Description

St. John Fisher University, an independent, liberal arts institution in the Catholic tradition located in Rochester, New York, seeks nominations and applications for a Athletic Performance Program Director and Assistant Professor of Life Sciences in a tenure-track faculty position. 

Applicants should have a strong commitment to inclusive teaching practices, program development, and scholarship. As Program Director, the responsibilities will include curricular planning and assessment as it aligns with accreditation, strategic planning, and resource management. The successful candidate’s primary teaching responsibilities will include the applied courses for the Athletic Performance program, including Strength & Conditioning, Speed & Agility, and Health & Wellness, as well as teaching foundational courses in Nutrition and Anatomy & Physiology. Applicants should have an earned Ph.D. in a related field, a minimum of one-year of experience in the field, and current CSCS® certification (required).

Founded in 1948, St. John Fisher University is ranked among the top colleges and universities in the northeast and has a rich history of academic excellence and an outstanding reputation for its commitment to a student-centered, personalized educational environment.  The educational philosophy of the founding Basilian Fathers—Teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge—reflects Fisher’s traditions and values today, and the campus prepares individuals for lives of intellectual, professional, and civic integrity and where diversity and service to others are valued and practiced, www.sjf.edu. 

The School of Arts and Sciences at St John Fisher University serves all undergraduate students through 33 programs, the Core general education curriculum, and pre-professional requirements. The School provides all the liberal arts offerings required for baccalaureate degrees, thus providing critical skills and perspectives across a wide range of disciplines. New faculty will arrive at an exciting time in our University’s history. The Life Sciences Division houses several programs in the School of Arts and Sciences, including Biology, Sustainability, and Athletic Performance. Our student-focused faculty promote active and applied learning. We pride ourselves on the strength of our relationships with program alumni and our undergraduate experiential opportunities.  

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US and be available to start teaching in September 2026.  

Documents Needed to Apply - Required:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Philosophy
• Research Statement
• 3 Letters of Recommendation 

Review of Applicants will begin March, 2026.  

Requirements

Required qualifications: 

• PhD in Exercise Science, or related field, with expected completion date by June 1, 2026.
• Be in good standing with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) with a current Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certification.
• Commitment to a consistent, high-quality scholarship.
• Ability to develop and teach applied courses for the Athletic Performance major, including Strength & Conditioning, Speed & Agility, and Health & Wellness, as well as teaching foundational courses in Nutrition and Anatomy & Physiology. Prior teaching experience at the undergraduate level is required.
• Demonstrated understanding of best practices in teaching and learning.
• Commitment to mentoring and advising students.
• Commitment to service.
• Commitment to community engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with various stakeholders.
• Applicants should have a strong commitment to evidence-based teaching practices, scholarship, and program development.

Additional Program Director Responsibilities include:

• planning, development, implementation, delivery, documentation, and assessment of all components of the curriculum, with the expectation of gaining accreditation with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) within the next year.
• ongoing compliance with the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education’s (CASCE) Professional Standards and Guidelines.
• having effective communication with the Division Chair and Dean to advocate for program need in areas such as field experience, strategic planning, resources, and budget.
• advising students through the program as they prepare for internship placements and other applied opportunities in the field of Athletic Performance/Strength & Conditioning, in coordination with the Field Experience Coordinator.
• maintaining current CSCS® certification.

Applicants are encouraged to visit our web page to get more information about the current requirements and coursework in Athletic Performance https://www.sjf.edu/major-minors/athletic-performance/ 

Education / Experience:

• Ph.D. in Exercise Science or related field with an expected completion date by June 1, 2026
• Minimum one-year experience in the field of Strength & Conditioning is required
• Teaching at the undergraduate level is required
• Current Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certification
• Applicants should have a demonstrated background in strength and conditioning, personal training, athletic training, or associated fields.
• Experience with curriculum, program development, and/or accreditation in Strength & Conditioning or a related field is preferred