabilitation. Applicants should have a record of scholarly research, evidence of success in or strong potential for obtaining extramural funding, and demonstrated ability to teach in a higher education setting. Preference will be given to applicants with: successful postdoctoral experience; a clear research agenda; a strategy for seeking external funding; an ability to work with faculty and staff in a broad range of Kinesiology academic programs; a commitment to teaching and training a diverse student body. Desirable qualities include a research focus that complements existing faculty expertise, particularly in the areas of biomechanics, muscle physiology, locomotion, postural control, aging, and movement disorders.
Responsibilities: The successful candidate is expected to establish an independent, externally-funded research program in motor control; teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to their specialty area; guide graduate student and postdoctoral fellow research; and actively participate in service to professional and University organizations. Interpersonal and communication skills that promote strong collaborations in research, teaching and program development with established faculty within the Department, School, and University are essential.
Salary: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications.
University Description: The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a vibrant and growing institution, committed to the enhancement of its stature as a leading public research university. The University is located in the Pioneer Valley region of western Massachusetts, which provides an excellent environment for cultural and recreational activities. Amherst, the flagship campus of the University system, is home to over 21,000 undergraduate and 6,000 graduate students, and a world-class faculty that is committed to growth in scholarship, creative performance and production, opportunity, diversity and inclusion. The campus is a member of the Five College Consortium and collaborates with Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and Smith Colleges on many initiatives and projects. The Amherst campus of the University of Massachusetts is in the middle of a $1 billion capital improvement plan (www.umass.edu/cp/mp.htm), including new construction, renovations and other infrastructure enhancements. Additional information about the campus and the School of Public Health and Health Sciences is available online at www.umass.edu and www.umass.edu/sphhs.
Department Description: The Department of Kinesiology (www.umass.edu/sphhs/kinesiology) offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of movement through investigation of its mechanical, neurological, physiological, biochemical, molecular, and behavioral components. The Department currently serves approximately 750 undergraduate majors and 40 M.S. and Ph.D. graduate students, with 15 tenure track and research faculty, seven postdoctoral fellows, and three lecturers. Departmental research funding currently comes from government, foundation, and industry sources including the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Application Process: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a single PDF file containing a letter of application, curriculum vitae, statement of research plans and teaching philosophy and three reprints via email to the attention of Ms. Charlene Galica at: cgalica@kin.umass.edu, and arrange for electronic transmission of three letters of recommendation to the same email address. The application materials and letters of recommendation may alternatively be sent via regular mail to: Motor Control Faculty Search, c/o Ms. Charlene Galica, Department of Kinesiology, Totman 110, University of Massachusetts, 30 Eastman Lane, Amherst, MA 01003-9258. Review of applications will begin November 13, 2012 and continue until the position is filled.
Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply. The University of Massachusetts is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The Department of Kinesiology is committed to increasing the diversity of the faculty, student body, and curriculum.