Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Program in Sports Science

The Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for an appointment stream faculty position at the rank of associate professor to serve as director of the graduate Sports Science program and a key member of a multi-disciplinary team focused on human performance optimization and injury prevention.  The successful candidate will be expected to provide strategic leadership, academic direction, and overall administration of the program. This role will involve shaping the curriculum, fostering academic excellence, and ensuring the program aligns with industry trends and standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Development: Enhance the program’s current curriculum by integrating contemporary research, industry advancements, and best practices in sports science.
• Leadership & Management: Provide visionary leadership, oversee program faculty, and manage administrative aspects to ensure smooth program operations.
• Student Engagement: Foster a supportive learning environment, engage with students, and facilitate initiatives that enhance their academic experience.
• On-campus Collaboration: Ensure strong relationships are built with key partners at Pitt including the Department of Athletics and the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship amongst others.
• Industry Collaboration: Forge partnerships with relevant industry stakeholders, sports organizations, and professionals to enhance program relevance and networking opportunities for students.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain program standards, evaluate academic performance, and implement improvements as needed.
• Research & Innovation: Encourage and support faculty and student research initiatives, promoting innovation and commercialization within sports science.
• Administrative Oversight: Manage budgeting, resource allocation, scheduling, and other administrative tasks to support the program’s goals.

Qualifications:

• Education: A doctoral degree in Sports Science, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related field.
• Experience: Documented record of teaching and mentoring of students at the collegiate level.
• Leadership Skills: Proven leadership abilities, excellent communication, and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.
• Industry Engagement: Demonstrated experience in collaborating with industry partners, sports professionals, and relevant associations.
• Vision & Innovation: A visionary mindset with the ability to innovate and adapt the program to evolving trends in sports science and developing opportunities that address market gaps.
• Communication: Strong ability to convey complex concepts, both strategic and scientific, to audiences with set broad expertise.

Special emphasis will be given to individuals with a background working in collegiate athletics. Additional responsibilities will include collaborating with faculty in the undergraduate and graduate programs in Nutrition and Sports Medicine as well as the PhD program in Health and Rehabilitation Science to strengthen existing curricula, participation in department, school, and university governance, as well as professional development and service.   

The Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition is housed within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and includes the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory , a state-of-the-science facility encompassing 11,600 square feet of space and is equipped with motion analysis capabilities for specific task and sport analyses, as well as sports physiology, proprioception, postural stability, and strength assessments. The laboratory also includes Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), a high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), a biochemistry laboratory, and a neurobiology laboratory.  The Sports Science program also enjoys a strong partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics Sports Performance Team to provide outstanding experiential opportunities and the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship to explore the breadth of idea implementation. 

The University of Pittsburgh strives to keep our community healthy and safe and utilizes vaccination as a condition of studying and working at our campuses. Please be aware that the University of Pittsburgh now requires all Pitt affiliates (faculty, staff, and students) on all campuses to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption. Proof of vaccination or approved exemption must be received before your first day of work. Your employment is contingent on receipt of this documentation, and you will not be allowed to begin work until it is received. Visit www.coronavirus.pitt.edu to learn more about this requirement.

In order to ensure full consideration, applications must be received by May 15, 2024.  Review of applications and interviewing of candidates will commence at this time and until the position is filled.  The anticipated start date for this position is September 1, 2024. The University of Pittsburgh is committed to eliminating barriers and obstacles created by institutional discrimination. We encourage applicants to comment in their cover letter and statements on how their professional career to date has contributed to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The compensation package will be commensurate with experience and include all benefits such as health insurance, retirement, and tuition discounts at the University of Pittsburgh for both self and family. Specific questions regarding the position can be addressed to Dr. Kevin Conley, Chair of the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition at [email protected] .  Application materials including a cover letter stating interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three (3) professional references should be submitted through Talent Center (https://www.join.pitt.edu requisition  24002181).

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.