Description

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, beginning August 15, 2026. We are looking for a broadly trained biologist with expertise in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Biomechanics who is passionate about teaching, mentoring undergraduate research students, and contributing to a vibrant academic community. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping our dynamic new Kinesiology major track. 

The successful candidate will join a collegial group of 15 faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences who are dedicated to student-centered teaching and research. The department supports approximately 350 students across four majors: Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Conservation Biology, and Kinesiology, as well as programsin Chemistry, Environmental Science, and several interdisciplinary minors.  Faculty and students benefit from small class sizes, interactive classrooms, and modern teaching and research laboratories in the renovated Jepson Science Center, which is well-equipped to support UMW’s teaching and research missions. The department maintains strong ties with the UMW Athletics Department and Mary Washington Healthcare, creating exciting opportunities for applied teaching, collaborative research, and the development of a new human performance lab. 

UMW and the Department of Biological Sciences are strongly committed to engaging undergraduate students in research. A transformative endowment from alumna Irene Piscopo Rodgers ‘59 has dramatically increased financial support for undergraduate research in the sciences through scholarships, research fellowships, and the Irene Piscopo Rodgers Summer Science Institute, an immersive summer research program for students and faculty mentors. Faculty also benefit from internal funding for research supplies, travel, scholarly activities, and equipment.

Responsibilities and Opportunities: 

•      Teach undergraduate courses in biomechanics, exercise physiology, and additional courses within the Biological Sciences (9-12 credits/semester).
•      Develop a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in Exercise Science/ Kinesiology/Biomechanics or related topic aligned with candidate’s specialization.
•      Maintain an active scholarly research program that includes mentorship of undergraduate researchers within the candidate's discipline. 
•      Collaborate on the development of a new human performance lab.
•      Participate in service to the department, college, and broader community. 

Highly qualified candidates will be able to demonstrate teaching experience and excellence in teaching in an inclusive environment that embraces diverse talents and backgrounds.

Qualifications:

•      Ph.D. (by August 2026) in Biology, Exercise Science/ Kinesiology/Biomechanics, or a related field by the start date.
•      Broad training in biology with ability to teach kinesiology, biomechanics, and/or exercise physiology.
•      Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level.
•      Evidence of an emerging or established scholarly research agenda in kinesiology, biomechanics, or exercise physiology.
•      A strong record of, or potential for, involving undergraduate students in research.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

•      A cover letter that addresses teaching and research interests and qualifications.
•      Curriculum vitae (CV).
•      A statement of teaching philosophy.
•      A research statement outlining plans for engaging undergraduate students in research.
•      Contact information for three professional references.
•      Unofficial transcript from all undergraduate and post-graduate institutions from where degrees were earned. Ability to provide official transcripts as needed.
• Application Deadline:

For full consideration, submit all materials by October 24, 2025 to https://jobs.umw.edu.

About UMW:

UMW is a public liberal arts and sciences institution nationally recognized for its commitment to effective teaching, undergraduate research, and experiential learning. Located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, midway between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, UMW offers faculty and students access to a rich network of government laboratories, healthcare systems, and professional opportunities.

UMW students are highly motivated, with a strong population of student-athletes and students who are pursuing careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and related healthcare fields. These eager students provide a strong base for the new kinesiology major and represent a ready pool of research collaborators for faculty. Additional opportunities for teaching, research, and student training are supported by campus and athletic facilities, such as the Campus Fitness center, athletic training room, varsity weight room, and natatorium, which serve more than 500 student athletes and the greater student body, staff, and faculty. 

Recently recognized as a “Great College to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education, UMW has earned national recognition for its emphasis on internships, student experiences, and career preparation. The University is consistently featured in The Princeton Review’s Best Value Colleges list, ranking in the top 20 for Making and Impact and Best Schools for Internships in 2025. UMW is one of only five public universities in Virginia recognized nationally for providing students with exceptional education, excellent career services, and affordability. The Princeton Review also highlights UMW among the top colleges in categories including Best Health Services, Best Student Support and Counseling, Best College Theatre, and Great Town-Gown Relations.

The University of Mary Washington is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to these core principles.

Requirements

• Teach undergraduate courses in biomechanics, exercise physiology, and additional courses within the Biological Sciences (9-12 credits/semester).
• Develop a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in Exercise Science/ Kinesiology/Biomechanics or related topic aligned with candidate’s specialization.
• Maintain an active scholarly research program that includes mentorship of undergraduate researchers within the candidate's discipline.
• Collaborate on the development of a new human performance lab.
• Participate in service to the department, college, and broader community.

Highly qualified candidates will be able to demonstrate teaching experience and excellence in teaching in an inclusive environment that embraces diverse talents and backgrounds.