Assistant Professor of Health and Exercise Science – Sports Data Analytics (Athlete Performance), Tenure Track

Description

The Department of Health and Exercise Science in the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oklahoma invites applicants for a 9-month, Assistant Professor rank tenure-track position in Sports Data Analytics (Athlete Performance). The appointment will begin in Fall 2025.

The successful candidate will teach core courses for the fast-growing MS in Sports Data Analytics program, as well as undergraduate courses within their expertise in Health and Exercise Science, with the option to teach and mentor students at the doctoral level. The Search Committee will also welcome proposals for courses depending on the successful candidate’s interest and expertise. The department is looking for a skilled professional in Sport Science with strong ties to and/or experience within the sports industry.

The department has already educated Sport Data Scientists across various contexts within sport organizations and aims to further strengthen the athlete performance data perspective within our ranks. The MS program prepares students to become leaders in sport data science with expanded knowledge of the multitude of tools in the ever-evolving industry. Since its activation in 2018, the program has already placed several students in college and major professional sports organizations, and we seek to build on that success with a hire that is motivated by these opportunities.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The University of Oklahoma offers an excellent benefits program, for further information please visit the OU Human Resources website at http://hr.ou.edu.

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a Carnegie-R1 comprehensive public research university known for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, serving the educational, cultural, economic and health-care needs of the state, region, and nation from three campuses: Norman, Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City and the Schusterman Center in Tulsa. The University of Oklahoma enrolls over 30,000 students and has more than 2700 full-time faculty members in 21 colleges.

In 2014, the University of Oklahoma became the first public institution ever to rank #1 nationally in the recruitment of National Merit Scholars, with 311 scholars. The 277-acre Research Campus in Norman was named the No.1 research campus in the nation by the Association of Research Parks in 2013. Norman is a culturally rich and vibrant town located just outside Oklahoma City. With outstanding schools, amenities, and a low cost of living, Norman is a perennial contender on the “Best Places to Live” rankings. Visit soonerway.ou.edu for more information.

Responsibilities

1.     Conduct research and publish in peer-reviewed journals

2.      Seek external funding to support research

3.      Teach undergraduate and graduate courses. The expected teaching load of this position will be 2 courses per semester; typically, 1 undergraduate and 1 graduate.

4.      Perform service to the profession, university, college, and department.

5.      Serve as a primary HES department contact for OU Athletics performance staff and other professional sports programs related to graduate assistantships and sport performance focused internships respectively.

Workload Distribution

Assistant Professor – 45% research, 45% teaching, 10% service

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

1.   PhD or equivalent in Exercise Science; including but not limited to Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Athletic Training, Sport Performance, Sport Data Science; or related field. Applicants who are ABD will be considered, but must receive their PhD prior to start date.

2.   A focused research agenda using scientific and advanced statistical approaches to evaluate and enhance sport performance; although research in other areas of health, exercise, and sport science will be considered.

3.  Record of published research or demonstrated research potential.

4.  Strong potential to secure funding (Asst. rank).

5.  Ability to teach and develop graduate courses related to Sports Data Analytics.

Preferred Qualifications:

1.   A research agenda and/or industry experiences that focus on working with sport performance data, particularly sensing technologies such as GPS, LPS, RFID, accelerometry/gyroscopes, force plates, power meters, and/or video analysis of movement/gameplay.  

2.   High level skills for using and teaching programming languages (R, Python), data management systems (SQL), and visual data analytics (e.g. Tableau, Power BI, R Shiny).

3.   Demonstrated experience teaching undergraduate and graduate (MS/PhD) Exercise Science courses. Examples include Exercise Physiology, Exercise Physiology Lab, Exercise Testing and Prescription, Principles of Endurance Training, Biomechanics, Athletic Training, Sport Nutrition, Advanced Strength and Conditioning (program management), Endocrinology, Metabolism, or Sport/Exercise Psychology.

4.   Experience mentoring and incorporating students (undergraduate, masters and PhD) into a research program.

5.   Ability to collaborate on a variety of health and exercise science research topics.

Application Instructions

To apply, applicants MUST upload a cover letter, current Curriculum Vita, and contact information for three confidential letters of recommendations to the following link: http://apply.interfolio.com/156762. The search committee will begin reviewing applications November 4th and the position will remain open until filled.

To learn more about the Department of Health & Exercise Science at the University of Oklahoma, including degree offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels, please visit our website at http://cas.ou.edu/hes. 

Please direct questions about the position and application process to the search committee chair, Daniel Larson ([email protected]; 405-325-5211) or Interim Department Chair, Chris Black ([email protected]; 405-325-5211).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to:  admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. 

Mission of the University of Oklahoma

The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.